Willard Fluke by Edgar Lee Masters
The narrative unfolds through the voice of a man reflecting on his life, marked by personal and moral struggles. He recounts the decline of his wife's health, leading to her frailty and eventual death. In the midst of this turmoil, he becomes entangled in an affair with a woman described as Cleopatra, symbolizing temptation and desire. This infidelity weighs heavily on him, as he acknowledges the betrayal of his marital vows alongside other men who succumbed to similar weaknesses. As time progresses, he witnesses the deaths of those around him, which deepens his existential contemplation. He becomes consumed by the idea of redemption and the second coming of Christ, channeling his thoughts into writing. His fervent desire for divine grace drives him to seek forgiveness for his sins. In a pivotal moment, he feels compelled to confess his transgressions publicly. However, the sight of his blind daughter in the congregation halts him, plunging him into despair and confusion. This encounter with his daughter symbolizes the intersection of his guilt and the innocence of his child, leading to a profound sense of darkness and loss. The work encapsulates themes of guilt, redemption, and the complexities of human relationships, ultimately leaving the protagonist in a state of unresolved turmoil.
By Edgar Lee Masters · First published 1917 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Drama · 190 words
First lines
My wife lost her health, And dwindled until she weighed scarce ninety pounds.
Then that woman, whom the men Styled Cleopatra, came along.
And we -- we married ones All broke our vows, myself among the rest.
Years passed and one by one Death claimed them all in some hideous form, And I was borne along by dreams Of God's particular grace for me, And I began to write, write, write, reams on reams Of the second coming of Christ.
What this Textopian page supports
Willard Fluke is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edgar Lee Masters, dated 1917 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: 1917 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Drama, Philosophical Fiction, Historical Fiction
- Length: 190 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Literary Fiction — The themes explore deep emotional and existential issues, focusing on personal and moral dilemmas.
- Drama — The narrative presents intense personal conflicts and emotional struggles, characteristic of dramatic literature.
- Philosophical Fiction — The text delves into themes of faith, sin, and redemption, prompting philosophical reflection.
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