Father and Son by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the complex and often fraught relationship between a father and son. The speaker describes how the son grows from infancy to adulthood, and the father's emotions evolve from pride and joy to disappointment and sorrow. The poem highlights the struggles of communication and understanding between the two generations, as well as the inevitability of change and separation.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1889 · Genre: Poetry, Drama, Family Saga · 511 words
First lines
MY grand-dame, vigorous at eighty-one, / Delights in talking of her only son, / My gallant father, long since dead and gone. / ‘Ah, but he was the lad! ' / She says, and sighs, and looks at me askance. / How well I read the meaning of that glance- / ‘Poor son of such a dad; / Poor weakling, dull and sad. ' / I could, but would not tell her bitter truth / About my father's youth.
What this Textopian page supports
Father and Son is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1889 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: 1889 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Drama, Family Saga, Psychological Fiction, Tragedy
- Length: 511 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Father and Son 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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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse form, employing rhyme and meter.
- Drama — The narrative explores intense emotional conflicts and relationships.
- Family Saga — The story revolves around generational dynamics and familial expectations.
- Psychological Fiction — The text delves into the inner thoughts and feelings of the protagonist.
Tags
Family Relationships · Parenting · Fatherhood · Sonship · Love · Emotions · Psychological Fiction · Drama · American Literature · Classic Novel · 19th Century Literature · Poetic Prose