The Falling of Thrones
The poem explores the theme of social class and the fleeting nature of power and wealth. It describes a lavish banquet where aristocrats and wealthy individuals gather to flaunt their opulence, but amidst the festivities, the narrator foresees their downfall. The poem suggests that those who have attained greatness through unjust means will eventually fall from their thrones, and that true greatness comes not from material possessions or social status, but from virtue and noble deeds.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1896 · Genre: Political Poetry, Social Commentary, Philosophical Poetry · 240 words
First lines
Above the din of commerce, above the clamour and rattle Of labour disputing with riches, of Anarchists' threats and groans, Above the hurry and hustle and roar of that bloodless battle, Where men are fighting for riches, I hear the falling of thrones.
I see no savage host, I hear no martial drumming, But down in the dust at our feet lie the useless crowns of kings; And the mighty spirit of Progress is steadily coming, coming, And the flag of one republic abroad to the world he flings.
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The Falling of Thrones is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1896 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: 1896 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Political Poetry, Social Commentary, Philosophical Poetry, Historical Poetry, Inspirational Poetry
- Length: 240 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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Genres
- Political Poetry — The poem addresses themes of political change, the fall of monarchies, and the rise of a republic.
- Social Commentary — It critiques social structures, wealth disparity, and the concept of inherited power.
- Philosophical Poetry — It explores philosophical ideas about progress, worth, and the nature of true royalty.
- Historical Poetry — It references historical shifts in power and the decline of traditional monarchies.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · Romance · Tragedy · Drama · Historical Fiction · Medieval · Kingdoms · Power Struggle · Royalty · Nobility · Warfare