The Unseen Comrades
The novel explores the lives of two women, a wealthy heiress and a poor factory worker, who become friends despite their vastly different social backgrounds. Through their relationship, the author critiques the social and economic inequalities of the time, highlighting the struggles faced by working-class women and the moral obligations of the wealthy elite.
By Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward · First published 1869 · Genre: Poetry, War Literature, Philosophical Fiction · 288 words
First lines
Last night I saw an armed band, whose feet Did take the martial step, although they trod Soundless as waves of light upon the air. (Silent from silent lips the bugle fell.) The wind was wild; but the great flag they bore, Hung motionless, and glittered like a god Above their awful faces while they marched. And when I saw, I understood and said -- "If these are they whom we did love, and give, What seek they? " But one sternly answered me, -- "We seek our comrades whom we left to thee: The weak, who were thy strength; the poor, who had Thy pride; the faint and few who gave to thee One supreme hour from out the day of life, One deed majestic to their century. These were thy trust: how fare they at thy hands? Thy saviors then -- are they thy heroes now? Our comrades still; we keep the step with them, _Behold! As thou unto the least of them Shalt do, so dost thou unto us. Amen._"
What this Textopian page supports
The Unseen Comrades is listed on Textopian as a poem by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward, dated 1869 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: 1869 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, War Literature, Philosophical Fiction, Historical Fiction, Social Commentary
- Length: 288 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is written in verse form with a focus on rhythm and imagery.
- War Literature — The themes revolve around soldiers, comradeship, and the aftermath of war.
- Philosophical Fiction — The narrative explores deep questions about duty, sacrifice, and moral responsibility.
- Historical Fiction — The context and references are tied to historical events and figures, particularly related to war.
Tags
American Literature · 19th Century Fiction · Social Commentary · Women's Rights · Feminist Literature · Christian Fiction · Religious Themes · Spirituality · Philosophical Fiction · Psychological Insight · Character Study · Domestic Life