The Coquette by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The story revolves around a young and beautiful woman who uses her charms to manipulate men, only to realize that she has lost the one true love of her life. The protagonist's coquettish nature leads her to toy with the emotions of several men, but ultimately, she is left alone, regretful and heartbroken.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1899 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Tragedy · 194 words
First lines
Alone she sat with her accusing heart, That, like a restless comrade, frightened sleep, And every thought that found her left a dart That hurt her so, she could not even weep.
Her heart that once had been a cup well filled With love's red wine, save for some drops of gall, She knew was empty; though it had not spilled Its sweets for one, but wasted them on all.
She stood upon the grave of her dead truth, And saw her soul's bright armour red with rust, And knew that all the riches of her youth Were Dead Sea apples, crumbling into dust.
What this Textopian page supports
The Coquette is listed on Textopian as a poem 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: Poem
- Author: Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Date: 1899 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romance, Tragedy, Drama, Psychological Fiction
- Length: 194 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Coquette by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
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Discussion starters
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- How does this poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Similar titles
- Souls Belated by Edith Wharton
- Honeymoon Scene From The Drama Of Mizpah by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- The Pretext by Edith Wharton
- Life by Edith Wharton
- The Egoists by Edith Nesbit
- False by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse form with a focus on rhythm and meter.
- Romance — Themes of love, heartbreak, and emotional turmoil are central to the narrative.
- Tragedy — The protagonist experiences profound sorrow and regret, leading to a tragic outlook on life.
- Drama — The emotional intensity and personal conflict drive the narrative forward.
Tags
Romance · Novel · Classic · Literary Fiction · American Literature · 19th Century · Women Authors · Feminism · Social Commentary · Marriage · Love Triangle · Relationships