The Crimes of Peace by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the idea that a life of peace and tranquility can be just as damaging as one of war and violence. The speaker argues that a lack of conflict or struggle can lead to stagnation, complacency, and a loss of vitality. The poem suggests that it is through adversity and hardship that individuals are able to grow, learn, and truly live.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1915 · Genre: Poetry, Social Criticism, Philosophical Literature · 770 words
First lines
Musing upon the tragedies of earth, / Of each new horror which each hour gives birth, / Of sins that scar and cruelties that blight / Life's little season, meant for man's delight, / Methought those monstrous and repellent crimes / Which hate engenders in war-heated times, / To God's great heart bring not so much despair / As other sins which flourish everywhere / And in all times-bold sins, bare-faced and proud, / Unchecked by college, and by Church allowed, / Lifting their lusty heads like ugly weeds / Above wise precepts and religious creeds, / And growing rank in prosperous days of peace.
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse form with a focus on rhythm and meter.
- Social Criticism — The themes revolve around societal issues, moral decay, and the contrast between peace and war.
- Philosophical Literature — The text delves into deep reflections on human nature, morality, and the divine perspective.
- Religious Literature — There are numerous references to God, divine judgment, and religious themes.
Tags
Poetry · Philosophy · Social Commentary · War Criticism · Pacifism · Anti-War · Human Nature · Morality · Ethics · Societal Issues · Critique of Society · Free Verse
What this Textopian page supports
The Crimes of Peace is listed on Textopian as a short story by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1915 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: 1915 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Social Criticism, Philosophical Literature, Religious Literature, Political Literature
- Length: 770 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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