Batterton Dobyns
The poem presents the reflections of a deceased man, who contemplates his life and the fate of his widow after his passing. He recalls his hard work and the stress that led to his early death, expressing a sense of resignation about his life's end. Despite his efforts to secure a stable future through insurance and property, he envisions a scene where his widow enjoys a leisurely life, seemingly unaffected by his absence. The imagery contrasts his struggles with her apparent contentment, highlighting themes of mortality, the disparity between their experiences, and the societal expectations surrounding grief and widowhood. The man’s final vision reveals a poignant irony: while he labored tirelessly, his widow indulges in a carefree existence, suggesting a critique of traditional gender roles and the emotional disconnect that can accompany loss. The poem encapsulates the complexities of love, sacrifice, and the often-unseen burdens of those left behind, ultimately questioning the true nature of fulfillment and happiness in the wake of death.
By Edgar Lee Masters · First published 1914 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Modernism · 203 words
First lines
Did my widow flit about From Mackinac to Los Angeles, Resting and bathing and sitting an hour Or more at the table over soup and meats And delicate sweets and coffee?
I was cut down in my prime From overwork and anxiety.
But I thought all along, whatever happens I've kept my insurance up, And there's something in the bank, And a section of land in Manitoba.
But just as I slipped I had a vision In a last delirium:
What this Textopian page supports
Batterton Dobyns is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edgar Lee Masters, dated 1914 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: 1914 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Modernism, Narrative Nonfiction, Existentialism
- Length: 203 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 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, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Modernism — The work reflects modernist themes such as disillusionment and the complexity of human experience.
- Narrative Nonfiction — The poem presents a narrative that reflects real-life experiences and emotions.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry Collection · Free Verse · Symbolism · Psychological Insight · Character Study · Social Commentary · Midwestern Setting · Rural Life · Family Dynamics · Moral Ambiguity · Existential Crisis