The Call by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the theme of a romantic relationship where the speaker is drawn to someone they know is bad for them. The "call" refers to an irresistible attraction that the speaker cannot resist despite knowing it will lead to heartache and pain. The poem describes the intense longing and passion the speaker feels, as well as their awareness of the potential consequences of giving in to these desires.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1908 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Inspirational · 211 words
First lines
_In the banquet hall of Progress_ _God has bidden to a feast_ _All the women in the East_.
Some have said ‘We are not ready,- We must wait another day. ' Some, with voices clear and steady, ‘Lord, we hear, and we obey.'
Others, timid and uncertain, Step forth trembling in the light, Many hide behind the curtain With their faces hid from sight.
_In the banquet hall of Progress_ _All must gather soon or late_, _And the patient Host will wait_.
What this Textopian page supports
The Call is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1908 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: 1908 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Inspirational, Religious, Social Commentary
- Length: 211 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Call 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 The Call?
- 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
- Come Near by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- A Little Song by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- The Heights by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- The Cure by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- The Depths by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- The Land Between by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Philosophical — The themes explore deep questions about progress, duty, and human nature.
- Inspirational — The text aims to motivate and inspire individuals to take action and fulfill their roles.
- Religious — The work references a divine host and contains spiritual undertones.
Tags
Romance · Poetry · Love · Nature · Spirituality · Mystery · Supernatural · Fantasy · Dreams · Visions · Psychological · Philosophical