Absent!
The novel explores the theme of women's rights and independence through the story of a young woman who rejects societal expectations to pursue a career as an artist. The protagonist faces opposition from her family and community, but ultimately achieves success and autonomy.
By Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward · First published 1896 · Genre: Poetry, Historical, War · 478 words
First lines
You do not lift your eyes to watch Us pass the conscious door; Your startled ear perceiveth not Our footfall on the floor; No eager word your lips betray To greet us when we stand; We throng to meet you, but you hold To us no beckoning hand.
Faint as the years in which we breathed, Far as the death we died, Dim as the faded battle-smoke, We wander at your side; Cold as a cause outlived, or lost, Vague as the legends told At twilight, of a mystic band Circling an Age of Gold.
What this Textopian page supports
Absent! is listed on Textopian as a poem by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward, dated 1896 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: 1896 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Historical, War, Reflective, Inspirational
- Length: 478 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Absent! by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Absent!?
- How does this poem by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse with a rhythmic and lyrical quality, characteristic of poetry.
- Historical — The themes and references to past events, such as battles and legacies, indicate a historical context.
- War — Mentions of army blue, battles, and the laying down of life suggest a focus on war and its consequences.
- Reflective — The contemplative tone and exploration of themes like legacy and memory align with reflective literature.
Tags
Feminist Literature · Social Commentary · Domesticity · Marriage · Motherhood · Women's Rights · 19th Century American Literature · Realism · Family Drama · Psychological Insight · Character Study · Social Class