A Successful Man
The story revolves around a wealthy businessman who appears to have it all - wealth, fame, and a beautiful wife. However, beneath the surface, he is unhappy and unfulfilled. He becomes infatuated with a young woman who embodies innocence and purity, sparking an internal conflict within him. As he struggles with his desires, he begins to reevaluate his life choices and priorities, leading to a transformation that ultimately brings him true happiness and fulfillment.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1895 · Genre: Poetry, Tragedy, Social Commentary · 294 words
First lines
There was a man who killed a loving maid In some mad mood of passion; and he paid The price, upon a scaffold. Now his name Stands only as a synonym for shame. There was another man, who took to wife A loving woman. She was full of life, Of hope, and aspirations; and her pride Clothed her like some rich mantle.
First, the wide Glad stream of life that through her veins had sway He dammed by rocks, cast in it, day by day. Her flag of hope, flung gaily to the world, He placed half mast, and then hauled down, and furled. The aspirations, breathing in each word, By subtle ridicule, were made absurd:
What this Textopian page supports
A Successful Man is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1895 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: 1895 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Tragedy, Social Commentary, Drama, Psychological Fiction
- Length: 294 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Successful Man 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
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Similar titles
- The Squanderer by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- The Pretext by Edith Wharton
- The Coquette by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- The Old Maid by Helen Hay Whitney
- The Mission Of Jane by Edith Wharton
- Magnetism by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse form with a focus on rhythm and meter.
- Tragedy — The themes revolve around the destruction of a woman's spirit and the consequences of emotional abuse.
- Social Commentary — The narrative critiques societal norms and the disparity in how different types of crimes are perceived and punished.
- Drama — The intense emotional experiences and conflicts between characters are central to the story.
Tags
Romance · Novel · Classic · Literary Fiction · American Literature · Philosophical · Psychological Insight · Character Study · Social Commentary · Morality Tale · Self-Discovery · Personal Growth