Paul Mcneely by Edgar Lee Masters
The poem reflects the deep emotional connection between the speaker and Jane, a nurse who cared for him during his illness. The speaker expresses gratitude for her compassion and warmth, emphasizing that her care was invaluable and could not be measured by wealth. He recalls her gentle presence and the comfort she provided, which brought him hope and longing for recovery. The speaker's affection for Jane is profound, as he dreams of being well enough to embrace her fully. The poem culminates in a poignant question about whether his father ensured Jane's well-being after his death, indicating a concern for her future and a desire to maintain their bond even in his absence. The themes of love, gratitude, and the fragility of life are central to the work, showcasing the speaker's emotional turmoil and deep appreciation for Jane's role in his life.
By Edgar Lee Masters · First published 1916 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric · 216 words
First lines
Dear Jane! dear winsome Jane!
How you stole in the room (where I lay so ill)
In your nurse's cap and linen cuffs, And took my hand and said with a smile:
"You are not so ill -- you'll soon be well."
What this Textopian page supports
Paul Mcneely is listed on Textopian as a short story 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: Short story
- Author: Edgar Lee Masters
- Date: 1916 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric, Elegy, Narrative
- Length: 216 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Paul Mcneely 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 Paul Mcneely?
- How does this short story by Edgar Lee Masters fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Elijah Browning by Edgar Lee Masters
- Charles Webster by Edgar Lee Masters
- Granville Calhoun by Edgar Lee Masters
- Edmund Pollard by Edgar Lee Masters
- Alfonso Churchill by Edgar Lee Masters
- John Ballard by Edgar Lee Masters
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Romanticism — The themes of love, longing, and emotional connection are central to the poem.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal feelings and emotions, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Elegy — The reflective tone and themes of loss and longing suggest elements of an elegy.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry Collection · Free Verse · Symbolism · Psychological Insight · Character Study · Social Commentary · Midwestern Setting · Small Town Life · Family Dynamics · Marriage Issues · Mental Health