Rebecca Wasson by Edgar Lee Masters
The poem reflects on the life of a woman who has reached an advanced age, contemplating her past and the passage of time. She describes the cyclical nature of the seasons as they drift by her window, symbolizing the relentless flow of time. The speaker expresses a sense of terror at the thought of eternal existence, having spent many years in solitude, confined to a room in her daughter-in-law's house. Her memories transport her back to her youth in North Carolina, where she recalls her husband, John, who went off to fight in the war against the British. The speaker reminisces about the joys and sorrows of her life, including the births and deaths of her children, and the significant historical figures who shaped her country during her lifetime. She reflects on her love for John and the sacrifices they made for their young republic. The longing for his presence is palpable, as she recalls the joy of their reunion after the war. The imagery evokes a deep sense of nostalgia and loss, as she grapples with her current state of helplessness and the memories that define her existence. The poem captures the essence of love, memory, and the inexorable passage of time, illustrating the profound impact of personal history against the backdrop of national events.
By Edgar Lee Masters · First published 1909 · Genre: Poetry, Historical Fiction, Romance · 346 words
First lines
Spring and Summer, Fall and Winter and Spring After each other drifting, past my window drifting!
And I lay so many years watching them drift and counting The years till a terror came in my heart at times, With the feeling that I had become eternal; at last My hundredth year was reached! And still I lay Hearing the tick of the clock, and the low of cattle And the scream of a jay flying through falling leaves!
What this Textopian page supports
Rebecca Wasson is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edgar Lee Masters, dated 1909 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: 1909 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Historical Fiction, Romance, Literary Fiction, Memoir
- Length: 346 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Historical Fiction — The themes and references to historical figures and events suggest a connection to historical context.
- Romance — The emotional connection and longing for a lost love are central themes.
- Literary Fiction — The introspective nature and exploration of personal and universal themes align with literary fiction.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · Symbolism · Psychological Insight · Character Study · Free Verse · Modernist · Stream-of-Consciousness · Inner Monologue · Emotional Depth · Social Commentary · Marriage Dynamics