Father by Ella Wheeler Wilcox (1889)
The poem explores the complex and often fraught relationship between a father and his child. It delves into the emotions and memories that shape this bond, highlighting both the joy and the pain it can bring. The speaker reflects on their own experiences with their father, recalling moments of love, guidance, and discipline, as well as feelings of resentment and rebellion. Through this introspection, the poem reveals the profound impact a father has on a child's life and development.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1889 · Genre: Poetry, Family, Inspirational · 418 words
First lines
He never made a fortune, or a noise / In the world where men are seeking after fame; / But he had a healthy brood of girls and boys / Who loved the very ground on which he trod. / They thought him just a little short of God; / Oh you should have heard the way they said his name- / ‘Father.'
There seemed to be a loving little prayer / In their voices, even when they called him ‘Dad. ' / Though the man was never heard of anywhere, / As a hero, yet you somehow understood / He was doing well his part and making good; / And you knew it, by the way his children had / Of saying ‘Father.'
What this Textopian page supports
Father 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, Family, Inspirational, Character Study, Domestic Life
- Length: 418 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Father 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
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Similar titles
- My Heaven by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- New Years Day by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- The Greater Love by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Love Is Not Blind by Edna St Vincent Millay
- The Last Dance by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Anecdote For Fathers by William Wordsworth
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Family — The central theme revolves around the familial relationship and the role of the father.
- Inspirational — The poem highlights virtues such as honesty, kindness, and moral integrity, aiming to inspire readers.
- Character Study — The focus is on the character of the father, exploring his qualities and impact on his children.
Tags
Family · Relationships · Parenting · Fatherhood · Love · Emotions · Poetry · Reflection · Nostalgia · Childhood · Memories · Grief