The Duet by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the theme of a romantic relationship between two individuals who are deeply in love. The speaker describes their union as a harmonious duet, with their voices blending together in perfect harmony. They emphasize the joy and beauty that their love brings to their lives, using musical metaphors to convey the depth of their emotions.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1889 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Drama · 495 words
First lines
I was smoking a cigarette; Maud, my wife, and the tenor, McKey, Were singing together a blithe duet, And days it were better I should forget Came suddenly back to me -- Days when life seemed a gay masque ball, And to love and be loved was the sum of it all.
As they sang together, the whole scene fled, The room's rich hangings, the sweet home air, Stately Maud, with her proud blond head, And I seemed to see in her place instead A wealth of blue-black hair, And a face, ah! your face -- yours, Lisette; A face it were wiser I should forget.
What this Textopian page supports
The Duet 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: Poetry, Romance, Drama, Literary Fiction
- Length: 495 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Duet by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Duet?
- How does this poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Two by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Un Rencontre by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
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- Reunited by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse form, with a focus on rhythm, meter, and lyrical quality.
- Romance — The central theme revolves around love, relationships, and emotional connections.
- Drama — The narrative explores intense emotional experiences and personal conflicts.
- Literary Fiction — The writing style emphasizes artistic expression and explores complex human emotions and situations.
Tags
Romance · Poetry · Love · Relationships · Marriage · Partnership · Union · Togetherness · Harmony · Balance · Soulmates · Twin Flames