A New Friend
The novel revolves around the life of a young woman who becomes disillusioned with her wealthy and materialistic family after witnessing the poverty and hardships faced by the working class during a winter in New York City. She begins to question the values of her upbringing and seeks a more meaningful existence, eventually finding friendship and a sense of purpose among the poor.
By Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward · First published 1868 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Religious · 64 words
First lines
The sun is sinking on the sacred lands Wherein the grain ungarnered beckoning stands.
Who loses never finds, nor can, nor may, The common, human glory of the day.
Close, let us enter, tear-blind as we must; Reapers, not gleaners of a solemn trust.
What this Textopian page supports
A New Friend is listed on Textopian as a poem by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward, dated 1868 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward
- Date: 1868 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Religious, Pastoral, Literary Fiction
- Length: 64 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A New Friend by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- Three Friends by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward
- An Interpretation by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward
- A Prayer by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward
- The Well Born by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Mal Moulee by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Loveliness by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward
Genres
- Poetry — The text is written in verse form with a focus on rhythm and meter.
- Philosophical — The themes explore deep, existential questions about loss and human experience.
- Religious — The setting and language suggest a sacred or spiritual context.
- Pastoral — The imagery and setting involve agricultural elements and rural life.
Tags
Friendship · Women's Fiction · Social Class · 19th Century · American Literature · Romance · Family Relationships · Marriage · Society · Culture · Tradition · Gender Roles