Told in Confidence
The novel revolves around a romantic triangle between three main characters: Curtis Jadwin, a wealthy businessman; his wife, Margaret; and a young woman named Hetty Taylor. The story explores themes of love, marriage, and social class as the characters navigate their complex relationships with one another.
By Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward · First published 1876 · Genre: Romance, Poetry, Drama · 125 words
First lines
Vow you 'll never, never tell him! Freezing stars now glittering farthest, fairest on the winter sky; If he woo me, Not your coldest, cruel ray Or can or may Be found more chill and still to him than I.
Swear you 'll never, never tell him! Warm, red roses lifting your shy faces to the summer dew; If he win me, Blush your sweetest in his sight For his delight, But I can be as warm and sweet as you.
What this Textopian page supports
Told in Confidence is listed on Textopian as a poem by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward, dated 1876 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: 1876 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Romance, Poetry, Drama, Victorian Literature
- Length: 125 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Told in Confidence 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 Told in Confidence?
- How does this poem by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Romance first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Romance — The text suggests themes of love, wooing, and emotional warmth and coldness.
- Poetry — The writing style includes poetic elements such as rhyme, meter, and vivid imagery.
- Drama — The emotional intensity and conflict implied in the vows and promises indicate dramatic elements.
- Victorian Literature — The language and themes are characteristic of the Victorian era, focusing on social norms and personal emotions.
Tags
Feminist Literature · Social Commentary · Women's Rights · Marriage · Family Drama · Small Town Life · New England · 19th Century · American Literature · Romance · Domesticity · Gender Roles