Three Friends by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward
The novel explores the lives of three friends, Faith, Nan, and Mercy, who grow up together in a small New England town. The story revolves around their relationships, struggles, and personal growth as they navigate love, loss, and social expectations.
By Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward · First published 1882 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Philosophical · 660 words
First lines
Oh, not to you, my mentor sweet, / And stern as only sweetness can, / Whose grave eyes look out steadfastly / Across my nature's plan,
And take unerring measure down / Where'er that plan is failed or foiled, / Thinking far less of purpose kept / Than of a vision spoiled.
What this Textopian page supports
Three Friends is listed on Textopian as a poem by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward, dated 1882 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: 1882 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romance, Philosophical, Spiritual, Psychological
- Length: 660 words
- Structure: 1 section, 17 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Three Friends 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
Similar titles
- Comrades by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Half Fledged by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Assistance by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- A New Friend by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward
- Love Well The Hour by Edith Nesbit
- Sung To A Friend by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward
Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Romance — Themes of love and emotional connection are central to the narrative.
- Philosophical — The work explores deep questions about human nature, purpose, and self-perception.
- Spiritual — There are references to spiritual and religious concepts, such as the soul and Heaven.
Tags
Friendship · Women's Fiction · American Literature · 19th Century · Social Commentary · Romance · Marriage · Family · Society · Class Divide · Gender Roles · Feminism