Alone in the House
The poem explores the theme of loneliness and isolation. The speaker describes being alone in a large house, surrounded by empty rooms and silence. Despite the physical space, they feel cramped and suffocated by their own thoughts. The poem conveys a sense of desperation and longing for human connection.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1889 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Drama · 402 words
First lines
I am all alone in the house to-night; They would not have gone away Had they known of the terrible, bloodless fight I have held with my heart to-day. With the old sweet love and the old fierce pain I have battled hour by hour; But the fates have willed that the strife is vain. Alone in the hour my thoughts have reign, And I yield myself to their power.
Yield myself to the old time charm Of a dream of vanished bliss, The thrill of a voice, and the fold of an arm, And a red lip's lingering kiss. It all comes back like a flowing tide; That brief, but beautiful day. Though it oft is checked by the dam of pride, Till the waters flow back to the other side, To-night it has broken away.
What this Textopian page supports
Alone in the House 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, Psychological Fiction, Tragedy
- Length: 402 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Alone in the House 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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Genres
- Poetry — The text is written in verse form with a focus on rhythm, meter, and imagery.
- Romance — The themes revolve around love, heartbreak, and emotional struggle.
- Drama — The narrative explores intense personal conflict and emotional turmoil.
- Psychological Fiction — The work delves deeply into the protagonist's inner thoughts and feelings.
Tags
Solitude · Loneliness · Isolation · Fear · Anxiety · Paranoia · Psychological · Thriller · Mystery · Suspense · Dark · Gothic