Part of the Price
The novel explores the lives of two women, one a wealthy heiress and the other a poor working-class woman, who are brought together by their relationships with the same man. The story examines themes of class, identity, and the social conventions that restrict women's choices and opportunities. Through its portrayal of the contrasting experiences of these two women, the novel critiques the societal norms that perpetuate inequality and limit women's autonomy.
By Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward · First published 1904 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Drama · 408 words
First lines
Take back, my friend, the gifts once given. No fairer find I this side Heaven With which to bless thee, than thine own Resource of blessing. Mine alone To render what is mine to lose. No niggard am I with it. Choose! Lavish, I keep not any part Of that great price within my heart. Wilt thou the quiet comfort have? Thine be it, daily, to the grave! The courage, shining down from one Whose answering eyes put out the sun? The tenderness that touched the nerve Like music? Oh, I bid these serve Thee, soothe thee, watchful of thy need While mine is unattended; feed Thy heart while mine goes famished. Glad, I give the dearest thing I had. Impoverished, can I find or spare Aught else to thee of rich or rare? Sweet thoughts that through the soul do sing, And deeds like loving hands that cling, And loyal faith -- a sentry -- nigh, And prayers all rose-clouds hovering high? Nay, nay; I keep not any. Hold The wealth I leave with fingers cold And trembling in thine own. One thing Alone I do deny to bring And give again to thee. Not now, Nor ever, Dear, shalt thou learn how To wrest it from me. Test thy strength! By the world's measures, height or length -- Too weak art thou, too weak to gain, By sleight of tenderness or snatch of pain -- At thine own most or least -- to take from me Mine own ideal lost -- and saved -- of thee.
What this Textopian page supports
Part of the Price is listed on Textopian as a poem by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward, dated 1904 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: 1904 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romance, Drama, Philosophical, Literary Fiction
- Length: 408 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Part of the Price 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 Part of the Price?
- How does this poem by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is written in verse form with a focus on rhythm and meter.
- Romance — Themes of love, sacrifice, and emotional connection are central to the narrative.
- Drama — The emotional intensity and conflict between characters suggest dramatic elements.
- Philosophical — The text explores deep questions about love, sacrifice, and human relationships.
Tags
Feminism · Social Commentary · Women's Rights · Marriage · Family · Sacrifice · Love · Duty · Responsibility · Morality · Ethics · American Literature