At the Hop by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the theme of nostalgia and longing for a past love. The speaker reminisces about a romantic encounter at a dance hall, where they met their beloved. The atmosphere is vividly described, with details of the music, lights, and crowd. However, the tone shifts to melancholy as the speaker realizes that the loved one has departed, leaving them with only memories.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1900 · Genre: Poetry, Drama, Romance · 370 words
First lines
'Tis time to dress. Dost hear the music surging / Like sobbing waves that roll up from the sea? / Yes, yes, I hear -- I yield -- no need of urging; / I know your wishes, -- send Lisette to me.
I hate the ballroom; hate its gilded pleasure; / I hate the crowd within it, well you know; / But what of that? I am your lawful treasure -- / And when you would display me I must go.
You bought me with a mother's pain and trouble. / I've been a great expense to you alway. / And now, if you can sell me, and get double / The sum I cost -- why, what have I to say?
What this Textopian page supports
At the Hop is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1900 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: 1900 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Drama, Romance, Social Commentary, Tragedy
- Length: 370 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for At the Hop 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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Similar titles
- The Bridal Eve by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Un Rencontre by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Her Love by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Loves Way by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Loves Coming by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- The Poet To His Love by Edith Nesbit
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse form, employing rhyme and meter.
- Drama — The narrative involves intense emotional conflicts and dramatic situations.
- Romance — Themes of love, passion, and heartbreak are central to the narrative.
- Social Commentary — The text critiques societal norms and expectations, particularly regarding women's roles and commodification.
Tags
Romance · Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Love Poems · Relationships · Emotions · Intimacy · Passion · Desire · Longing · Heartfelt