Plea to Science by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the theme of a woman's desire for freedom and autonomy in a patriarchal society. The speaker addresses Science, personifying it as a powerful entity that can bring about change. She pleads with Science to help her overcome the limitations imposed on her by societal norms and expectations. Through the use of metaphor and imagery, the poem conveys the speaker's frustration, desperation, and longing for independence.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1886 · Genre: Poetry, Religious, Philosophical · 408 words
First lines
O Science, reaching backward through the distance, / Most earnest child of God, / Exposing all the secrets of existence, / With thy divining rod, / I bid thee speed up to the heights supernal, / Clear thinker, ne'er sufficed; / Go seek and bind the laws and truths eternal, / But leave me Christ.
Upon the vanity of pious sages / Let in the light of day; / Break down the superstitions of all ages- / Thrust bigotry away; / Stride on, and bid all stubborn foes defiance, / Let Truth and Reason reign: / But I beseech thee, O Immortal Science, / Let Christ remain.
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse form with a rhythmic and lyrical quality.
- Religious — The themes revolve around faith, spirituality, and the figure of Christ.
- Philosophical — The text explores deep questions about existence, truth, and the role of science versus religion.
- Inspirational — The work seeks to inspire and provide comfort through its religious and philosophical reflections.
Tags
Philosophy · Science · Spirituality · Free Verse Poetry · American Literature · Women Authors · 19th Century · Poetic Essay · Rational Thinking · Emotional Appeal · Moral Dilemma · Human Condition
What this Textopian page supports
Plea to Science is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1886 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: 1886 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Religious, Philosophical, Inspirational, Literary
- Length: 408 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for Plea to Science by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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