Lucinda Matlock by Edgar Lee Masters
The poem presents the reflections of a woman who recounts her life experiences, emphasizing the joys and hardships she faced. She recalls her youthful days spent dancing and socializing, which led to her marriage with Davis. Together, they built a life over seventy years, raising twelve children, though they suffered the loss of eight before she turned sixty. Her narrative highlights her roles as a homemaker, caregiver, and nurturer, illustrating her dedication to family and community. She describes her daily activities, such as spinning, weaving, and gardening, which connect her to the land and nature. The imagery of the fields, larks, and the act of gathering shells and flowers evokes a sense of harmony with her surroundings. As she reaches the end of her life at ninety-six, she expresses a sense of fulfillment and acceptance of her journey. She questions the sorrow and discontent she perceives in the younger generation, suggesting that they lack the strength and vitality to embrace life fully. Her concluding thoughts emphasize the importance of actively engaging with life, asserting that it requires a robust spirit to truly appreciate and love existence. The poem encapsulates themes of resilience, the passage of time, and the contrast between generations.
By Edgar Lee Masters · First published 1916 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction · 223 words
First lines
I went to the dances at Chandlerville, And played snap-out at Winchester.
One time we changed partners, Driving home in the moonlight of middle June, And then I found Davis.
We were married and lived together for seventy years, Enjoying, working, raising the twelve children, Eight of whom we lost Ere I had reached the age of sixty.
I spun, I wove, I kept the house, I nursed the sick, I made the garden, and for holiday Rambled over the fields where sang the larks, And by Spoon River gathering many a shell, And many a flower and medicinal weed --
What this Textopian page supports
Lucinda Matlock 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, Autobiographical, Realism
- Length: 223 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse and employs poetic devices, focusing on personal reflection and emotional depth.
- Literary Fiction — The narrative explores themes of life, love, loss, and resilience, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Historical Fiction — The poem reflects on the past and societal changes, providing a historical context to the character's life.
- Autobiographical — The poem presents a first-person account of a life lived, resembling autobiographical storytelling.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · Free Verse · Symbolism · Psychological Insight · Character Study · Small Town Life · Social Commentary · Moral Ambiguity · Human Nature · Emotional Depth · Inner Turmoil