Elsa Wertman by Edgar Lee Masters
The narrative centers on a peasant girl from Germany who becomes a domestic worker in America. She describes her initial happiness and strength, but her life takes a turn when she is seduced by Thomas Greene, the man of the house, while his wife is away. This encounter leads to an unexpected pregnancy, causing her distress and fear about her future. Mrs. Greene, recognizing the situation, offers to adopt the child, which alleviates some of the girl's anxiety. She orchestrates a cover-up, pretending the child is hers, and the girl is treated kindly during her confinement. After the birth, she marries Gus Wertman, and time passes. Despite her new life, the girl experiences a deep emotional conflict. At political rallies, she finds herself overwhelmed with emotion, not due to the speeches but because she yearns to reveal her connection to her son, who is unknowingly being raised by another family. The work explores themes of motherhood, identity, and the societal constraints faced by women, particularly in the context of love, loss, and the sacrifices made for family. The protagonist's internal struggle highlights the complexities of her situation, as she grapples with her past and the longing for recognition of her son.
By Edgar Lee Masters · First published 1916 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction · 244 words
First lines
I was a peasant girl from Germany, Blue-eyed, rosy, happy and strong.
And the first place I worked was at Thomas Greene's.
On a summer's day when she was away He stole into the kitchen and took me Right in his arms and kissed me on my throat, I turning my head. Then neither of us Seemed to know what happened.
And I cried for what would become of me.
What this Textopian page supports
Elsa Wertman is listed on Textopian as a poem 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: Poem
- Author: Edgar Lee Masters
- Date: 1916 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction, Drama, Biography
- Length: 244 words
- Structure: 1 section, 14 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Elsa Wertman 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
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Elsa Wertman?
- How does this poem by Edgar Lee Masters fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Doc Hill by Edgar Lee Masters
- Lucinda Matlock by Edgar Lee Masters
- Lillian Stewart by Edgar Lee Masters
- Emily Sparks by Edgar Lee Masters
- Jeremy Carlisle by Edgar Lee Masters
- The Unknown by Edgar Lee Masters
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Literary Fiction — The narrative explores deep emotional themes and character development.
- Historical Fiction — The setting and context reflect historical elements relevant to the character's background.
- Drama — The plot involves intense emotional conflict and personal struggles.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · Free Verse · Symbolism · Psychological Insight · Character Study · Mystery · Tragedy · Human Nature · Emotional Depth · Inner Turmoil · Social Commentary