The Play by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the theme of a theatrical performance where actors play their roles with varying degrees of sincerity and authenticity. The speaker describes the artificiality of the stage, where players pretend to be someone they are not, and the audience is deceived into believing the illusion. The poem critiques the superficiality of the theatrical world, suggesting that even the most convincing performances are ultimately fake.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1908 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Drama · 352 words
First lines
In the rosy light of my day's fair morning, Ere ever a storm cloud darkened the west, Ere even a shadow of night gave warning When life seemed only a pleasure quest, Why then all humour and comedy scorning -- I liked high tragedy best.
I liked the challenge, the fierce fought duel, With a death or a parting in every act. I liked the villain to be more cruel Than the basest villain could be in fact: For it fed the fires of my mind with the fuel Of the things that my life lacked.
What this Textopian page supports
The Play is listed on Textopian as a short story by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1908 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Date: 1908 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Drama, Autobiographical, Literary
- Length: 352 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Play 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 Play?
- How does this short story by Ella Wheeler Wilcox fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse form with a focus on rhythm and meter.
- Philosophical — The themes explore deep reflections on life, sorrow, and the human condition.
- Drama — The content discusses elements of tragedy and comedy, central to dramatic literature.
- Autobiographical — The narrative voice reflects personal experiences and emotional growth over time.
Tags
Drama · Romance · Theatre · Performance · Acting · Love Story · Tragedy · Melodrama · Victorian Era · Social Class · Marriage · Infidelity