Edith Conant by Edgar Lee Masters
The narrative unfolds through the voice of memories surrounding a young woman who has passed away at a tender age. The speaker reflects on the profound changes that have occurred since her death, emphasizing the isolation of her memories in a world that has moved on. The deceased's husband is gone, her sister is distant, and her father, now aged, has forgotten her essence. The memories lament the loss of her beauty and talent, particularly her singing, which resonated with deep emotion even in her final moments. The setting is marked by a sense of permanence in nature, with the river and hill remaining unchanged, contrasting with the ephemeral nature of human life and memory. The memories express their sorrow and fatigue, burdened by the weight of what has been lost and the indifference of the living. They stand as silent witnesses to the passage of time, highlighting the theme of remembrance versus forgetfulness, and the inevitable fading of individual significance in the broader tapestry of life. The work encapsulates the tension between the enduring nature of the natural world and the transient nature of human existence, ultimately portraying a poignant reflection on mortality and legacy.
By Edgar Lee Masters · First published 1916 · Genre: Poetry, Elegy, Literary Fiction · 239 words
First lines
We stand about this place -- we, the memories;
And shade our eyes because we dread to read:
"June 17th, 1884, aged 21 years and 3 days."
And all things are changed.
What this Textopian page supports
Edith Conant 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, Elegy, Literary Fiction, Romanticism, Historical Fiction
- Length: 239 words
- Structure: 1 section, 15 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing lyrical language and emotional depth typical of poetry.
- Elegy — The poem reflects on loss and remembrance, characteristic of elegiac themes.
- Literary Fiction — The exploration of memory, identity, and existential themes aligns with literary fiction.
- Romanticism — The focus on emotion, nature, and individual experience is indicative of Romantic literary elements.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry Collection · Free Verse · Symbolism · Psychological Insight · Character Study · Social Commentary · Midwestern Life · Small Town America · Family Dynamics · Marriage · Love