The New Commandment
The poem explores the idea that the traditional commandment "Thou shalt not kill" should be expanded to include a prohibition on killing one's own spirit and individuality through conformity and societal pressure. The speaker argues that people are often forced to suppress their true selves in order to fit in with others, and that this can be a form of spiritual death.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1888 · Genre: Poetry, Inspirational, Religious · 225 words
First lines
‘_Let go the Cross_'-GERTRUDE RUNSHON.
I heard a strange voice in the distance calling As from a star an echo might be falling.
It spoke four syllables, concise and brief, Charged with a God-sent message of relief:
_Let go the cross_! Oh, you who cling to sorrow, Hark to the new command and comfort borrow.
What this Textopian page supports
The New Commandment is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1888 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: 1888 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Inspirational, Religious, Philosophical
- Length: 225 words
- Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The New Commandment 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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Genres
- Poetry — The text is written in verse form with a rhythmic and rhyming structure.
- Inspirational — The themes focus on uplifting messages, encouraging readers to let go of sorrow and embrace love and hope.
- Religious — The content references religious concepts such as the cross, Paradise, and the Master, indicating a spiritual or religious undertone.
- Philosophical — The text explores deep philosophical ideas about life, suffering, and the creation of heaven and hell through human emotions.
Tags
Christianity · Religion · Spirituality · Philosophy · Inspirational · Motivational · Poetry · American Literature · Early 20th Century · Romanticism · Love · Relationships