Le Roy Goldman by Edgar Lee Masters

Name: Le Roy Goldman
Author: Edgar Lee Masters

The work presents a reflective monologue by a revivalist grappling with themes of faith, mortality, and the human experience. The speaker contemplates the implications of a life lived in rejection of Jesus, posing a poignant question about the nature of friendship and support in the face of death. The revivalist acknowledges the profound loss experienced by those who have lost loved ones, suggesting that such connections provide a unique understanding and advocacy before God. The narrative unfolds through a series of meditations on life, death, and the relationships that shape one's spiritual journey. The revivalist emphasizes the importance of familial bonds and the comfort they offer, particularly in the final moments of life. The imagery of reaching for a loved one's hand serves as a metaphor for seeking guidance and solace as one confronts the unknown. Throughout the work, there is a tension between the revivalist's role as a spiritual leader and the personal struggles of faith and doubt. The speaker reflects on the complexities of belief, the weight of past choices, and the yearning for redemption. The exploration of these themes invites readers to consider their own relationships with faith, mortality, and the legacies left by those who have passed. The revivalist's voice is both authoritative and introspective, revealing a deep understanding of human emotions and the universal quest for meaning. The work ultimately serves as a meditation on the intersections of life, love, and the divine, urging readers to reflect on their own connections and the impact of those relationships on their spiritual journeys.

By Edgar Lee Masters · First published 1916 · Genre: Poetry, Religious, Philosophical · 196 words

First lines

"What will you do when you come to die, If all your life long you have rejected Jesus, And know as you lie there, He is not your friend?"

Over and over I said, I, the revivalist.

Ah, yes! but there are friends and friends.

And blessed are you, say I, who know all now, You who have lost, ere you pass, A father or mother, or old grandfather or mother, Some beautiful soul that lived life strongly, And knew you all through, and loved you ever, Who would not fail to speak for you, And give God an intimate view of your soul, As only one of your flesh could do it.

What this Textopian page supports

Le Roy Goldman 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, Religious, Philosophical, Literary Fiction, Spiritual
Length: 196 words
Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
Religious — The themes revolve around faith, salvation, and the afterlife, reflecting religious concerns.
Philosophical — The text explores existential questions about life, death, and the nature of friendship.
Literary Fiction — The work delves into human emotions and relationships, characteristic of literary fiction.