Over the May Hill
The poem explores the theme of nostalgia and longing for a past love that has been lost. The speaker describes a scenic landscape, with the May Hill in the distance, and reflects on memories of a romantic encounter that took place there. The tone is melancholic and introspective, with the speaker yearning for a return to the past and a reunion with the beloved.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1896 · Genre: Poetry, Romantic, Tragedy · 408 words
First lines
All through the night time, and all through the day time, Dreading the morning and dreading the night, Nearer and nearer we drift to the May time Season of beauty and season of blight, Leaves on the linden, and sun on the meadow, Green in the garden, and bloom everywhere, Gloom in my heart, and a terrible shadow, Walks by me, sits by me, stands by my chair.
What this Textopian page supports
Over the May Hill is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1896 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: 1896 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romantic, Tragedy, Nature, Philosophical
- Length: 408 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Over the May Hill by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Romantic — Themes of love and loss are central to the narrative.
- Tragedy — The poem deals with the impending death of a loved one, creating a somber and tragic tone.
- Nature — Frequent references to natural elements like seasons, meadows, and birds are present.
Tags
Poetry · Romance · Nature · Imagery · Symbolism · Spring · Seasonal · Love · Longing · Melancholy · Nostalgia · Rural Life