Intermediary by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The story revolves around a woman who dies and returns to earth as an intermediary between the living and the dead. She is tasked with helping her husband, who has remarried, and his new wife, who is suffering from a terminal illness. Through her interactions with them, she learns about their lives and relationships, and ultimately helps them find peace and redemption.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1901 · Genre: Poetry, Spirituality, Animal Rights · 416 words
First lines
When from the prison of its body free, My soul shall soar, before it goes to Thee, Thou great Creator, give it power to know The language of all sad, dumb things below. And let me dwell a season still on earth Before I rise to some diviner birth: Invisible to men, yet seen and heard, And understood by sorrowing beast and bird- Invisible to men, yet always near, To whisper counsel in the human ear: And with a spell to stay the hunter's hand And stir his heart to know and understand; To plant within the dull or thoughtless mind The great religious impulse to be kind.
What this Textopian page supports
Intermediary is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1901 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: 1901 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Spirituality, Animal Rights, Philosophy, Nature
- Length: 416 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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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 focus on rhythm and meter.
- Spirituality — Themes of the soul, afterlife, and divine mission are central to the text.
- Animal Rights — The narrative emphasizes empathy and understanding towards animals.
- Philosophy — Explores deep questions about existence, morality, and the interconnectedness of life.
Tags
Romance · Fiction · Novel · American Literature · 19th Century · Love Story · Spiritualism · Psychic Phenomena · Mystery · Supernatural · Fantasy · Esoteric