The Voices of the City
The poem explores the urban landscape and its effects on humanity, portraying the city as a living entity that speaks through its various aspects, including architecture, nature, and human experiences. The voices of the city are depicted as a cacophony of sounds, from the whispers of lovers to the cries of the poor, creating a sense of chaos and disorder.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1916 · Genre: Poetry, Social Commentary, Urban Life · 646 words
First lines
The voices of the city-merged and swelled Into a mighty dissonance of sound, And from the medley rose these broken strains In changing time and ever-changing keys.
I. Pleasure seekers, silken clad, Led by cherub Day, Ours the duty to be glad, Ours the toil of play.
What this Textopian page supports
The Voices of the City is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1916 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: 1916 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Social Commentary, Urban Life, Philosophical, Drama
- Length: 646 words
- Structure: 1 section, 14 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme, meter, and imagery.
- Social Commentary — The themes address societal issues such as the disparity between pleasure seekers and toilers, and the moral implications of their actions.
- Urban Life — The setting and focus are on the experiences and voices within a city, highlighting various aspects of urban existence.
- Philosophical — The work delves into existential themes and the purpose of being, reflecting on the human condition and societal roles.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · Early 20th Century · Urban Life · Cityscapes · Social Commentary · Philosophical Themes · Free Verse · Imagery · Symbolism · Nature Imagery · Human Condition