The Jealous Gods
The story revolves around a romantic triangle between three characters: a wealthy and arrogant man, a beautiful and innocent woman, and a poor but talented poet. The man and the poet are rivals for the woman's affection, with the poet ultimately winning her heart. However, their happiness is short-lived as the jealous gods intervene, causing tragedy to befall them.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1905 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Tragedy · 185 words
First lines
‘Oh life is wonderful,' she said, ‘And all my world is bright; Can Paradise show fairer skies, Or more effulgent light? ' (Speak lower, lower, mortal heart, The jealous gods may hear.)
She turned for answer; but his gaze Cut past her like a lance, And shone like flame on one who came With radiant glance for glance. (You spoke too loud, O mortal heart, The jealous gods were near.)
They walked through green and sunlit ways; And yet the earth seemed black, For there were three, where two should be; So runs the world, alack. (The listening gods, the jealous gods, They want no Edens here.)
What this Textopian page supports
The Jealous Gods is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1905 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: 1905 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romance, Tragedy, Mythology, Philosophy
- Length: 185 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Jealous Gods 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
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Jealous Gods?
- How does this poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Romance — The themes revolve around love and relationships, as indicated by the interactions between characters.
- Tragedy — The narrative hints at inevitable sorrow and conflict, influenced by external forces like the 'jealous gods'.
- Mythology — References to 'jealous gods' suggest an influence of mythological elements and themes.
Tags
Romance · Poetry · Philosophy · Spirituality · Religion · Gods · Jealousy · Human Nature · Emotions · Psychology · Self-Discovery · Inspirational