The Tavern of Last Times
The poem tells the story of a mystical tavern where people from different eras and backgrounds gather to relive their past experiences and confront their deepest regrets. The narrator describes the tavern's eerie atmosphere, where the patrons are trapped in their memories, unable to move on from their past mistakes and heartaches.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1892 · Genre: Poetry, Historical Fiction, Romanticism · 170 words
First lines
A modern hour from London (as we spin Into a silver thread the miles of space Between us and our goal), there is a place Apart from city traffic, dust, and din, Green with great trees, where hides a quiet Inn. Here Nelson last looked on the lovely face Which made his world; and by its magic grace Trailed rosy clouds across each early sin. And, leaning lawnward, is the room where Keats Wrote the last one of those immortal songs (Called by the critics of his day ‘mere rhymes'). A lark, high in the boxwood bough repeats Those lyric strains, to idle passing throngs, There by the little Tavern-of-Last-Times.
What this Textopian page supports
The Tavern of Last Times is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1892 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: 1892 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Historical Fiction, Romanticism, Literary Fiction, Drama
- Length: 170 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Tavern of Last Times 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 Tavern of Last Times?
- 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
- Past by Frederic Manning
- So Live So Love So Use That Fragile Hour by Robert Louis Stevenson
- Brooding Grief by D. H. Lawrence
- And Now Good Bye by James Hilton
- I Vex Me Not With Brooding On The Years by Thomas Bailey Aldrich
- Tout Passe by Frederic Manning
Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Historical Fiction — References to historical figures like Nelson and Keats suggest a blend of historical context with fictional elements.
- Romanticism — Themes of beauty, nature, and emotional expression are prominent, aligning with Romantic literary traditions.
- Literary Fiction — The sophisticated language and focus on literary figures indicate a work of literary merit.
Tags
nostalgia · loss · reflection · human experience · melancholy · time · memory · relationships · change · philosophy · life choices · regret