Neutral by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the theme of a person's struggle to reconcile their desire for individuality and autonomy with the societal expectations placed upon them. The speaker describes feeling suffocated by the demands of others, longing to break free from the constraints of conventional norms and forge their own path in life. Through the use of metaphor and imagery, the poem conveys the tension between conformity and self-expression, highlighting the difficulties of navigating these conflicting desires.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1898 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Social Commentary · 166 words
First lines
That pale word ‘Neutral' sits becomingly / On lips of weaklings. But the men whose brains / Find fuel in their blood, the men whose minds / Hold sympathetic converse with their hearts, / Such men are never neutral. That word stands / Unsexed and impotent in Realms of Speech.
When mighty problems face a startled world / No virile man is neutral. Right or wrong / His thoughts go forth, assertive, unafraid / To stand by his convictions, and to do / Their part in shaping issues to an end. / Silence may guard the door of useless words, / At dictate of Discretion; but to stand / Without opinions in a world which needs / Constructive thinking, is a coward's part.
What this Textopian page supports
Neutral is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1898 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: 1898 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Social Commentary, Inspirational, Political
- Length: 166 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Neutral 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
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Similar titles
- Which Are You by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- The Traveller by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- The Speech Of Silence by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- An Inspiration by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- What We Need by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- My Prayer by Henry David Thoreau
Genres
- Poetry — The text is written in verse form with a focus on rhythm and meter.
- Philosophical — The themes explore deep questions about neutrality, conviction, and the human condition.
- Social Commentary — The work critiques societal attitudes towards neutrality and engagement in important issues.
- Inspirational — The text encourages assertiveness and taking a stand on important matters.
Tags
Philosophy · Poetry · Spirituality · Self-Discovery · Mindfulness · Inner-Strength · Motivation · Inspiration · Personal-Growth · Wellness · Mental-Health · Emotional-Intelligence