The Punished by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the consequences of sin and guilt through the story of a woman who has committed adultery. The narrator describes how the woman's beauty and charm have faded, replaced by shame and despair. Her lover has abandoned her, and she is left alone to suffer the punishment of her actions. The poem suggests that sin will inevitably lead to suffering and that those who transgress moral laws will be punished.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1899 · Genre: Poetry, Psychological, Philosophical · 134 words
First lines
Not they who know the awful gibbet's anguish, Not they who, while sad years go by them, in The sunless cells of lonely prisons languish, Do suffer fullest penalty for sin.
'Tis they who walk the highways unsuspected, Yet with grim fear for ever at their side, Who hug the corpse of some sin undetected, A corpse no grave or coffin-lid can hide-
'Tis they who are in their own chambers haunted By thoughts that like unbidden guests intrude, And sit down, uninvited and unwanted, And make a nightmare of the solitude.
What this Textopian page supports
The Punished is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1899 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: 1899 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Psychological, Philosophical, Drama, Crime
- Length: 134 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse form, employing rhyme and meter.
- Psychological — The themes revolve around internal torment and mental anguish.
- Philosophical — The text explores deep questions about guilt, sin, and punishment.
- Drama — The narrative is intense and emotionally charged, focusing on human suffering.
Tags
Romance · Tragedy · Drama · Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Gothic Fiction · Dark Fantasy · Supernatural · Mystery · Thriller · Horror