Experience by Edith Wharton (1925)
The poem explores the theme of mortality and the value of human experience. The speaker reflects on how people stand at the threshold of death, having accumulated a wealth of experiences, pain, and wisdom over the years. However, this treasure trove is rendered useless as it cannot be passed on to others or used to gain wisdom in the afterlife. The poem also touches on the idea that humans bring their burdens, memories, and emotions to the gates of death, hoping to exchange them for peace and rest. The speaker questions whether these experiences will have any value in the afterlife, but Death responds that they will only purchase sleep.
By Edith Wharton · First published 1925 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical Literature, Drama · 354 words
First lines
I
LIKE Crusoe with the bootless gold we stand Upon the desert verge of death, and say: "What shall avail the woes of yesterday To buy to-morrow's wisdom, in the land Whose currency is strange unto our hand? In life's small market they had served to pay Some late-found rapture, could we but delay Till Time hath matched our means to our demand."
What this Textopian page supports
Experience is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edith Wharton, dated 1925 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Edith Wharton
- Date: 1925 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical Literature, Drama
- Length: 354 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 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 form, with a rhythmic and rhyming structure typical of poetry.
- Philosophical Literature — The work explores deep existential and philosophical themes, such as life, death, time, fate, and the human condition.
- Drama — The work contains dramatic elements, such as emotional intensity and conflict, and it engages with universal human experiences and emotions.
Tags
Autobiography · Memoir · American Literature · Early 20th Century · Women Authors · Social Commentary · Upper Class · New York Society · Marriage · Family Dynamics · Personal Growth · Self-Discovery