Divorced by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the theme of divorce and its aftermath on a woman's life. The speaker describes her feelings of freedom and empowerment after leaving an unhappy marriage. She recounts the struggles she faced during the relationship, including emotional manipulation and stifling of her individuality. The poem also touches on the societal stigma surrounding divorce at the time, with the speaker embracing her newfound independence despite the judgment of others.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1893 · Genre: Poetry, Drama, Romance · 1,030 words
First lines
THINKING of one thing all day long, at night I fall asleep, brain weary and heart sore; But only for a little while. At three, Sometimes at two o'clock, I wake and lie, Staring out into darkness; while my thoughts Begin the weary treadmill-toil again, From that white marriage morning of our youth Down to this dreadful hour.
I see your face Lit with the lovelight of the honeymoon; I hear your voice, that lingered on my name As if it loved each letter; and I feel The clinging of your arms about my form, Your kisses on my cheek-and long to break The anguish of such memories with tears, But cannot weep; the fountain has run dry.
What this Textopian page supports
Divorced is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1893 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: 1893 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Drama, Romance, Tragedy, Psychological Fiction
- Length: 1,030 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Divorced 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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Similar titles
- By And Bye by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- A Minor Chord by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Before And After by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- A Mans Good Bye by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Ad Finem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Not Quite The Same by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse form, utilizing poetic devices and structure.
- Drama — The narrative explores intense emotional experiences and conflicts, characteristic of dramatic literature.
- Romance — The central theme revolves around love, relationships, and emotional bonds.
- Tragedy — The story deals with sorrow, loss, and the downfall of the protagonist's happiness.
Tags
Marriage · Divorce · Relationships · Romance · Love · Heartbreak · Poetry · American Literature · Early 20th Century · Women Authors · Feminism · Social Commentary