An April Gust
The novel revolves around the life of a young woman named April Gust, who lives with her aunt and uncle in a small rural town. The story explores themes of poverty, class, and social inequality as April navigates her circumstances and strives for a better life. Through her experiences, the novel sheds light on the struggles faced by women during this time period, particularly those from impoverished backgrounds.
By Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward · First published 1899 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Drama · 168 words
First lines
It shall be as it hath been. All the world is glad and green -- Hush! Ah, hush! There cannot be April now for you and me.
Put your finger on the lips Of your soul; the wild rain drips; The wind goes diving down the sea; Tell the wind, but tell not me.
Yet if I had aught to tell, High as heaven, or deep as hell, Bent the fates awry or fit, I would find a word for it.
Oh, words that neither sea nor land Can lift their ears to understand! Wild words, as dumb as death or fear, I dare to die, but not to hear!
What this Textopian page supports
An April Gust is listed on Textopian as a poem by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward, dated 1899 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: 1899 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romance, Drama, Philosophical, Nature
- Length: 168 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for An April Gust 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
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering An April Gust?
- 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?
Similar titles
- Told In Confidence by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward
- Vittoria by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward
- Westward by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward
- Song by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward
- To Moina by Olive Tilford Dargan
- The Conqueror by Olive Tilford Dargan
Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Romance — Themes of love and emotional expression are central to the text.
- Drama — The text explores intense emotional experiences and conflicts.
- Philosophical — The text delves into existential themes and the human condition.
Tags
American Literature · 19th Century · Feminist Fiction · Social Commentary · Romance · Family Drama · Women's Rights · Marriage · Motherhood · Female Protagonist · New England · Rural Life