Presumption by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The story revolves around a romantic triangle involving three main characters: Janet, a beautiful and kind-hearted woman; John, a wealthy businessman who is in love with Janet; and Laura, John's fiancée who is cunning and manipulative. The novel explores themes of love, deception, and social class as the characters navigate their complex relationships with each other.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1886 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Inspirational · 295 words
First lines
Whenever I am prone to doubt or wonder- I check myself, and say, "That mighty One Who made the solar system cannot blunder- And for the best all things are being done. " Who set the stars on their eternal courses Has fashioned this strange earth by some sure plan. Bow low, bow low to those majestic forces, Nor dare to doubt their wisdom, puny man.
You cannot put one little star in motion, You cannot shape one single forest leaf, Nor fling a mountain up, nor sink an ocean, Presumptuous pigmy, large with unbelief. You cannot bring one dawn of regal splendour, Nor bid the day to shadowy twilight fall, Nor send the pale moon forth with radiance tender- And dare you doubt the One who has done all?
What this Textopian page supports
Presumption 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, Philosophical, Inspirational, Religious
- Length: 295 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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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.
- Philosophical — The themes explore existential questions and the nature of belief and doubt.
- Inspirational — The content encourages a positive outlook and faith in a higher power.
- Religious — The text references a divine creator and discusses themes of faith and divine wisdom.
Tags
Romance · Fiction · Novel · Classic · Literature · American Literature · Women Authors · Poetic Prose · Philosophical Themes · Psychological Insight · Character Study · Social Commentary