A Tribute
The novel explores the life of a young woman who rejects societal expectations and forges her own path. She faces opposition from family and friends but remains committed to her artistic pursuits. Through her journey, the protagonist navigates themes of identity, creativity, and independence in a society that restricts women's opportunities.
By Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward · First published 1884 · Genre: Poetry, Inspirational, Religious · 379 words
First lines
Blinded I groped -- you gave me sight. Perplexed I turned -- you sent me light. You speak unto a thousand ears: I pay you tribute in hid tears. I pay you homage in the hopes That rise to scale life's scathed slopes. I give you gratitude in this: That, midway on the precipice You never trod and never saw, Where air you never drank, strikes raw And wan upon the wasted breath, And gulfs you never passed, gape death, And crags you gained some sunlit way Frown threatening over me to-day, -- That here with bruised hand I cling, Because I heard you yonder sing With those who conquer. If through joy, Then deeper be our shame who toy And loiter in the scourging rain, And did not pass by strength of pain. Laggard below, I reach to bless You who are King of happiness; You are the victor, you the brave, Who could not stoop to be _her_ slave. Downward to me, rebuking, fling My privilege of suffering. I take and listen. Teach me. See! Nearer than you, I ought to be; Nearer the height man never trod, Nearer the veiled face of God. I ought, and am not. Comrade! be Unconscious captain unto me. Unknowing, beckon and command: I answer you with unseen hand. You read in vain these lines between, And smiling, wonder whom I mean.
What this Textopian page supports
A Tribute is listed on Textopian as a poem by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward, dated 1884 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: 1884 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Inspirational, Religious, Philosophical, Autobiographical
- Length: 379 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for A Tribute 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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Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Inspirational — Themes of overcoming adversity and seeking guidance are prevalent.
- Religious — References to God and spiritual struggle are evident.
- Philosophical — Explores deep questions about suffering, happiness, and human existence.
Tags
American Literature · 19th Century · Feminist Fiction · Social Commentary · Women's Rights · Marriage · Family · Relationships · Societal Expectations · Gender Roles · Domesticity · Patriarchy