Albert Schirding
The narrative explores the profound sense of inadequacy experienced by a father whose aspirations and identity are overshadowed by the successes of his children. The protagonist reflects on his life, feeling like a failure despite his children's achievements. He contrasts his own unfulfilled ambitions with the soaring accomplishments of his offspring, particularly focusing on his daughter's artistic triumph in Paris. The father’s desire for recognition and honor leads him to run for a local political position, investing his savings in a campaign that ultimately fails. This loss deepens his sense of worthlessness, as he grapples with the realization that he cannot match the heights reached by his children. The imagery of eagles and crows symbolizes the disparity between his aspirations and his reality, highlighting the emotional turmoil of feeling inadequate in the face of familial success. The work delves into themes of parental pride, failure, and the complex dynamics of familial relationships, illustrating the pain of unfulfilled dreams and the struggle for validation. The father's reflections serve as a poignant commentary on the nature of success and the burdens of expectation, ultimately revealing the deep emotional scars left by perceived inadequacies.
By Edgar Lee Masters · First published 1916 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Character Study · 165 words
First lines
Jonas Keene thought his lot a hard one Because his children were all failures.
But I know of a fate more trying than that:
It is to be a failure while your children are successes.
For I raised a brood of eagles Who flew away at last, leaving me A crow on the abandoned bough.
What this Textopian page supports
Albert Schirding is listed on Textopian as a short story 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: Short story
- Author: Edgar Lee Masters
- Date: 1916 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Character Study, Social Commentary, Autobiographical
- Length: 165 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Literary Fiction — The themes explore deep emotional and existential issues, focusing on personal failure and familial relationships.
- Character Study — The narrative centers on the internal struggles and development of the character Jonas Keene.
- Social Commentary — The text critiques societal expectations and the pressures of success within family dynamics.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · Free Verse · Symbolism · Psychological Insight · Character Study · Midwestern Setting · Small Town Life · Social Commentary · Human Nature · Emotional Depth · Inner Turmoil