A Waft of Perfume
The story revolves around a young woman who becomes embroiled in a romantic affair with a wealthy and married man. As their relationship deepens, she begins to realize the consequences of her actions and the devastating impact it has on those around her.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1886 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Historical Fiction · 214 words
First lines
A waft of perfume from a bit of lace Moved lightly by a passing woman's hand; And on the common street, a sensuous grace Shone suddenly from some lost time and land.
Tall structures changed to dome and parapet; The stern-faced Church an oracle became; In sheltered alcoves marble busts were set; And on the wall frail Lais wrote her name.
Phryne before her judges stood at bay, Fearing the rigour of Athenian laws; Till Hyperides tore her cloak away, And bade her splendid beauty plead its cause.
Great Alexander walking in the dusk, Dreamed of the hour when Greek with Greek should meet; From Thais' window attar breathed, and musk: His footsteps went no farther down the street.
What this Textopian page supports
A Waft of Perfume is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1886 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: 1886 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Philosophical
- Length: 214 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Waft of Perfume by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Romanticism — The themes include beauty, sensuality, and the idealization of the past.
- Historical Fiction — References to historical figures and settings, such as Phryne and Alexander, are prominent.
- Fantasy — The transformation of the common street into a historical and fantastical scene suggests elements of fantasy.
Tags
Romance · Poetry · Love · Nature · Imagery · Sensuality · Feminine · Emotional · Introspective · Personal · Reflective · Melancholic