A. D. Blood by Edgar Lee Masters
The narrative unfolds through the voice of a deceased individual reflecting on their life and the impact of their moral crusades within a small community. The speaker grapples with the irony of their efforts to instill virtue and righteousness, only to find that their legacy is tarnished by the actions of others who indulge in vice. The speaker criticizes the hypocrisy of the villagers who once supported their mission to eliminate sin, yet now allow immoral behavior to persist. The mention of specific individuals, such as the milliner's daughter and the son of a local figure, highlights the contrast between the speaker's ideals and the reality of the community's actions. As the speaker contemplates their legacy, they express a sense of betrayal and disillusionment. The work delves into themes of morality, societal expectations, and the complexities of human behavior. The speaker's reflections serve as a critique of the community's values and the fleeting nature of moral authority. The narrative structure employs a confessional tone, inviting readers to consider the broader implications of the speaker's life choices and the societal dynamics at play. The juxtaposition of the speaker's noble intentions against the backdrop of ongoing moral failings creates a poignant commentary on the challenges of enacting change within a resistant community. Ultimately, the work serves as a meditation on the nature of legacy, the struggle for moral integrity, and the often-unrecognized consequences of one's actions in the pursuit of a virtuous life. The speaker's voice resonates with a sense of unresolved tension, leaving readers to ponder the complexities of morality and the human condition.
By Edgar Lee Masters · First published 1916 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Social Commentary · 86 words
First lines
If you in the village think that my work was a good one, Who closed the saloons and stopped all playing at cards, And haled old Daisy Fraser before Justice Arnett, In many a crusade to purge the people of sin;
Why do you let the milliner's daughter Dora, And the worthless son of Benjamin Pantier, Nightly make my grave their unholy pillow?
What this Textopian page supports
A. D. Blood is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edgar Lee Masters, dated 1916 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Edgar Lee Masters
- Date: 1916 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Modernism, Narrative Poetry
- Length: 86 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Confusing
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Literary Fiction — The themes explore complex human emotions and societal issues, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Social Commentary — The text critiques social norms and moral standards within a community.
- Modernism — The work reflects modernist themes of disillusionment and individual perspective.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · Symbolism · Death · Mortality · Afterlife · Existentialism · Philosophy · Psychology · Human Condition · Nature · Seasons