The Captive by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The story revolves around a young woman who is forced into marriage with a wealthy and elderly man to save her family from financial ruin. She eventually falls in love with a poet who is a friend of her husband's, leading to a tragic love triangle. The novel explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the constraints placed on women during that time period.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1899 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Drama · 249 words
First lines
My lady is robed for the ball to-night, All in a shimmer and silken sheen. She glides down the stairs like a thing of light, The ballroom's beautiful queen.
Priceless gems on her bosom glow -- Half hid by laces a queen might wear. Robed is she, as befits, you know, The wife of a millionaire.
Gliding along at her liege lord's side, Out-shining all in that company, Into the mind of the old man's bride There creeps a curious simile.
She thinks how once in the Long Ago, A beautiful captive, all aflame With jewels that weighed her down like woe, Close in the wake of her captor came.
What this Textopian page supports
The Captive is listed on Textopian as a short story by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1899 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Date: 1899 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romance, Drama, Historical Fiction, Social Commentary
- Length: 249 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Captive 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 Captive?
- How does this short story by Ella Wheeler Wilcox fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse form with a focus on rhythm and meter.
- Romance — Themes of love and marriage are central to the narrative.
- Drama — The emotional conflict and inner turmoil of the protagonist are key elements.
- Historical Fiction — References to historical figures and events, such as Zenobia, are present.
Tags
Romance · Poetry · Love · Captivity · Freedom · Longing · Sorrow · Melancholy · Heartbreak · Separation · Yearning · Pain