Two Men by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the theme of unrequited love and the consequences of societal expectations on personal relationships. The narrator describes two men who are in love with the same woman, but she chooses to marry one of them for social status and security rather than emotional connection. The poem highlights the pain and sacrifice of the rejected lover, who remains devoted to the woman despite her rejection.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1894 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Religious · 249 words
First lines
So much one thought about the life beyond He did not drain the waters of his pond; And when death laid his children 'neath the sod He called it-‘the mysterious will of God. ' He would not strive for worldly gain, not he. His wealth, he said, was stored in God's To Be. He kept his mortal body poorly drest, And talked about the garments of the blest. And when to his last sleep he laid him down, His only mourner begged her widow's gown.
What this Textopian page supports
Two Men is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1894 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: 1894 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Religious, Social Commentary, Didactic
- Length: 249 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is written in verse form with a focus on rhythm and meter.
- Philosophical — The themes explore existential questions about life, death, and the afterlife.
- Religious — The content discusses the will of God and the concept of an afterlife.
- Social Commentary — The narrative contrasts different approaches to life and their social implications.
Tags
Romance · Drama · Love Triangle · Marriage · Infidelity · Deception · Loyalty · Trust · Betrayal · Heartbreak · Sacrifice · Social Class