Percival Sharp by Edgar Lee Masters
The narrative unfolds through the reflections of a character contemplating the nature of legacy and the symbols that represent human experience. The speaker grapples with the meaning of various artifacts and symbols, questioning their significance in the context of personal relationships and societal contributions. The imagery of clasped hands serves as a metaphor for connection, whether it signifies a farewell or a greeting, highlighting the duality of human interactions. The mention of a broken chain suggests the fragility of bonds and the idea of interconnectedness, while the lambs symbolize innocence and the guidance of a shepherd, evoking themes of care and responsibility. The speaker's desire to carve a hand with an inverted thumb alludes to the complexities of human nature and the potential for irony in one's actions. The reference to fallen columns and the request to carve the pedestal emphasizes the importance of understanding the foundations of failure, suggesting that the causes of downfall are often overlooked. Mathematical instruments and anchors introduce a critique of ignorance and the disconnect between knowledge and practical application. The gates ajar symbolize missed opportunities and the consequences of negligence, while the eye watching represents scrutiny and the awareness of one's actions. The speaker ultimately asserts that their true legacy lies in the vibrations they stirred within the community, suggesting that personal impact and emotional resonance are more enduring than physical monuments. This introspection reveals a deep understanding of the interplay between individual actions and collective memory, emphasizing that the essence of one's life is captured in the relationships and influences they leave behind.
By Edgar Lee Masters · First published 1916 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Philosophical · 262 words
First lines
Observe the clasped hands!
Are they hands of farewell or greeting, Hands that I helped or hands that helped me?
Would it not be well to carve a hand With an inverted thumb, like Elagabalus?
And yonder is a broken chain, The weakest-link idea perhaps --
What this Textopian page supports
Percival Sharp 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, Literary Fiction, Philosophical, Symbolism, Modernist
- Length: 262 words
- Structure: 1 section, 18 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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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 philosophical reflections.
- Philosophical — The text delves into existential questions and the nature of existence.
- Symbolism — The use of symbols like hands, chains, and angels conveys deeper meanings.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry Collection · Free Verse · Symbolism · Psychological Insight · Character Study · Social Commentary · Midwestern Setting · Small Town Life · Human Nature · Moral Ambiguity · Existential Crisis