Mary Mcneely by Edgar Lee Masters
The poem reflects on the profound connection between love and the self, emphasizing that true love allows one to discover their own soul through the beloved. The speaker expresses a deep sense of loss when the beloved withdraws, leading to a feeling of solitude and disconnection from their own essence. This solitude is marked by a longing to reclaim their identity and transform sorrow into a higher self. The imagery of the father sitting under the cedar tree symbolizes a shared sorrow, suggesting that familial ties can also be a source of comfort and reflection. The speaker's contemplation of their father's sorrow highlights the universal nature of grief and the search for peace amidst personal turmoil. The poem concludes with a tribute to those who have enriched life with beauty and fragrance, contrasting the darkness of earthly struggles with the hope for eternal peace. The overall tone is one of introspection, exploring themes of love, loss, identity, and the quest for solace in the face of sorrow.
By Edgar Lee Masters · First published 1916 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Literary Fiction · 168 words
First lines
Passer-by, To love is to find your own soul Through the soul of the beloved one.
When the beloved one withdraws itself from your soul Then you have lost your soul.
It is written: "I have a friend, But my sorrow has no friend."
Hence my long years of solitude at the home of my father, Trying to get myself back, And to turn my sorrow into a supremer self.
What this Textopian page supports
Mary Mcneely 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, Philosophical, Literary Fiction, Romanticism, Existentialism
- Length: 168 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 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 emotional expression and introspection.
- Philosophical — The themes explore deep existential questions about love, loss, and the nature of the self.
- Literary Fiction — The narrative style and character introspection align with literary fiction's focus on character development and thematic depth.
- Romanticism — The emphasis on emotion, nature, and the individual's experience reflects characteristics of Romantic literature.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · Free Verse · Symbolism · Psychological Insight · Character Study · Social Commentary · Midwestern Life · Small Town America · Family Dynamics · Marriage · Loneliness