In France I Saw a Hill by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem's narrator recounts a transformative experience of witnessing a hill in France that stirred deep emotions and introspection. The hill serves as a catalyst for the narrator to confront their past, acknowledging the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death. Through this epiphany, the narrator undergoes a spiritual awakening, embracing the beauty and simplicity of existence.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1890 · Genre: Poetry, War Literature, Elegy · 277 words
First lines
In France I saw a hill-a gentle slope / Rising above old tombs to greet the gleam / From soft spring skies. Beyond these skies dwells hope, / But those green graves bespeak a broken dream.
There was a row of narrow beds, new-made; / Each bore a starry banner and a cross. / And each the name of one who, ere he played / His rôle of warrior, met earth's final loss.
They were so young, so eager for the fray! / And thoughts of glory filled each boyish heart, / When over dangerous seas they sailed away / To face the foe and play some splendid part.
What this Textopian page supports
In France I Saw a Hill is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1890 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: 1890 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, War Literature, Elegy, Historical, Philosophical
- Length: 277 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for In France I Saw a Hill by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is written in verse form with a structured rhyme scheme and meter.
- War Literature — The themes revolve around war, soldiers, and the impact of conflict.
- Elegy — The poem mourns the loss of young soldiers and reflects on their unfulfilled potential.
- Historical — The setting and context are tied to a specific historical event, likely World War I.
Tags
Travelogue · Memoir · Autobiographical · Non-Fiction · Early 20th Century · American Literature · Women Writers · Travel Writing · France · European Travel · Personal Narrative · Historical Account