What the Violins Said
The novel explores the lives of two women, a wealthy widow and a poor working-class woman, who are connected by their relationships with men and their struggles for independence and self-expression in a patriarchal society. Through their stories, the novel critiques the social and economic limitations placed on women during the late 19th century and advocates for greater autonomy and equality.
By Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward · First published 1904 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Literary Fiction · 271 words
First lines
SONG.
"We 're all for love," the violins said. -- SIDNEY LANIER.
Do I love you? Do I love you? Ask the heavens that bend above you To find language and to prove you If they love the living sun. Ask the burning, blinded meadows If they love the falling shadows, If they hold the happy shadows When the fervid day is done.
Ask the blue-bells and the daisies, Lost amid the hot field-mazes, Lifting up their thirsty faces, If they love the summer rains. Ask the linnets and the plovers, In the nest-life made for lovers, Ask the bees and ask the clovers -- Will they tell you for your pains?
What this Textopian page supports
What the Violins Said is listed on Textopian as a poem by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward, dated 1904 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: 1904 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romance, Literary Fiction
- Length: 271 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for What the Violins Said by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering What the Violins Said?
- How does this poem by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Romance — The themes revolve around love and emotional expression.
- Literary Fiction — The writing style is sophisticated and focuses on the depth of human emotions.
Tags
Feminism · Women's Rights · Social Commentary · 19th Century American Literature · Romance · Family Drama · Marriage · Motherhood · Female Protagonist · Coming of Age · Small Town Life · New England