Doctor Meyers by Edgar Lee Masters
The narrative centers on a physician who reflects on his life and contributions to the community. He describes his dedication to helping the less fortunate, emphasizing his compassion and the respect he garnered from those he served. His life takes a tragic turn when he encounters Minerva, a troubled poetess seeking assistance. Despite his efforts to aid her, she dies, leading to public outrage and legal repercussions that tarnish his reputation. The fallout from this incident devastates his personal life, resulting in the death of his wife from heartbreak. Ultimately, the physician succumbs to pneumonia, marking a poignant end to a life once filled with purpose and fulfillment. The work explores themes of altruism, the fragility of reputation, and the profound impact of personal tragedy.
By Edgar Lee Masters · First published 1916 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Poetry, Drama · 146 words
First lines
No other man, unless it was Doc Hill, / Did more for people in this town than I.
And all the weak, the halt, the improvident / And those who could not pay flocked to me.
I was good-hearted, easy Doctor Meyers.
I was healthy, happy, in comfortable fortune, / Blest with a congenial mate, my children raised, / All wedded, doing well in the world.
What this Textopian page supports
Doctor Meyers 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: Literary Fiction, Poetry, Drama, Biography, Tragedy
- Length: 146 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Doctor Meyers by Edgar Lee Masters
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The work explores deep themes of personal tragedy, societal judgment, and the complexities of human relationships.
- Poetry — The narrative employs poetic language and structure, reflecting the emotional depth and rhythm typical of poetry.
- Drama — The story presents a dramatic arc involving conflict, loss, and moral dilemmas faced by the protagonist.
- Biography — The character's life experiences and reflections resemble a biographical account, focusing on personal history and impact.
Tags
Psychological Fiction · American Literature · Poetic Prose · Stream-of-Consciousness · Autobiographical Elements · Coming of Age · Mental Health · Isolation · Loneliness · Self-Discovery · Nostalgia · Memory