Rubies by Ella Wheeler Wilcox (1883)
The poem explores the theme of unrequited love and the consequences of societal expectations on individual desires. The narrator describes a woman who has been forced to marry a wealthy old man instead of her true love, a poor but passionate young man. The poem contrasts the dull, loveless life she leads with her husband, surrounded by material wealth, with the vibrant, passionate life she could have had with her true love.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1883 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Drama · 20 words
First lines
The crimson life-drops from a virgin heart Pierced to the core by Cupid's fatal dart.
What this Textopian page supports
Rubies is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1883 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: 1883 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romance, Drama, Classics
- Length: 20 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Rubies 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
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Rubies?
- How does this poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Sympathy by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Valentine by Edna St Vincent Millay
- Love Is Not Blind by Edna St Vincent Millay
- The Trio by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- The Greater Love by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Not To Me by Edna St Vincent Millay
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse and employs poetic devices.
- Romance — The central theme revolves around love and emotional experiences.
- Drama — The narrative involves intense emotional and relational conflicts.
- Classics — The writing style and themes are characteristic of classic literature.
Tags
Romance · Poetry · Love · Relationships · Emotions · Passion · Desire · Longing · Heartbreak · Sorrow · Grief · Loss