Guerdon by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The story revolves around Guerdon, a young and beautiful woman who lives with her uncle, a wealthy and cruel man, on his estate in the countryside. She falls in love with a poor but handsome and kind-hearted artist, Philip Norton, who is a tenant on her uncle's land. Despite their differences in social class, they get married secretly. However, their happiness is short-lived as Guerdon's uncle discovers their marriage and tries to destroy their relationship by spreading false rumors about Philip's past.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1891 · Genre: Poetry, Inspirational, Religious · 154 words
First lines
Upon the white cheek of the Cherub Year I saw a tear. Alas! I murmured, that the Year should borrow So soon a sorrow. Just then the sunlight fell with sudden flame: The tear became A wondrous diamond sparkling in the light- A beauteous sight.
Upon my soul there fell such woeful loss, I said, "The Cross Is grievous for a life as young as mine. " Just then, like wine, God's sunlight shone from His high Heavens down; And lo! a crown Gleamed in the place of what I thought a burden- My sorrow's guerdon.
What this Textopian page supports
Guerdon is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1891 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: 1891 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Inspirational, Religious, Philosophical
- Length: 154 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Guerdon by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Guerdon?
- How does this poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and metaphor.
- Inspirational — Themes of transformation and finding beauty in sorrow are central to the work.
- Religious — References to God's sunlight and a crown suggest a spiritual or religious undertone.
- Philosophical — The work contemplates the nature of sorrow and its potential to become something beautiful.
Tags
Romance · Novel · American Literature · Fiction · Historical Fiction · War · Love Story · Tragedy · Drama · Family Saga · Social Class · Wealth