The Deadliest Sin by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the idea that the deadliest sin is not one of the traditional seven deadly sins, but rather the lack of self-expression and individuality. The speaker argues that people are often forced to conform to societal norms and suppress their true selves in order to fit in, leading to a kind of spiritual death.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1885 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Religious · 545 words
First lines
There are not many sins when once we sift them. / In actions of evolving human souls / Striving to reach high goals / And falling backward into dust and mire, / Some element we find that seems to lift them / Above our condemnation-even higher / Into the realm of pity and compassion. / So beauteous a thing as love itself can fashion / A chain of sins; descending to desire, / It wanders into dangerous paths, and leads / To most unholy deeds, / And light-struck, walks in madness toward the night.
What this Textopian page supports
The Deadliest Sin is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1885 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: 1885 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Religious, Psychological, Literary
- Length: 545 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Deadliest Sin 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
Similar titles
- Alls Well by John Greenleaf Whittier
- The Sword by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Loves Torments by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
- Gracia by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Drouth by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Dutys Path by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Philosophical — The themes explore deep existential and moral questions about sin, faith, and the human condition.
- Religious — The text discusses concepts of sin, faith, and divine judgment, reflecting religious themes.
- Psychological — The work delves into the mental and emotional states associated with sin and belief.
Tags
Romance · Tragedy · Drama · Poetry · Philosophical · Psychological · Dark · Moody · Gothic · Victorian · Era-specific · Social commentary