Harold Arnett by Edgar Lee Masters

Name: Harold Arnett
Author: Edgar Lee Masters

The narrative presents a character reflecting on his life and the profound sense of failure that haunts him. He is situated in a moment of despair, leaning against a mantel, overwhelmed by the heat and the weight of his regrets. The setting is marked by distant sounds—a church bell, a baby's cry, and the cough of a dying man—each contributing to the atmosphere of sorrow and loss. The protagonist's thoughts are interrupted by his wife's urgent call about burning potatoes, which symbolizes the mundane yet pressing concerns of life that contrast sharply with his internal turmoil. This moment of domesticity triggers a visceral reaction of disgust, leading him to a drastic decision: he takes his own life. The act is described in stark terms, transitioning from a moment of blackness to a painful realization of regret. In the afterlife, he grapples with the futility of his escape from the world. Despite having left behind his physical existence, he finds himself trapped in a state where the essence of life persists. The character's struggle highlights the inescapable nature of existence and the burdens of unresolved emotions. He questions the purpose of his actions, pondering the eternal cycle of life and the impossibility of true liberation from one's fate. The work delves into themes of despair, the search for meaning, and the consequences of one's choices. It reflects on the human condition, emphasizing that even in death, the soul remains tethered to the experiences and regrets of life. The protagonist's journey serves as a poignant exploration of the complexities of existence, the weight of personal failure, and the haunting realization that one cannot truly escape the essence of being.

By Edgar Lee Masters · First published 1916 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Existentialism · 185 words

First lines

I leaned against the mantel, sick, sick, Thinking of my failure, looking into the abysm, Weak from the noon-day heat.

A church bell sounded mournfully far away, I heard the cry of a baby, And the coughing of John Yarnell, Bed-ridden, feverish, feverish, dying, Then the violent voice of my wife:

"Watch out, the potatoes are burning!"

I smelled them. then there was irresistible disgust.

What this Textopian page supports

Harold Arnett is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edgar Lee Masters, dated 1916 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: Edgar Lee Masters
Date: 1916 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Existentialism, Drama, Psychological Fiction
Length: 185 words
Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Genres

Poetry — The work employs a lyrical style, utilizing rhythm and imagery to convey deep emotional experiences.
Literary Fiction — The narrative explores complex themes of failure, regret, and existential contemplation, characteristic of literary fiction.
Existentialism — The themes reflect existential questions about life, death, and the human condition.
Drama — The intense emotional conflict and character interactions suggest a dramatic narrative.