The Spinster by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The story revolves around a young woman who rejects multiple marriage proposals due to her strong sense of independence and desire for personal freedom. As she grows older, she begins to realize the consequences of her choices, including loneliness and social isolation. The novel explores themes of feminism, spinsterhood, and the societal pressures placed on women during the late 19th century.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1896 · Genre: Poetry, Feminist Literature, Philosophical Literature · 676 words
First lines
I. Here are the orchard trees all large with fruit; / And yonder fields are golden with young grain. / In little journeys, branchward from the nest, / A mother bird, with sweet insistent cries, / Urges her young to use their untried wings. / A purring Tabby, stretched upon the sward, / Shuts and expands her velvet paws in joy, / While sturdy kittens nuzzle at her breast.
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is written in verse, with a focus on rhythm, meter, and imagery.
- Feminist Literature — The themes explore the roles and expectations of women, particularly in relation to motherhood and societal norms.
- Philosophical Literature — The work delves into existential questions about purpose, existence, and the human condition.
- Religious Literature — There are numerous references to a higher power and the divine plan, reflecting on spiritual beliefs.
Tags
Romance · Feminism · Social Commentary · Marriage · Spinsterhood · Women's Rights · Independence · Self-Discovery · Love Story · Victorian Era · American Literature · Poetic Prose
What this Textopian page supports
The Spinster is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1896 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: 1896 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Feminist Literature, Philosophical Literature, Religious Literature, Nature Writing
- Length: 676 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Spinster by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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