Stranded
The novel revolves around the life of a young woman who returns to her hometown after being away for several years. She finds herself struggling to adjust to the monotony and narrow-mindedness of small-town life, particularly in regards to the limited opportunities available to women. As she navigates her new reality, she must confront her own desires, ambitions, and sense of identity, all while facing opposition from those around her who wish to constrain her to traditional gender roles.
By Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward · First published 1915 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Literary Fiction · 207 words
First lines
O busy ships! that smile in sailing In a glory Like a dream, From the colors of the harbor to the colors of the sea. In singing words or in bewailing, Tell the story As you gleam, Tell the story, guess the language of my idle hours for me.
O busy waves! so blest in bruising Your white faces On the shore. So happy to be wasted with the purpose of the sea, Content to leave with it the choosing Of your places Evermore, Whisper but the far sea-meaning of my stranded life for me.
Gray the sails grow in departing Like fleet swallows To the South. Stern the tide turns in its parting, As it follows With dumb mouth. In the stillness and the sternness God makes answer unto me.
What this Textopian page supports
Stranded is listed on Textopian as a poem by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward, dated 1915 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: 1915 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Literary Fiction, Drama
- Length: 207 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Stranded 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 Stranded?
- 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 a poetic form with a focus on rhythm, imagery, and emotional expression.
- Philosophical — The themes explore existential questions and the meaning of life, reflecting on human experiences and emotions.
- Literary Fiction — The writing style and thematic depth align with literary fiction, emphasizing introspection and character development.
- Drama — The emotional intensity and exploration of personal struggles suggest elements of drama.
Tags
Feminism · Social Commentary · Marriage · Women's Rights · Domesticity · Patriarchy · Gender Roles · 19th Century · American Literature · Novel of Manners · Satire · Humor