Mrs. Purkapile by Edgar Lee Masters
The narrative centers on a woman reflecting on her marriage and the betrayal she experienced. Her husband, after a year-long absence, returns with a fantastical tale of being kidnapped by pirates, which she recognizes as a cover for his infidelity. Despite her awareness of his deceit, she chooses to uphold her commitment to their marriage, valuing her own integrity and societal expectations over personal happiness. The woman grapples with the complexities of love, loyalty, and the societal pressures surrounding marriage. Her internal conflict highlights the tension between personal desires and the obligations imposed by marriage. The story delves into themes of fidelity, self-respect, and the often unspoken struggles within domestic life. The woman's resolve to remain married, despite her husband's disloyalty, underscores the societal norms of her time, reflecting a broader commentary on the roles and expectations of women in relationships. The narrative captures her emotional turmoil and the weight of her decision, illustrating the sacrifices made in the name of love and duty. Ultimately, it presents a poignant exploration of the human condition, revealing the intricacies of trust, betrayal, and the quest for personal dignity amidst adversity.
By Edgar Lee Masters · First published 1916 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Drama · 157 words
First lines
He ran away and was gone for a year.
When he came home he told me the silly story / Of being kidnapped by pirates on Lake Michigan / And kept in chains so he could not write me.
I pretended to believe it, though I knew very well / What he was doing, and that he met / The milliner, Mrs. Williams, now and then / When she went to the city to buy goods, as she said.
But a promise is a promise / And marriage is marriage, / And out of respect for my own character / I refused to be drawn into a divorce / By the scheme of a husband who had merely grown tired / Of his marital vow and duty.
What this Textopian page supports
Mrs. Purkapile 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, Drama, Realism, Historical Fiction
- Length: 157 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Mrs. Purkapile by Edgar Lee Masters
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Literary Fiction — The themes explore complex human emotions and relationships, typical of literary fiction.
- Drama — The narrative presents a conflict involving personal and marital issues, characteristic of dramatic literature.
- Realism — The portrayal of everyday life and social issues reflects the principles of realism.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry Collection · Free Verse · Symbolism · Psychological Insight · Character Study · Social Commentary · Midwestern Life · Small Town America · Family Dynamics · Marriage · Isolation