The Duel by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem tells the story of a duel between two men who were once friends but are now bitter enemies. The narrator describes the scene and the emotions of the duelists, emphasizing the senselessness and tragedy of their conflict. As they prepare to shoot each other, the narrator intervenes, urging them to reconsider and make amends. In the end, one of the men is killed, and the survivor is left to mourn the loss of his former friend.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1889 · Genre: Romantic Poetry, Gothic Fiction, Psychological Drama · 509 words
First lines
Oh many a duel the world has seen That was bitter with hate, that was red with gore, But I sing of a duel by far more cruel Than ever by poet was sung before. It was waged by night, yea by day and by night, With never a pause or halt or rest, And the curious spot where this battle was fought Was the throbbing heart in a woman's breast.
There met two rivals in deadly strife, And they fought for this woman so pale and proud. One was a man in the prime of life, And one was a corpse in a moldy shroud; One wrapped in a sheet from his head to his feet, The other one clothed in worldly fashion; But a rival to dread is a man who is dead, If he has been loved in life with passion.
What this Textopian page supports
The Duel is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1889 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: 1889 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Romantic Poetry, Gothic Fiction, Psychological Drama, Tragic Romance, Narrative Poetry
- Length: 509 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Romantic Poetry — The central theme revolves around love and passion, expressed through poetic verses.
- Gothic Fiction — The presence of a dead lover and the eerie atmosphere contribute to a gothic tone.
- Psychological Drama — The internal conflict and emotional struggle of the woman are key elements.
- Tragic Romance — The narrative involves elements of tragedy intertwined with romantic elements.
Tags
Romance · Drama · Tragedy · Love Triangle · Marriage · Infidelity · Deception · Betrayal · Revenge · Duelling · Victorian Era · Social Class