Camp Followers
The poem explores the theme of women's roles and identities during wartime. It describes the camp followers, women who accompany armies during wars, performing various tasks such as nursing, cooking, and laundry. The poem portrays these women as strong, brave, and selfless, highlighting their crucial contributions to the war effort.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1894 · Genre: Poetry, War Literature, Historical · 350 words
First lines
In the old wars of the world there were camp followers, Women of ancient sins who gave themselves for hire, Women of weak wills and strong desire. And, like the poison ivy in the woods That winds itself about tall virile trees Until it smothers them, so these Ruined the bodies and the souls of men. More evil were they than Red War itself, Or Pestilence, or Famine. Now in this war- This last most awful carnage of the world- All the old wickedness exists as then:
What this Textopian page supports
Camp Followers is listed on Textopian as a novel by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1894 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Date: 1894 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, War Literature, Historical, Feminist Literature, Religious
- Length: 350 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Camp Followers 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 written in verse form with a focus on rhythm and meter.
- War Literature — The themes revolve around war, its impact, and the roles of individuals during wartime.
- Historical — References to historical wars and the evolution of societal roles during conflicts.
- Feminist Literature — Highlights the roles and sacrifices of women, emphasizing their strength and contributions.
Tags
Romance · Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Women Authors · Love Poems · Nature Imagery · Free Verse · Emotional Expression · Personal Reflections · Introspection · Melancholy