The Unattained
The poem explores the theme of unrequited love and longing. The speaker describes a past love that has been lost, and how it continues to haunt them. They express a deep sense of yearning and sadness, feeling that they can never regain what has been lost. The tone is melancholic and introspective, with the speaker reflecting on the transience of life and the fleeting nature of human connections.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1897 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Romanticism · 392 words
First lines
A vision beauteous as the morn, With heavenly eyes and tresses streaming, Slow glided o'er a field late shorn Where walked a poet idly dreaming. He saw her, and joy lit his face, "Oh, vanish not at human speaking," He cried, "thou form of magic grace, Thou art the poem I am seeking.
"I've sought thee long! I claim thee now- My thought embodied, living, real. " She shook the tresses from her brow. "Nay, nay! " she said, "I am ideal. I am the phantom of desire- The spirit of all great endeavour, I am the voice that says, ‘Come higher,' That calls men up and up for ever.
What this Textopian page supports
The Unattained is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1897 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: 1897 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Romanticism, Inspirational, Symbolism
- Length: 392 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Unattained 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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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- A Song Of Life by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Inevitable by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- See by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Hidden Gems by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- If by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Best by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Genres
- Poetry — The text is written in verse with a focus on rhythm, meter, and imagery.
- Philosophical — The themes explore deep existential and metaphysical questions about desire and the unattainable.
- Romanticism — The work emphasizes emotion, individualism, and the glorification of nature and beauty.
- Inspirational — The text aims to inspire and uplift by discussing the pursuit of ideals and higher aspirations.
Tags
Poetry · Philosophical · Spiritual · Inspirational · Motivational · Optimistic · Uplifting · Thought-provoking · Contemplative · Mystical · Psychological · Emotional