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: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Signboard by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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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