The Superwoman by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the idea of a woman who has achieved perfection and independence, but at the cost of her femininity and emotional life. The Superwoman is described as having masculine qualities, being strong, brave, and intelligent, but also cold, unfeeling, and devoid of maternal instincts. The poem suggests that this kind of empowerment comes at a great personal cost, leaving the woman isolated and unhappy.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1912 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical Literature, Feminist Literature · 535 words
First lines
WHAT will the superwoman be, of whom we sing- / She who is coming over the dim border / Of Far To-morrow, after earth's disorder / Is tidied up by Time? What will she bring / To make life better on tempestuous earth? / How will her worth / Be greater than her forbears? What new power / Within her being will burst into flower?
She will bring beauty, not the transient dower / Of adolescence which departs with youth- / But beauty based on knowledge of the truth / Of its eternal message and the source / Of all its potent force. / Her outer being by the inner thought / Shall into lasting loveliness be wrought.
What this Textopian page supports
The Superwoman is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1912 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: 1912 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical Literature, Feminist Literature, Inspirational, Speculative Fiction
- Length: 535 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Superwoman 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
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is written in verse, with a focus on rhythm, meter, and poetic devices.
- Philosophical Literature — The themes explore deep philosophical questions about the future of humanity and the role of women.
- Feminist Literature — The work discusses the evolution and empowerment of women, highlighting their potential and virtues.
- Inspirational — The text aims to inspire and uplift by presenting an idealized vision of the future woman.
Tags
Feminism · Women's Rights · Social Commentary · Satire · Humor · Irony · Marriage · Motherhood · Domesticity · Gender Roles · Stereotypes · Patriarchy