The Truth Teller
The story revolves around a young woman who possesses the supernatural ability to discern truth from falsehood. She uses this power to expose deceit and hypocrisy in her community, earning both admiration and resentment. As she navigates complex relationships and moral dilemmas, she must confront the consequences of revealing uncomfortable truths and the burden of carrying secrets.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1906 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Inspirational · 330 words
First lines
The Truth Teller lifts the curtain, And shows us the people's plight; And everything seems uncertain, And nothing at all looks right. Yet out of the blackness groping, My heart finds a world in bloom; For it somehow is fashioned for hoping, And it cannot live in the gloom.
He tells us from border to border, That race is warring with race; With riot and mad disorder, The earth is a wretched place; And yet ere the sun is setting I am thinking of peace, not strife; For my heart has a way of forgetting All things save the joy of life.
What this Textopian page supports
The Truth Teller is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1906 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: 1906 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Inspirational, Social Commentary, Literary
- Length: 330 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Truth Teller 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 Truth Teller?
- 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
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Philosophical — The themes explore deep questions about truth, existence, and the human condition.
- Inspirational — Despite acknowledging the world's woes, the work ultimately conveys a message of hope and resilience.
- Social Commentary — The text addresses societal issues such as conflict and disorder, reflecting on the state of the world.
Tags
Romance · Fiction · Novel · Classic · Literature · American Literature · Women Authors · Poetic Prose · Philosophical Themes · Psychological Insight · Character Study · Social Commentary