Ambition's Trail by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The novel follows the story of a young woman who rises from poverty to wealth and fame through her determination and strong will. She faces various challenges and setbacks along the way, including a tumultuous romantic relationship with a wealthy and arrogant man. Through her journey, she learns valuable lessons about the nature of ambition, love, and true happiness.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1909 · Genre: Poetry, Inspirational, Philosophical · 154 words
First lines
If all the end of this continuous striving / Were simply _to attain_, / How poor would seem the planning and contriving, / The endless urging and the hurried driving, / Of body, heart, and brain!
But ever in the wake of true achieving / There shines this glowing trail- / Some other soul will be spurred on, conceiving / New strength and hope, in its own power believing, / Because _thou_ didst not fail.
Not thine alone the glory, nor the sorrow, / If thou dost miss the goal; / Undreamed of lives in many a far to-morrow / From thee their weakness or their force shall borrow- / On, on, ambitious soul.
What this Textopian page supports
Ambition's Trail is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1909 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: 1909 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Inspirational, Philosophical
- Length: 154 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Ambition's Trail by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Inspirational — The themes focus on ambition, perseverance, and the impact of one's efforts on others.
- Philosophical — The work explores deeper existential questions about the purpose and consequences of striving and achieving.
Tags
Romance · Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Women Authors · Free Verse · Nature Inspired · Philosophical · Spiritual · Inspirational · Motivational · Uplifting