Monotony. From California
The work explores the passage of time and the contrasting experiences of joy and sorrow. It reflects on the nature of days as they unfold, some filled with anguish and others with beauty. The author contemplates how individuals perceive their existence, questioning whether a life of consistent happiness can become monotonous. The imagery of days as a procession emphasizes the richness and beauty of life, suggesting that even in the face of potential loss, one can find solace in the continuity of joy. The narrative suggests that by embracing the present and acknowledging past delights, individuals can cultivate a sense of peace and trust in the future. Ultimately, it advocates for a perspective that values the beauty of life, encouraging a gentle acceptance of its flow and a deepened understanding of faith and love. The work invites readers to reflect on their own experiences and the significance of finding meaning in both the highs and lows of existence.
By Charlotte Perkins Gilman · First published 1899 · Genre: Fiction, Social Commentary, Feminist Literature · 337 words
First lines
When ragged lines of passing days go by, Crowding and hurried, broken-linked and slow, Some sobbing pitifully as they pass, Some angry-hot and fierce, some angry cold, Some raging and some wailing, and again The fretful days one cannot read aright,- Then truly, when the fair days smile on us, We feel that loveliness with sharper touch And grieve to lose it for the next day's chance. And so men question-they who never know If beauty comes or horror, pain or joy- If we, whose sky is peace, whose hours are glad, Find not our happiness monotonous! But when the long procession of the days Rolls musically down the waiting year, Close-ranked, rich-robed, flower-garlanded and fair; Broad brows of peace, deep eyes of soundless truth, And lips of love,-warm, steady, changeless love; Each one more beautiful, till we forget Our niggard fear of losing half an hour, And learn to count on more and ever more,- In the remembered joy of yesterday, In the full rapture of to-day's delight, And knowledge of the happiness to come, We learn to let life pass without regret, We learn to hold life softly and in peace, We learn to meet life gladly, full of faith, We learn what God is, and to trust in Him!
What this Textopian page supports
Monotony. From California is listed on Textopian as a short story by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, dated 1899 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- Date: 1899 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fiction, Social Commentary, Feminist Literature, Psychological Fiction
- Length: 337 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Confusing
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Monotony. From California by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Fiction — Charlotte Perkins Gilman primarily wrote fiction, exploring themes of feminism, psychological conditions, and societal norms.
- Social Commentary — Many of Gilman's works reflect observations on society's treatment of women and the mental health struggles they often faced as a result, implying that this work could contain such elements.
- Feminist Literature — Gilman was a known feminist, often highlighting the oppression and struggles of women during her time, suggesting that this work may also reflect such themes.
- Psychological Fiction — Given Gilman's exploration of psychological themes in her works and the title suggesting monotony, this could imply exploration of mental or emotional struggles.
Tags
monotony · California · society · gender roles · isolation · psychological · feminism · identity · existentialism · social critique · modern life · discontent