The Birth of Jealousy by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the theme of jealousy and its destructive power in a romantic relationship. It describes how a loving partnership turns sour when one partner becomes consumed by jealousy, leading to accusations, mistrust, and ultimately, the demise of love. The speaker reflects on the birth of this jealousy, tracing it back to a careless word or glance that sparked the flame of suspicion.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1895 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Mythology · 575 words
First lines
With brooding mien and sultry eyes, / Outside the gates of Paradise / Eve sat, and fed the faggot flame / That lit the path whence Adam came. / (Strange are the workings of a woman's mind.)
His giant shade preceded him, / Along the pathway green, and dim; / She heard his swift approaching tread, / But still she sat with drooping head. / (Dark are the jungles of unhappy thought.)
He kissed her mouth, and gazed within / Her troubled eyes; for since their sin, / His love had grown a thousand fold. / But Eve drew back; her face was cold. / (Oh, who can read the cipher of a soul.)
What this Textopian page supports
The Birth of Jealousy is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1895 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: 1895 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romance, Mythology, Drama, Psychological Fiction
- Length: 575 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Birth of Jealousy by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse form with a focus on rhythm and meter.
- Romance — The central theme revolves around the relationship between Adam and Eve and the emotional turmoil of jealousy.
- Mythology — The narrative is based on the biblical story of Adam and Eve, incorporating mythological elements like Lilith.
- Drama — The intense emotional conflict and dialogue between characters create a dramatic atmosphere.
Tags
Romance · Poetry · Love · Jealousy · Relationships · Emotions · Psychology · Human Nature · Passion · Obsession · Possessiveness · Insecurity