A Strain of Music by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The story revolves around a romantic triangle between three characters: a young and beautiful woman, a wealthy and middle-aged man, and a poor but talented musician. The woman is torn between her feelings for the two men, who represent different aspects of her life. The wealthy man offers her a life of luxury and comfort, while the musician inspires her artistic side. As she navigates her emotions, the strain of music becomes a metaphor for the turmoil in her heart.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1889 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Drama · 330 words
First lines
In through the open window / To the chamber where I lay, / There came the beat of merry feet, / From the dancers over the way. / And back on the wings of the music / That rose on the midnight air, / My rare youth came and spoke my name, / And lo! I was young and fair.
Once more in the glitter of gaslight / I stood in my life's glad prime: / And heart and feet in a rhythm sweet / Were keeping the music's time. / Like a leaf in the breeze of summer / I drifted down the hall, / On an arm that is cold with death and mould, / And is hidden under the pall.
What this Textopian page supports
A Strain of Music is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1889 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: 1889 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romance, Drama, Reflective, Fantasy
- Length: 330 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Strain of Music 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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Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse with a rhythmic and lyrical quality.
- Romance — Themes of love, youth, and emotional connection are central to the narrative.
- Drama — The text explores intense emotions and dramatic life changes.
- Reflective — The narrative reflects on past experiences and the passage of time.
Tags
Romance · Poetry · Love · Music · Melody · Harmony · Soulful · Emotional · Introspective · Contemplative · Philosophical · Mystical