The Old Pole Star by Edith Wharton
The poem explores the theme of change and the fleeting nature of human achievements. It describes how ancient civilizations, such as Egypt, built their monuments aligned with the North Star, believing it to be a fixed and eternal guide. However, the star has shifted its position, rendering these achievements meaningless. The poem suggests that humanity's pursuit of truth and stability is ultimately futile in the face of an ever-changing universe. Despite this, those who maintain a broad perspective continue to seek and find a new guiding principle, implying that truth endures despite the impermanence of human creations.
By Edith Wharton · First published 1920 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Historical · 353 words
First lines
BEFORE the clepsydra had bound the days Man tethered Change to his fixed star, and said: "The elder races, that long since are dead, Marched by that light; it swerves not from its base Though all the worlds about it wax and fade."
When Egypt saw it, fast in reeling spheres, Her Pyramids shaft-centred on its ray She reared and said: "Long as this star holds sway In uninvaded ether, shall the years Revere my monuments -- " and went her way.
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The Old Pole Star is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edith Wharton, dated 1920 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: 1920 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Historical, Astronomical
- Length: 353 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, with a rhythmic and rhyming pattern, characteristic of poetry.
- Philosophical — The work explores philosophical themes such as change, truth, and the passage of time.
- Historical — The work references historical elements such as the Pyramids of Egypt and ancient civilizations.
- Astronomical — The work uses astronomical imagery and concepts, such as the pole star and the shifting of celestial bodies.
Tags
American Literature · Novel · Romance · Classic · Historical Fiction · Marriage · Family · Social Class · Wealth · Society · Gilded Age · New York City