Unconquered by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the theme of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity. It describes a person who remains unbroken and defiant despite being battered by life's challenges. The speaker asserts their determination to rise above their struggles, refusing to be conquered by pain or hardship. Through vivid imagery and metaphor, the poem conveys a sense of unwavering resolve and unrelenting spirit.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1889 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Inspirational · 174 words
First lines
However skilled and strong art thou, my foe, However fierce is thy relentless hate, Though firm thy hand, and strong thy aim, and straight Thy poisoned arrow leaves the bended bow,
To pierce the target of my heart, ah! know I am the master yet of my own fate. Thou canst not rob me of my best estate, Though fortune, fame, and friends, yea, love shall go.
Not to the dust shall my true self be hurled, Nor shall I meet thy worst assaults dismayed; When all things in the balance are well weighed, There is but one great danger in the world- _Thou canst not force my soul to wish thee ill_, That is the only evil that can kill.
What this Textopian page supports
Unconquered is listed on Textopian as a poem 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: Poem
- Author: Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Date: 1889 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Inspirational, Classical Literature
- Length: 174 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Philosophical — The themes explore deep existential and moral questions about fate, self-mastery, and the nature of true danger.
- Inspirational — The content aims to uplift and empower the reader by emphasizing resilience and inner strength.
- Classical Literature — The style and language reflect a traditional, classical approach to literature.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · Feminist Literature · Romanticism · Love Poems · Nature Poetry · Spirituality · Optimism · Inspiration · Motivation · Self-Empowerment · Personal Growth