Duty's Path by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The story revolves around a young woman named Duty who lives with her aunt and uncle on their farm. She is portrayed as a self-sacrificing and dutiful person who prioritizes the needs of others over her own desires. The novel explores themes of love, sacrifice, and personal growth as Duty navigates her relationships and finds her place in the world.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1899 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Inspirational · 230 words
First lines
Out from the harbour of youth's bay There leads the path of pleasure; With eager steps we walk that way To brim joy's largest measure. But when with morn's departing beam Goes youth's last precious minute, We sigh "Twas but a fevered dream- There's nothing in it."
Then on our vision dawns afar The goal of glory, gleaming Like some great radiant solar star, And sets us longing, dreaming. Forgetting all things left behind, We strain each nerve to win it, But when 'tis ours-alas! we find There's nothing in it.
What this Textopian page supports
Duty's Path is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1899 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: 1899 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Inspirational, Literary
- Length: 230 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Duty's Path 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 Duty's Path?
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Philosophical — The themes explore existential reflections on youth, pleasure, glory, and duty.
- Inspirational — The narrative encourages a moral and dutiful life, suggesting fulfillment in duty.
- Literary — The writing style is sophisticated and employs rich imagery and metaphor.
Tags
Romance · Historical Fiction · War · American Civil War · Drama · Tragedy · Love Story · Family Saga · Social Class · Slavery · Abolition · Rebellion