At the Bridal by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the theme of unrequited love and the consequences of marrying for convenience rather than passion. The narrator attends a wedding where the bride is marrying a wealthy man, but it's clear she doesn't love him. The narrator reflects on their own lost opportunity with the bride, realizing they should have spoken up about their feelings when they had the chance.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1889 · Genre: Gothic, Romantic, Horror · 267 words
First lines
Oh! but the bride was lovely, Oh! but the scene was bright, And why was the bridegroom's face as pale As his lady's robe of white?
Did you not see beside him A guest unasked, unbid? Who came up the aisle with silent feet And gazed at him? he did!
He saw her eyes upon him, He felt her icy breath; And under the bride's warm clinging hand There crept the touch of death.
And above the low responses There fell upon his ear A voice forbidding the nuptial banns; But no one else could hear.
What this Textopian page supports
At the Bridal is listed on Textopian as a short story 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: Short story
- Author: Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Date: 1889 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Gothic, Romantic, Horror, Poetry, Drama
- Length: 267 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for At the Bridal 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
- What should a reader notice first when entering At the Bridal?
- How does this short story by Ella Wheeler Wilcox fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Gothic first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Gothic — The presence of supernatural elements, a ghostly figure, and a haunting atmosphere are central to the narrative.
- Romantic — The story revolves around a wedding and the emotional turmoil of the bridegroom.
- Horror — The themes of death, an uninvited spectral guest, and the bridegroom's fear contribute to a sense of horror.
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, with a focus on rhythm and imagery.
Tags
Romance · Marriage · Love · Relationships · Women's Fiction · American Literature · 19th Century · Poetry · Free Verse · Emotional · Introspective · Personal Growth