Mrs. George Reece
The poem presents the voice of a woman reflecting on her life and the injustices faced by her husband, who was wrongfully imprisoned due to the financial collapse of a bank. She emphasizes that her husband, a cashier, was not responsible for the bank's failure; instead, the blame lies with the president and his son. Despite the hardship of raising their children alone, she takes pride in her ability to provide for them and instill values of strength and integrity. The speaker highlights the importance of literature, specifically poetry, as a source of wisdom and guidance. She encourages the younger generation to memorize verses that convey truth and beauty, suggesting that such knowledge can be beneficial in times of need. The poem reflects themes of resilience, the impact of societal injustice, and the enduring power of art and literature in shaping one's character and actions. Ultimately, the speaker's narrative is one of empowerment, as she successfully navigates the challenges of single parenthood while maintaining a sense of dignity and purpose, drawing strength from the teachings of poetry. The closing line underscores the belief that honor lies in fulfilling one's responsibilities and acting with integrity, regardless of external circumstances.
By Edgar Lee Masters · First published 1916 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Biography · 144 words
First lines
To this generation I would say:
Memorize some bit of verse of truth or beauty.
It may serve a turn in your life.
My husband had nothing to do With the fall of the bank -- he was only cashier.
What this Textopian page supports
Mrs. George Reece 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, Biography, Social Commentary, Historical Fiction
- Length: 144 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Mrs. George Reece 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 Mrs. George Reece?
- 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
- E C Culbertson by Edgar Lee Masters
- Mrs Charles Bliss by Edgar Lee Masters
- Hannah Armstrong by Edgar Lee Masters
- Hortence Robbins by Edgar Lee Masters
- Jefferson Howard by Edgar Lee Masters
- Julia Miller by Edgar Lee Masters
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse and employs poetic devices, focusing on themes of truth, beauty, and personal struggle.
- Literary Fiction — The narrative explores deep emotional and social themes, particularly the impact of societal judgment and personal resilience.
- Biography — The poem reflects autobiographical elements, presenting the speaker's life experiences and challenges.
- Social Commentary — The text critiques societal norms and injustices, particularly regarding gender roles and economic hardship.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry Collection · Free Verse · Symbolism · Psychological Insight · Character Study · Domestic Life · Marriage · Relationships · Social Commentary · Realism · Regionalism