Guinevere
The story revolves around Guinevere, a young and beautiful woman who lives with her aunt in a small town in New England. She falls deeply in love with a man named Philip, but their social differences and the disapproval of her aunt threaten to tear them apart. Meanwhile, Guinevere's cousin, a wealthy and arrogant man named Reginald, also vies for her attention, further complicating the situation. As Guinevere navigates these complex relationships, she must confront her own desires, values, and sense of identity.
By Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward · First published 1898 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, Religious Fiction · 992 words
First lines
Of Guinevere from Arthur separate, And separate from Launcelot and the world, And shielded in the convent with her sin, As one draws fast a veil upon a face That 's marred, but only holds the scar more close Against the burning brain -- I read to-day This legend; and if other yet than I Have read, or said, how know I? for the text Was written in the story we have learned, Between the ashen lines, invisible, In hieroglyphs that blazed and leaped like light Unto the eyes. A thousand times we read; A thousand turn the page and understand, And think we know the record of a life, When lo! if we will open once again The awful volume, hid, mysterious, Intent, there lies the unseen alphabet -- Re-reads the tale from breath to death, and spells A living language that we never knew.
What this Textopian page supports
Guinevere is listed on Textopian as a poem by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward, dated 1898 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: 1898 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Religious Fiction, Drama, Poetry
- Length: 992 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Guinevere 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 Guinevere?
- How does this poem by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Her Marriage Lines by Edith Nesbit
- Via Amoris by Edith Nesbit
- You Never Can Tell by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Love And Life by Edith Nesbit
- The Manchester Marriage by Elizabeth Gaskell
- We Two by Edna Lyall
Genres
- Historical Fiction — The narrative is set in a historical context, focusing on the character of Guinevere and her experiences.
- Romance — The themes of love, relationships, and emotional conflict are central to the story.
- Religious Fiction — The story involves significant religious elements, including prayer, repentance, and the setting of a convent.
- Drama — The plot is driven by intense emotional and moral struggles, characteristic of dramatic literature.
Tags
Romance · Feminism · Marriage · Women's Rights · Social Class · Wealth · Family Drama · Love Triangle · Infidelity · Deception · Secrets · Society Life