If I Were a Man, a Young Man
The poem explores the idea of a woman imagining herself as a man, free to pursue her desires and ambitions without societal constraints. She fantasizes about being a young man, unencumbered by the limitations imposed on women during that era. The speaker describes the freedom and power she would experience if she were a man, highlighting the injustices and inequalities faced by women at the time.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1913 · Genre: Poetry, Inspirational, Philosophical · 486 words
First lines
If I were a man, a young man, and knew what I know to-day, / I would look in the eyes of Life undaunted / By any Fate that might threaten me. / I would give to the world what the world most wanted- / Manhood that knows it can do and be; / Courage that dares, and faith that can see / Clear into the depths of the human soul, / And find God there, and the ultimate goal, / If I were a man, a young man, and knew what I know to-day.
What this Textopian page supports
If I Were a Man, a Young Man is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1913 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: 1913 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Inspirational, Philosophical, Self-Help, Motivational
- Length: 486 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for If I Were a Man, a Young Man 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
- The Empty Bowl by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- A Womans Answer by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Thy Ship by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Womanhood by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- I Too by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Experience by Edith Wharton
Genres
- Poetry — The text is written in verse form with a rhythmic and lyrical quality.
- Inspirational — The themes focus on self-improvement, courage, and achieving one's potential.
- Philosophical — The work explores deep questions about life, purpose, and human nature.
- Self-Help — The text provides guidance and advice on how to live a fulfilling life.
Tags
Feminism · Social Commentary · Gender Roles · Societal Expectations · Poetry · Philosophical · Thought-Provoking · Imaginative · Speculative Fiction · Alternative Perspective · Empathy · Understanding