Attraction by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the theme of attraction between two people who are drawn to each other despite being vastly different. The speaker describes how they are captivated by the other person's beauty, charm, and strength, which is juxtaposed with their own weaknesses and flaws. The poem suggests that this attraction is not based on reason or logic but rather on an inexplicable force that brings them together.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1888 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Nature · 132 words
First lines
The meadow and the mountain with desire Gazed on each other, till a fierce unrest Surged 'neath the meadow's seemingly calm breast, And all the mountain's fissures ran with fire.
A mighty river rolled between them there. What could the mountain do but gaze and burn? What could the meadow do but look and yearn, And gem its bosom to conceal despair?
Their seething passion agitated space, Till, lo! the lands a sudden earthquake shook, The river fled, the meadow leaped and took The leaning mountain in a close embrace.
What this Textopian page supports
Attraction is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1888 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: 1888 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romance, Nature, Drama
- Length: 132 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Attraction 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
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Attraction?
- How does this poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Bridal Eve by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Loves Coming by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- The New Love by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- The Poet To His Love by Edith Nesbit
- Loves Mirage by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Her Love by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Genres
- Poetry — The text is written in verse form with a focus on rhythm and meter.
- Romance — The themes of desire, yearning, and passionate embrace are central to the narrative.
- Nature — The imagery and metaphors are heavily drawn from natural elements like meadows, mountains, and rivers.
- Drama — The intense emotions and dramatic events such as the earthquake contribute to a dramatic tone.
Tags
Romance · Poetry · Love · Relationships · Passion · Desire · Emotions · Intimacy · Sensuality · Beauty · Nature · Imagery