A Good Sport by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The story revolves around a wealthy young woman who is forced to choose between her fiancé and a poor but talented poet she has fallen in love with. The protagonist's struggle to reconcile her desire for social status and material comfort with her passion for the poet drives the plot, exploring themes of love, class, and personal identity.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1899 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Coming-of-Age · 745 words
First lines
I WAS a little lad, and the older boys called to me from the pier: They called to me: ‘Be a sport: be a sport! Leap in and swim! ' I leaped in and swam, though I had never been taught a stroke. Then I was made a hero, and they all shouted: ‘Well done! Well done, Brave boy, you are a sport, a good sport! ' And I was very glad.
But now I wish I had learned to swim the right way, Or had never learned at all. Now I regret that day, For it led to my fall.
What this Textopian page supports
A Good Sport is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1899 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: 1899 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Coming-of-Age, Tragedy, Social Commentary
- Length: 745 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Good Sport by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Good Sport?
- How does this poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox 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 written in verse form with a rhythmic and lyrical quality.
- Philosophical — The themes explore deep reflections on life choices and their consequences.
- Coming-of-Age — The narrative follows the protagonist's journey from youth to adulthood, highlighting personal growth and regret.
- Tragedy — The story conveys a sense of loss and sorrow due to the protagonist's misguided decisions.
Tags
Romance · Fiction · Novel · American Literature · Classic · Love Story · Marriage · Relationships · Social Class · Wealth · Society · Upper Class