East and West by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the contrast between Eastern and Western cultures, highlighting their differences in values, lifestyles, and worldviews. It portrays the East as a realm of spirituality, mysticism, and sensual beauty, while the West is depicted as a bastion of materialism, rationality, and progress. The speaker seems to romanticize the East, viewing it as a place where the soul can find solace and connection with the divine, whereas the West is seen as a hub of worldly pursuits and desires.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1893 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Social Commentary · 164 words
First lines
The Day has never understood the Gloaming or the Night; / Though sired by one Creative Power, and nursed at Nature's breast; / The White Man ever fails to read the Dark Man's heart aright; / Though from the self-same Source they came, upon the self-same quest; / So deep and wide, the Great Divide, / Between the East and West.
But like a shadow on a screen, mine eyes behold, above / The yawning gulf, a dim forecast, of structures strong and broad; / Where caste, and colour prejudice, by countless feet down trod, / With old traditions crushed by Time, pave smooth the bridge of Love; / And all the creed that men shall heed / Is consciousness of God.
Similar titles
- What We Need by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Our Souls by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- An Inspiration by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Compassion by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- What Is Right Living by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- The Goal by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Genres
- Poetry — The text is written in verse form with a focus on rhythm and meter.
- Philosophical — The themes explore deep questions about human nature, existence, and the divine.
- Social Commentary — The work addresses issues of race, caste, and cultural divides.
- Inspirational — The text aims to inspire unity and understanding across different cultures and races.
Tags
Philosophy · Poetry · Spirituality · Inspiration · Motivation · Self-Help · Personal Growth · Mindfulness · Inner Peace · Love · Relationships · Marriage
What this Textopian page supports
East and West 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, Philosophical, Social Commentary, Inspirational, Religious
- Length: 164 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
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- Work identity for East and West by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
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