A Maiden To Her Mirror by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the theme of vanity and self-deception. The speaker, a maiden, addresses her mirror, asking it to reveal the truth about her beauty. However, she quickly becomes dissatisfied with the reflection, accusing the mirror of lying and flattering her. The poem suggests that the maiden is aware of her own flaws but chooses to ignore them, preferring to believe in an idealized version of herself.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1883 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Philosophical · 197 words
First lines
He said he loved me! Then he called my hair / Silk threads wherewith sly Cupid strings his bow, / My cheek a rose leaf fallen on new snow; / And swore my round, full throat would bring despair / To Venus or to Psyche.
Time and care / Will fade these locks; the merry god, I trow, / Uses no grizzled cords upon his bow. / How will it be when I, no longer fair, / Plead for his kiss with cheeks whence long ago / The early snowflakes melted quite away, / The rose leaf died -- and in whose sallow clay / Lie the deep sunken tracks of life's gaunt crow?
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A Maiden To Her Mirror is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1883 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: 1883 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romance, Philosophical, Classical Literature
- Length: 197 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for A Maiden To Her Mirror by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as metaphor and imagery.
- Romance — The themes revolve around love, beauty, and the passage of time affecting romantic relationships.
- Philosophical — The poem contemplates deeper existential questions about aging, beauty, and the nature of love.
- Classical Literature — The style and themes are reminiscent of classical literary traditions, invoking mythological references and timeless human concerns.
Tags
Poetry · Victorian Era · Feminine Perspective · Self-Discovery · Beauty Standards · Societal Pressure · Identity Crisis · Youth · Innocence · Naivety · Coming of Age · Psychological Insight