The Signboard by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the theme of lost love and regret. The narrator reflects on a past relationship that has ended, and how they failed to appreciate their partner's love when they had the chance. The signboard mentioned in the title serves as a metaphor for the warnings and signs that were ignored during the relationship.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1901 · Genre: Poetry, Social Commentary, Moral Literature · 473 words
First lines
I will paint you a sign, rumseller, / And hang it above your door; / A truer and better signboard / Than ever you had before. / I will paint with the skill of a master, / And many shall pause to see / This wonderful piece of painting, / So like the reality.
I will paint yourself, rumseller, / As you wait for that fair young boy, / Just in the morning of manhood, / A mother's pride and joy. / He has no thought of stopping, / But you greet him with a smile, / And you seem so blithe and friendly, / That he pauses to chat awhile.
What this Textopian page supports
The Signboard is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1901 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: 1901 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Social Commentary, Moral Literature, Realism, Tragedy
- Length: 473 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Signboard 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
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Similar titles
- In England by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Noon by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- The Heights by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Diamonds by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Twin Born by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Camouflage by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse form with a rhythmic and rhyming structure.
- Social Commentary — The poem critiques the societal impact of alcohol and the role of the rumseller.
- Moral Literature — The poem conveys a moral lesson about the dangers of alcohol consumption and the consequences of enabling it.
- Realism — The poem depicts realistic and relatable scenarios involving the effects of alcohol on individuals and families.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · Romance · Love · Nature · Imagery · Symbolism · Philosophy · Spirituality · Free Verse · Lyric Poetry · Emotional