In France I Saw a Hill
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.
But in the tedious toil, the dull routine Which must precede achievement on the field, Disease, that secret enemy with mean Sly tactics, forced them to disarm and yield.
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)
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- 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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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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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