Two Friends by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the theme of unrequited love and the consequences of societal expectations on personal relationships. It tells the story of a woman who is in love with her friend's fiancé, but remains silent to avoid ruining their friendship. The poem highlights the emotional turmoil the protagonist experiences as she struggles to reconcile her feelings with the moral obligation to prioritize her friend's happiness over her own desires.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1889 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Allegory · 464 words
First lines
One day Ambition, in his endless round, All filled with vague and nameless longings, found Slow wasting Genius, who from spot to spot Went idly grazing, through the Realms of Thought.
Ambition cried, 'Come, wander forth with me; I like thy face -- but cannot stay with thee. ' 'I will,' said Genius, 'for I needs must own I'm getting dull by being much alone.'
What this Textopian page supports
Two Friends is listed on Textopian as a short story by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1889 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Date: 1889 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Allegory, Literary Fiction, Inspirational
- Length: 464 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Two Friends by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
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Discussion starters
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- How does this short story by Ella Wheeler Wilcox fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Similar titles
- Three Friends by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- The Sword by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- The Trio by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- The Statue by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- A Minor Chord by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse form with a rhythmic and metrical structure.
- Philosophical — The themes explore deep concepts such as ambition, genius, and the human condition.
- Allegory — The narrative uses symbolic figures and actions to convey moral and philosophical messages.
- Literary Fiction — The writing style and thematic depth align with characteristics of literary fiction.
Tags
Friendship · Love · Romance · Tragedy · Drama · Poetry · Classic · Literary Fiction · American Literature · 19th Century · Melancholy · Heartbreak