Ambition's Trail
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
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- 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.
- 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