The Rainbow of Promise
The story revolves around a romantic triangle between three characters: a wealthy and arrogant man, a beautiful and kind-hearted woman, and a poor but talented poet. The woman is initially engaged to the wealthy man but eventually falls in love with the poet. As their relationship deepens, the wealthy man's arrogance and possessiveness drive him to attempt to destroy the poet's reputation. Meanwhile, the poet struggles with his own feelings of inadequacy due to his poverty. Ultimately, the woman must choose between her duty to the wealthy man and her love for the poet.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1909 · Genre: Poetry, Patriotic, Inspirational · 184 words
First lines
In the face of the sun are great thunderbolts hurled, And the storm-clouds have shut out its light; But a Rainbow of Promise now shines on the world, And the universe thrills at the sight.
'Tis the flag of our Union, the red, white, and blue, Our Star-spangled Banner-our pride; Fair symbol of all that is noble and true, Flung out over continents wide.
Flung out in its glory o'er land and o'er sea, With a message from God in each star; And a glorious promise of peace yet to be In the fluttering folds of each bar.
A Rainbow of Promise, bright emblem of hope, Fair flag of each cause that is just; No longer in doubt or in darkness we grope- In the Star-spangled Banner we trust.
What this Textopian page supports
The Rainbow of Promise is listed on Textopian as a short story by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1909 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: 1909 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Patriotic, Inspirational, Historical
- Length: 184 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Rainbow of Promise by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Rainbow of Promise?
- How does this short story by Ella Wheeler Wilcox fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Similar titles
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- An Answer by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Gods Answer by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse with a rhythmic and rhyming pattern.
- Patriotic — The themes revolve around national pride and the symbolism of the flag.
- Inspirational — The poem conveys messages of hope and promise.
- Historical — References to the flag and its significance suggest a historical context.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · Christianity · Spirituality · Inspirational · Motivational · Optimism · Hope · Faith · Religion · Philosophy · Meditation