Searcy Foote by Edgar Lee Masters
The poem presents the life of a man burdened by financial constraints and familial obligations. He yearns for higher education and a romantic relationship with Delia Prickett but feels trapped by his circumstances, particularly the demands of his wealthy yet incapacitated Aunt Persis. The speaker describes his efforts to support himself through menial labor while nurturing his intellectual aspirations through reading. The narrative takes a dark turn when the speaker, overwhelmed by his situation, resorts to murder. He uses chloroform to kill his aunt, framing her death as a natural occurrence. This act is portrayed as a desperate means to escape his financial struggles and achieve his desires. After her death, he marries Delia, suggesting a twisted sense of triumph over his previous limitations. The poem explores themes of ambition, morality, and the lengths to which one might go to attain personal goals. It raises questions about the value of life, the impact of wealth, and the ethical implications of one's choices. The speaker's actions reflect a complex interplay of desperation and calculated decision-making, ultimately leading to a hollow victory that critiques societal values surrounding success and fulfillment.
By Edgar Lee Masters · First published 1916 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Tragedy · 285 words
First lines
I wanted to go away to college But rich Aunt Persis wouldn't help me.
So I made gardens and raked the lawns And bought John Alden's books with my earnings And toiled for the very means of life.
I wanted to marry Delia Prickett, But how could I do it with what I earned?
And there was Aunt Persis more than seventy, Who sat in a wheel-chair half alive, With her throat so paralyzed, when she swallowed The soup ran out of her mouth like a duck --
What this Textopian page supports
Searcy Foote is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edgar Lee Masters, dated 1916 CE.
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- Work type: Short story
- Author: Edgar Lee Masters
- Date: 1916 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Tragedy, Social Commentary, Dark Humor
- Length: 285 words
- Structure: 1 section, 12 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Literary Fiction — The narrative explores complex themes of ambition, morality, and social class through character introspection.
- Tragedy — The protagonist's actions lead to a tragic outcome, reflecting on the darker aspects of human nature.
- Social Commentary — The poem critiques societal expectations and the struggles of the individual within a socio-economic context.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry Collection · Free Verse · Symbolism · Psychological Insight · Character Study · Social Commentary · Midwestern Setting · Rural Life · Small Town America · Human Nature · Emotional Depth