The Suitors by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem tells the story of a woman who has been courted by many suitors but remains unimpressed and unmoved by their affections. She describes how each suitor has tried to win her heart with gifts, words, and actions, but she has rejected them all. The poem explores themes of independence, self-sufficiency, and the societal pressures on women to marry.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1899 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Nature · 237 words
First lines
There is a little Bungalow Perched on a granite ledge, And at its feet two suitors meet; (I watch them, and I know) One waits outside the casement edge; One paces to and fro.
The Patient Rock speaks not a word; The Sea goes up and down, And sings full oft, in cadence soft; (I listen, and have heard) Again he wears an angry frown By jealous passion stirred.
This dawn, the Rock was all aglow; Far out the mad Sea went; Beyond the raft, like one gone daft; (I saw them, and I know) While radiant and well content Smiled down the Bungalow.
What this Textopian page supports
The Suitors is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1899 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: 1899 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romance, Nature, Symbolism
- Length: 237 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Suitors by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Suitors?
- How does this poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Mesalliance by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Cupids Fault by Oliver Herford
- Sung To A Friend by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward
- All In A Coach And Four by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- A Womans Hand by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Half Fledged by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Genres
- Poetry — The text is written in verse with a rhythmic and lyrical quality.
- Romance — The narrative centers around themes of love and courtship.
- Nature — The poem uses natural elements like the sea and rock as central symbols.
- Symbolism — The work employs symbolic imagery to convey deeper meanings about emotions and relationships.
Tags
Romance · Poetry · Love · Courtship · Marriage · Relationships · Women's Rights · Feminism · Social Commentary · Satire · Humor · Irony