The Squanderer
The story revolves around a wealthy businessman who has made his fortune through questionable means. He is a ruthless and cunning individual who stops at nothing to achieve his goals, including exploiting and ruining the lives of those around him. Despite his wealth and success, he is miserable and unfulfilled, surrounded by people who only care about his money. The novel explores themes of greed, morality, and redemption as the protagonist begins to realize the error of his ways and seeks a path towards forgiveness and personal growth.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1895 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Drama · 169 words
First lines
God gave him passions, splendid as the sun, Meant for the lordliest purposes; a part Of nature's full and fertile mother heart, From which new systems and new stars are spun. And now, behold, behold, what he has done! In Folly's court and carnal Pleasures' mart He flung the wealth life gave him at the start. (This, of all mortal sins, the deadliest one.)
At dawn he stood, potential, opulent, With virile manhood, and emotions keen, And wonderful with God's creative fire. At noon he stands, with Love's large fortune spent In petty traffic, unproductive, mean- A pauper, cursed with impotent desire.
What this Textopian page supports
The Squanderer 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, Drama, Tragedy, Social Commentary
- Length: 169 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Squanderer 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
- A Successful Man by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- The Truth Teller by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Dual by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- At Bay by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Fame by Ellen Glasgow
- The Coquette by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse and employs poetic devices such as meter, rhyme, and metaphor.
- Philosophical — The themes explore deep questions about human nature, purpose, and morality.
- Drama — The narrative involves intense emotional and moral conflicts.
- Tragedy — The protagonist's downfall and wasted potential are central to the plot.
Tags
Romance · Novel · Classic · Literary Fiction · Poetic Prose · Philosophical · Psychological Insight · Character Study · Social Commentary · Morality Tale · Tragic Love Story · Family Drama