A Moorish Maid
The poem tells the story of a Moorish maid who falls in love with a Spanish knight during the Reconquista. Despite their differing backgrounds and the war between their people, they secretly marry and have a child. When the knight is called to battle, the maid disguises herself as a page to accompany him. She saves his life in combat but is fatally wounded in the process. As she lies dying, she reveals her true identity to the knight, who is overcome with grief and regret.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1891 · Genre: Romance, Historical Fiction, Drama · 283 words
First lines
Above her veil a shrouded Moorish maid Showed melting eyes, as limpid as a lake; A brow untouched by care; a band of jetty hair, And nothing more. The all-concealing haik Fell to her high arched instep. At her side An old duenna walked; her withered face Half covered only, since no lingering grace Bespoke the beauty once her master's pride.
What this Textopian page supports
A Moorish Maid is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1891 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: 1891 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, Drama, Cultural Fiction, Poetry
- Length: 283 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Moorish Maid 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
- 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 A Moorish Maid?
- How does this poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Romance first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Flower Of Love by Oscar Wilde
- A Party Of Lovers by John Keats
- The Rubaiyat Of Billi Kaisam by Oliver Herford
- Oriental Romance by Madison Cawein
- Rubies by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Israfel by Edgar Allan Poe
Genres
- Romance — The plot centers around themes of love and marriage, particularly the maid's emotional experiences and her rebellion against an arranged marriage.
- Historical Fiction — The setting in Algiers and the cultural context of a Moorish maid provide a historical backdrop that is integral to the story.
- Drama — The emotional intensity and the maid's internal conflict add dramatic elements to the narrative.
- Cultural Fiction — The story explores cultural themes, particularly the contrast between Moorish traditions and the modern world.
Tags
Romance · Poetry · Love · Passion · Desire · Beauty · Exoticism · Orientalism · Femininity · Sensuality · Imagery · Symbolism