The Statue by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem tells the story of a woman who falls in love with a statue of a Greek god, which comes to life at night. The woman visits the statue every evening, and they share romantic moments together. However, their happiness is short-lived, as the statue returns to its inanimate state at dawn, leaving the woman heartbroken.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1886 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Inspirational · 361 words
First lines
A granite rock in the mountain side Gazed on the world and was satisfied. It watched the centuries come and go. It welcomed the sunlight, yet loved the snow. It grieved when the forest was forced to fall, Yet joyed when steeples rose, white and tall, In the valley below it, and thrilled to hear The voice of the great town roaring near.
When the mountain stream from its idle play Was caught by the mill wheel and borne away And trained to labour, the grey rock mused ‘Trees and verdure and stream are used By Man the Master; but I remain Friend of the mountain, and star, and plain, Unchanged forever by God's decree, While passing centuries bow to me.'
What this Textopian page supports
The Statue is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1886 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: 1886 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Inspirational, Allegory, Romanticism
- Length: 361 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is written in verse form with a rhythmic and lyrical quality.
- Philosophical — The themes explore existential questions and the nature of transformation and purpose.
- Inspirational — The narrative conveys a message of hope and the potential for beauty and worth to emerge from adversity.
- Allegory — The story uses symbolic figures and actions to convey deeper moral and philosophical meanings.
Tags
Romance · Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Love Story · Tragic Love · Fiction · Literary Fiction · Classic Literature · Vintage Romance · Heartbreak · Loss