The Spur by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the theme of motivation and inspiration, suggesting that people often need external stimuli to take action. The speaker describes a knight who remains idle until his lady love urges him to take up his sword and spur his horse into battle. The poem argues that people are often driven by their desires and passions rather than any inherent sense of duty or morality.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1895 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Inspirational · 261 words
First lines
I asked the rock beside the road what joy existence lent. It answered, ‘For a million years my heart has been content.'
I asked the truffle-seeking swine, as rooting by he went, ‘What is the keynote of your life? ' He grunted out, ‘Content.'
I asked a slave, who toiled and sung, just what his singing meant. He plodded on his changeless way, and said, ‘I am content.'
I asked a plutocrat of greed, on what his thoughts were bent. He chinked the silver in his purse, and said, ‘I am content.'
What this Textopian page supports
The Spur is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1895 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: 1895 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Inspirational, Literary
- Length: 261 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Spur 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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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Philosophical — The themes explore existential questions and the nature of contentment and discontent.
- Inspirational — The text aims to provoke thought and inspire readers to reflect on their own lives and growth.
- Literary — The writing style is sophisticated and employs a high level of literary craftsmanship.
Tags
Romance · Novel · American Literature · Feminist Fiction · Women's Rights · Marriage · Love Triangle · Infidelity · Social Class · Wealth · Poverty · Rural Life