A Bachelor to a Married Flirt
The poem explores the theme of temptation and morality through a conversation between a married woman and a bachelor who is flirting with her. The bachelor argues that marriage is a social convention that stifles individual freedom, while the married woman defends her commitment to her husband and family. Throughout their exchange, the poet highlights the tension between desire and responsibility, ultimately affirming the importance of marital fidelity.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1885 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Drama · 634 words
First lines
ALL that a man can say of woman's charms, Mine eyes have spoken and my lips have told To you a thousand times. Your perfect arms (A replica from that lost Melos mould), The fair firm crescents of your bosom (shown With full intent to make their splendours known),
Your eyes (that mask with innocence their smile), The (artful) artlessness of all your ways, Your kiss-provoking mouth, its lure, its guile- All these have had my fond and frequent praise. And something more than praise to you I gave- Something which made you know me as your slave.
What this Textopian page supports
A Bachelor to a Married Flirt is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1885 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Date: 1885 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romance, Drama, Social Commentary, Psychological
- Length: 634 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Similar titles
- A Married Coquette by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- The Coquette by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- An Ambitious Man by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- The Lotus And The Bottle by O. Henry
- Ursula by Honore De Balzac
- The Suitors by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse form with a focus on lyrical expression and poetic devices.
- Romance — The themes revolve around love, relationships, and emotional entanglements.
- Drama — The narrative explores intense emotional conflicts and personal struggles.
- Social Commentary — The text critiques societal norms and behaviors, particularly regarding gender roles and marital expectations.
Tags
Romance · Marriage · Infidelity · Love Triangle · Social Commentary · Victorian Era · Poetry · Free Verse · American Literature · Women Authors · Feminism · Relationship Drama