Art Thou Alive? by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the theme of a person's emotional and psychological state after being rejected by their lover. The speaker describes feeling dead inside, with their heart and soul crushed by the rejection. They question whether they are still alive, implying that the pain has drained them of their vitality. Throughout the poem, the speaker expresses despair, sadness, and desperation, conveying the intense emotional turmoil they are experiencing.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1889 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Spiritual · 264 words
First lines
Art thou alive? Nay, not too soon reply, / Tho' hand, and foot, and lip, and ear, and eye, / Respond, and do thy bidding yet may be / Grim death has done his direst work with thee. / Life, as God gives it, is a thing apart / From active body and from beating heart. / It is the vital spark, the unseen fire, / That moves the mind to reason and aspire; / It is the force that bids emotion roll, / In mighty billows from the surging soul.
It is the light that grows from hour to hour, / And floods the brain with consciousness of power; / It is the spirit dominating all, / And reaching God with its imperious call, / Until the shining glory of His face / Illuminates each sorrowful, dark place;
Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Philosophical — The themes explore deep questions about life, existence, and the nature of being.
- Spiritual — The work discusses concepts related to the soul, God, and spiritual enlightenment.
- Inspirational — The text aims to inspire and uplift the reader by encouraging self-awareness and personal growth.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · Philosophical · Spiritual · Mysticism · Occultism · Esoteric · Metaphysical · Romantic Era · Victorian Era · 19th Century · Literary Fiction
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Art Thou Alive? 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, Philosophical, Spiritual, Inspirational
- Length: 264 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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