Is It Done? by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the theme of a person's life work being completed and their subsequent reflection on its significance. The speaker describes their life's endeavor as a "great unfinished masterpiece" that has finally been brought to fruition. They express a sense of relief, accomplishment, and detachment from worldly concerns. The poem also touches on the idea of mortality, with the speaker seeming to accept their own impending death, knowing that their work will outlast them.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1887 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Drama · 361 words
First lines
It is done! in the fire's fitful flashes, The last line has withered and curled. In a tiny white heap of dead ashes Lie buried the hopes of your world. There were mad foolish vows in each letter, It is well they have shrivelled and burned, And the ring! oh, the ring was a fetter, It was better removed and returned.
But ah, is it done? In the embers Where letters and tokens were cast, Have you burned up the heart that remembers, And treasures its beautiful past? Do you think in this swift reckless fashion To ruthlessly burn and destroy The months that were freighted with passion, The dreams that were drunken with joy?
What this Textopian page supports
Is It Done? is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1887 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: 1887 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romance, Drama, Tragedy
- Length: 361 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is written in verse form with a focus on rhythm and meter.
- Romance — The themes revolve around love, passion, and emotional turmoil.
- Drama — The narrative explores intense emotional experiences and personal conflicts.
- Tragedy — The work deals with themes of loss, sorrow, and the end of a significant relationship.
Tags
Poetry · Romance · Love · Relationships · Marriage · Heartbreak · Longing · Desire · Passion · Emotional · Introspective · Philosophical