The Other by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the idea that every individual has a darker, more sinister counterpart within themselves, which can emerge and take control under certain circumstances. The speaker describes this alternate self as "the other," implying a sense of duality and inner conflict. Throughout the poem, the speaker grapples with the existence of this darker half, acknowledging its presence and power while also expressing a desire to suppress or overcome it.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1912 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Drama · 401 words
First lines
All alone with my heart to-night I sit, and wonder, and sigh. What is she like, is she dark, or light, This other woman who has the right To love him better than I?
We never have spoken her name, we two; There was no need somehow, But she lives, and loves, and her heart is true; From the very first this much I knew, So why should it hurt me now.
What this Textopian page supports
The Other is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1912 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: 1912 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romance, Drama, Psychological Fiction, Women's Fiction
- Length: 401 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- Londons Voices Speak To Two Souls Who Thus Reply by Edith Nesbit
- In Thousand Forms by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
- Alice Book Ii by Edward Bulwer Lytton
- Royal Prayer by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
- Through Dim Eyes by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- A Vision by Oscar Wilde
Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Romance — The themes revolve around love, longing, and emotional conflict.
- Drama — The narrative explores intense personal emotions and relationships.
- Psychological Fiction — The focus is on the internal thoughts and feelings of the protagonist.
Tags
Poetry · Philosophical · Spiritual · Mystical · Romantic · Idealistic · Metaphysical · Esoteric · Occult · Supernatural · Paranormal · Fantasy