Sung to a Friend
The novel explores the life of a young woman who rejects societal expectations and pursues a career in music despite her family's objections. She faces numerous challenges, including poverty, illness, and romantic disappointment, but ultimately finds success and personal fulfillment through her art.
By Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward · First published 1877 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Spiritual · 223 words
First lines
The tide is rising, rising Out of the infinite sea; From ripple, to wave, to billow, Past beryl and gold and crimson, A prism of perfect splendor; What shall the white surf be?
The sacred tide is rising, Rising for you and me. Defiant across the breaker, Wave unto wave must answer, The sea to the shore will follow; When shall the great flood be?
The tide must turn falling, falling Back to the awful sea. Thus far shalt thou go, no farther. The color sinks to the shadow, The paean sobs into silence, Where shall the ebb-line be?
What this Textopian page supports
Sung to a Friend is listed on Textopian as a poem by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward, dated 1877 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: 1877 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Spiritual, Symbolism
- Length: 223 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Sung to a Friend 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
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- 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 structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme, meter, and imagery.
- Romanticism — The themes of nature, emotion, and the sublime are central to the work.
- Spiritual — The text references sacred and eternal elements, suggesting a spiritual or religious undertone.
- Symbolism — The use of the tide and sea as metaphors indicates a symbolic approach to conveying deeper meanings.
Tags
American Literature · 19th Century · Novel · Feminist Literature · Social Commentary · Domestic Fiction · Women's Rights · Marriage · Friendship · Love · Relationships · Family