After the Engagement
The poem explores the theme of a romantic relationship that has ended, and the speaker reflects on the memories of the past engagement. The tone is melancholic and nostalgic, with the speaker recalling the joy and beauty of the time spent together. However, the poem also touches on the pain and sadness of the separation, as the speaker struggles to come to terms with the loss.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1899 · Genre: Romance, Poetry, Drama · 602 words
First lines
Well, Mabel, 'tis over and ended -- The ball I wrote was to be; And oh! it was perfectly splendid -- If you _could_ have been here to see. I've a thousand things to write you That I know you are wanting to hear, And one, that is sure to delight you -- I am wearing Joe's diamond, my dear!
Yes, mamma is quite ecstatic That I am engaged to Joe; She thinks I am rather erratic, And feared that I might say "No. " But, Mabel, I'm twenty-seven (Though nobody _dreams_ it, dear), And a fortune like Joe's isn't given To lay at one's feet each year.
What this Textopian page supports
After the Engagement is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1899 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: 1899 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Romance, Poetry, Drama, Social Commentary, Women's Fiction
- Length: 602 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for After the Engagement 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 After the Engagement?
- 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
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- An Erring Womans Love by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
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Genres
- Romance — The central theme revolves around love, engagement, and marriage.
- Poetry — The work is written in verse form with a lyrical style.
- Drama — The narrative includes emotional conflicts and personal dilemmas.
- Social Commentary — The text reflects societal expectations and pressures regarding marriage and wealth.
Tags
Romance · Marriage · Relationships · Love · Commitment · Feminism · Women's Rights · Social Commentary · Victorian Era · American Literature · Poetry · Novel