Elliott Hawkins by Edgar Lee Masters
The speaker reflects on his life as a prominent figure in the community, likening himself to Abraham Lincoln. He emphasizes his commitment to property rights, order, and traditional values, portraying himself as a defender against social unrest and labor movements. He recalls his active participation in local governance, warning against discontent and advocating for the interests of the wealthy and powerful, particularly in relation to the railroads and economic stability. Despite facing criticism from the press, he believes his influence on the younger generation and future leaders is significant and enduring. He presents himself as a successful, respected individual who navigated the complexities of political life with a sense of purpose and integrity. His death is marked by a simple epitaph that suggests a moral or spiritual legacy, contrasting his achievements with the silence of those who may have lived less impactful lives. The speaker challenges the listeners, particularly those who may have opposed him or failed to achieve similar success, to reflect on their own legacies. He asserts that while he may now rest in silence, his life and contributions continue to resonate, leaving a lasting impression on the community he served. The tone is both assertive and contemplative, inviting a reevaluation of values and the nature of true success in life and death.
By Edgar Lee Masters · First published 1916 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Social Commentary · 279 words
First lines
I looked like Abraham Lincoln.
I was one of you, Spoon River, in all fellowship, / But standing for the rights of property and for order.
A regular church attendant, / Sometimes appearing in your town meetings to warn you / Against the evils of discontent and envy, / And to denounce those who tried to destroy the Union, / And to point to the peril of the Knights of Labor.
My success and my example are inevitable influences / In your young men and in generations to come, / In spite of attacks of newspapers like the Clarion;
What this Textopian page supports
Elliott Hawkins 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, Social Commentary, Historical Fiction, Biography
- Length: 279 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Elliott Hawkins by Edgar Lee Masters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Literary Fiction — The themes explore complex social issues and personal reflections, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Social Commentary — The text critiques societal norms and the role of individuals within the community.
- Historical Fiction — References to historical figures and events situate the narrative in a specific historical context.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · Free Verse · Symbolism · Psychological Insight · Character Study · Social Commentary · Critique of Society · Individualism · Existentialism · Philosophical Themes · Moral Ambiguity