The Traveled Man
The poem tells the story of a man who has traveled extensively and gained much knowledge and experience, but remains unhappy and unfulfilled. He meets a woman who has lived a simple life, but is content and happy. The man realizes that his travels have not brought him the happiness he sought, and that the woman's simplicity and contentment are more desirable than his own worldly wisdom.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1886 · Genre: Poetry, Satire, Social Commentary · 325 words
First lines
Sometimes I wish the railroads all were torn out, The ships all sunk among the coral strands. I am so very weary, yea so worn out, With tales of those who visit foreign lands.
When asked to dine, to meet these traveled people, My soup seems brewed from cemetery bones. The fish grows cold on some cathedral steeple, I miss two courses while I stare at thrones.
What this Textopian page supports
The Traveled Man 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, Satire, Social Commentary, Humor
- Length: 325 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Traveled Man 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
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Satire — The poem humorously critiques and mocks the pretentiousness of well-traveled individuals.
- Social Commentary — The poem provides insight into societal attitudes towards travel and the perceived superiority of those who have traveled.
- Humor — The tone and content of the poem are intended to amuse and entertain the reader.
Tags
Poetry · Philosophy · Spirituality · Travel · Adventure · Self-Discovery · Personal Growth · Inspirational · Motivational · Uplifting · Optimistic · Hopeful