The Unwed Mother to the Wife
The poem explores the theme of maternal love and sacrifice. The unwed mother writes a letter to the wife of the man who fathered her child, revealing the truth about their past relationship and the existence of their son. The mother's tone is one of resignation and acceptance, as she acknowledges that the wife has taken her place in the man's life.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1886 · Genre: Poetry, Drama, Social Commentary · 656 words
First lines
I HAD been almost happy for an hour, Lost to the world that knew me in the park Among strange faces; while my little girl Leaped with the squirrels, chirruped with the birds And with the sunlight glowed. She was so dear, So beautiful, so sweet; and for the time The rose of love, shorn of its thorn of shame, Bloomed in my heart. Then suddenly you passed. I sat alone upon the public bench; You, with your lawful husband, rode in state; And when your eyes fell on me and my child, They were not eyes, but daggers, poison tipped.
What this Textopian page supports
The Unwed Mother to the Wife 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, Drama, Social Commentary, Romance, Feminist Literature
- Length: 656 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Unwed Mother to the Wife 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 Unwed Mother to the Wife?
- 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
- The Manchester Marriage by Elizabeth Gaskell
- Too Late by Edith Nesbit
- The Voluptuary by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Surrender by Edith Nesbit
- Let At Last by Elizabeth Gaskell
- One Way Of Love by Edith Nesbit
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, with a focus on rhythm, meter, and poetic devices.
- Drama — The narrative is emotionally intense, dealing with themes of shame, judgment, and societal norms.
- Social Commentary — The text critiques societal attitudes towards unwed mothers and childless wives, highlighting moral and ethical issues.
- Romance — The plot revolves around themes of love, passion, and relationships, albeit in a non-traditional sense.
Tags
Marriage · Infidelity · Adultery · Family Drama · Romance · Tragedy · Social Norms · Women's Rights · Motherhood · Patriarchy · Societal Pressure · Personal Freedom