Zenas Witt by Edgar Lee Masters
The narrative follows the introspective journey of a young man grappling with anxiety, self-doubt, and the pressures of adolescence. At sixteen, he experiences debilitating dreams and physical symptoms that reflect his inner turmoil. He feels inadequate compared to peers like Frank Drummer, who excels academically, while he struggles to recall what he has learned. His nervousness manifests in stammering during recitations, heightening his sense of failure. The protagonist's worries lead him to seek help through Dr. Weese's advertisement, which resonates with his fears and reinforces his belief in his impending demise. This preoccupation with death and illness consumes him, culminating in a cough that ultimately alleviates his dreams. The resolution comes as he finds peace in sleep, free from the nightmares that once plagued him, suggesting a transition from anxiety to a more tranquil state of being. The work explores themes of youth, mental health, and the quest for identity, illustrating the profound impact of internal struggles on one's perception of self and reality. The protagonist's journey reflects a universal experience of growing pains, marked by the tension between aspiration and the fear of inadequacy. The resolution hints at the possibility of overcoming these challenges, as he finds solace in the simplicity of existence by the river, symbolizing a return to a more peaceful state of mind.
By Edgar Lee Masters · First published 1916 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Autobiographical · 182 words
First lines
I was sixteen, and I had the most terrible dreams, And specks before my eyes, and nervous weakness.
And I couldn't remember the books I read, Like Frank Drummer who memorized page after page.
And my back was weak, and I worried and worried, And I was embarrassed and stammered my lessons, And when I stood up to recite I'd forget Everything that I had studied.
Well, I saw Dr. Weese's advertisement, And there I read everything in print, Just as if he had known me;
What this Textopian page supports
Zenas Witt is listed on Textopian as a poem 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: Poem
- Author: Edgar Lee Masters
- Date: 1916 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Autobiographical, Psychological, Coming-of-Age
- Length: 182 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 personal struggles, identity, and existential concerns, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Autobiographical — The narrative reflects personal experiences and introspection, resembling autobiographical elements.
- Psychological — The focus on mental states, dreams, and anxieties aligns with psychological themes.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry Collection · Free Verse · Symbolism · Psychological Insight · Character Study · Midwestern Setting · Small Town Life · Social Commentary · Human Nature · Emotional Depth · Inner Turmoil