The Land of the Gone-Away-Souls
The story revolves around a young woman who dies and finds herself in the Land of the Gone-Away-Souls, where she encounters various individuals from different eras and backgrounds. She meets a guide who explains that this realm is for those who died with unfulfilled desires or unfinished business on earth. The protagonist learns about the lives and stories of the people she meets, including a poet, a musician, a lover, and others. Through her journey, the young woman comes to terms with her own life and death, realizing that she had been unhappy and unfulfilled in her earthly existence. She eventually finds peace and is able to move on from the Land of the Gone-Away-Souls.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1909 · Genre: Poetry, Spiritual, Philosophical · 326 words
First lines
Oh! that is a beautiful land I wis, The land of the Gone-Away Souls. Yes, a lovelier region by far than this (Though this is a world most fair), The goodliest goal of all good goals, Else why do our friends stay there? I walk in a world that is sweet with friends, And earth I have ever held dear; Yes, love with duty and beauty blends, To render the earth plane bright. But faster and faster, year on year My comrades hurry from sight.
They hurry away to the Over-There, And few of them say Farewell. Yes, they go away with a secret air As if on a secret quest. And they come not back to the earth to tell Why that land seems the best.
What this Textopian page supports
The Land of the Gone-Away-Souls is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1909 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: 1909 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Spiritual, Philosophical, Fantasy, Inspirational
- Length: 326 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Land of the Gone-Away-Souls by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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- The Land Between by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
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- The Nameless by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
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- The Depths by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Genres
- Poetry — The text is written in verse form with a rhythmic and lyrical quality.
- Spiritual — The themes revolve around the afterlife, the soul, and a mystical realm.
- Philosophical — The work contemplates existential questions and the nature of life and death.
- Fantasy — The narrative describes an otherworldly place that exists beyond the physical realm.
Tags
Poetry · Spirituality · Philosophy · Death · Afterlife · Soul · Mystery · Supernatural · Fantasy · Imagery · Symbolism · Allegory