Her Last Letter
The poem tells the story of a woman who writes a final letter to her lover after discovering his infidelity. She expresses her sorrow and anger, but also her determination to move on from the toxic relationship. The tone is melancholic and introspective, with the speaker reflecting on the memories they shared and the pain caused by the betrayal.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1909 · Genre: Romance, Tragedy, Poetry · 980 words
First lines
Sitting alone by the window, Watching the moonlit street, Bending my head to listen To the well-known sound of your feet, I have been wondering, darling, How I can bear the pain, When I watch, with sighs and tear-wet eyes, And wait for your coming in vain.
For I know that a day approaches When your heart will tire of me; When by door and gate I may watch and wait For a form I shall not see; When the love that is now my heaven, The kisses that make my life, You will bestow on another, And that other will be -- your wife.
What this Textopian page supports
Her Last Letter is listed on Textopian as a short story by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1909 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Date: 1909 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Romance, Tragedy, Poetry, Drama, Gothic
- Length: 980 words
- Structure: 1 section, 12 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Her Last Letter 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
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Her Last Letter?
- How does this short story by Ella Wheeler Wilcox fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Romance first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- The Farewell Of Clarimonde by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- La Mort Damour by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Last Love by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- When Love Is Lost by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Two Rooms by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Genres
- Romance — The central theme revolves around a deep, passionate love and the emotional turmoil associated with it.
- Tragedy — The narrative culminates in the protagonist's tragic death, driven by unrequited love and despair.
- Poetry — The work is written in a poetic form, with a focus on lyrical expression and emotional depth.
- Drama — The story contains dramatic elements, including intense emotional conflicts and a climactic resolution.
Tags
Romance · Tragedy · Love Story · Death · Grief · Loss · Mourning · Sorrow · Heartbreak · Longing · Yearning · Separation