The Price He Paid by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem tells the story of a man who sacrifices his own happiness and well-being for the sake of his loved one. He gives up his wealth, youth, and freedom to ensure her comfort and security. Despite his sacrifices, she does not appreciate or reciprocate his love, leaving him lonely and heartbroken. The poem explores themes of unrequited love, sacrifice, and the consequences of selfless devotion.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1906 · Genre: Poetry, Drama, Tragedy · 564 words
First lines
I SAID I would have my fling, / And do what a young man may; / And I didn't believe a thing / That the parsons have to say. / I didn't believe in a God / That gives us blood like fire, / Then flings us into hell because / We answer the call of desire.
And I said: ‘Religion is rot, / And the laws of the world are nil; / For the bad man is he who is caught / And cannot foot his bill. / And there is no place called hell; / And heaven is only a truth / When a man has his way with a maid, / In the fresh keen hour of youth.
What this Textopian page supports
The Price He Paid is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1906 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: 1906 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Drama, Tragedy, Philosophical Fiction, Social Commentary
- Length: 564 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Price He Paid 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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Genres
- Poetry — The text is written in verse form with a clear rhyme scheme and meter.
- Drama — The narrative explores intense emotional and moral conflicts, particularly around themes of sin, guilt, and retribution.
- Tragedy — The story involves the downfall of the protagonist due to his own actions, leading to suffering and loss.
- Philosophical Fiction — The work delves into existential questions about religion, morality, and the consequences of one's actions.
Tags
Poetry · Romance · Tragedy · Love Story · Heartbreak · Sacrifice · Drama · Emotional · Intense · Passionate · Melancholic · Reflective