
The novel explores the life of a poet who struggles to reconcile his artistic ambitions with the demands of everyday life. The protagonist's desire for poetic greatness is constantly at odds with his need for financial security and social respectability. Through his experiences, the novel examines the tensions between art and commerce, creativity and conventionality.
By Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward · First published 1878 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Historical Fiction · 1,045 words
Upon the city called the Friends' / The light of waking spring / Fell vivid as the shadow thrown / Far from the gleaming wing / Of a great golden bird, that fled / Before us loitering.
In hours before the spring, how light / The pulse of heaviest feet! / And quick the slowest hopes to stir / To measures fine and fleet. / And warm will grow the bitterest heart / To shelter fancies sweet.
The Poet and the Poem is listed on Textopian as a poem by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward, dated 1878 CE.
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American Literature · 19th Century · Poetry · Literary Criticism · Feminist Theory · Women's Rights · Social Commentary · Cultural Analysis · Philosophical Themes · Romanticism · Victorian Era · Intellectual History