Ad Finem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the theme of eternal love and devotion, where the speaker vows to love their beloved until the end of time. The title "Ad Finem" means "to the end" in Latin, emphasizing the speaker's commitment to loving their partner forever. Throughout the poem, the speaker expresses their unwavering dedication, promising to cherish and adore their loved one even in death.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1884 · Genre: Romance, Poetry, Drama · 474 words
First lines
On the white throat of the' useless passion That scorched my soul with its burning breath I clutched my fingers in murderous fashion, And gathered them close in a grip of death; For why should I fan, or feed with fuel, A love that showed me but blank despair? So my hold was firm, and my grasp was cruel -- I meant to strangle it then and there!
I thought it was dead. But with no warning, It rose from its grave last night, and came And stood by my bed till the early morning, And over and over it spoke your name. Its throat was red where my hands had held it; It burned my brow with its scorching breath; And I said, the moment my eyes beheld it, "A love like this can know no death."
What this Textopian page supports
Ad Finem is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1884 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: 1884 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Romance, Poetry, Drama, Tragedy, Philosophical
- Length: 474 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Ad Finem 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
- What should a reader notice first when entering Ad Finem?
- How does this poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Romance first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Romance — The central theme revolves around intense, passionate love and longing.
- Poetry — The work is written in a poetic form with a focus on lyrical expression.
- Drama — The narrative is emotionally charged and explores deep, conflicting emotions.
- Tragedy — The themes include despair, unrequited love, and emotional suffering.
Tags
Romance · Poetry · Love · Relationships · Marriage · Heartbreak · Sorrow · Longing · Desire · Passion · Emotional · Introspective