Uselessness by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the theme of uselessness and despair, describing a person who feels worthless and unable to make a positive impact on the world. The speaker expresses feelings of inadequacy, believing they have no talents or abilities that could bring them recognition or happiness. They see themselves as a burden to others, feeling like they are just taking up space without contributing anything meaningful.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1894 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Tragedy · 169 words
First lines
Let mine not be that saddest fate of all / To live beyond my greater self; to see / My faculties decaying, as the tree / Stands stark and helpless while its green leaves fall. / Let me hear rather the imperious call, / Which all men dread, in my glad morning time, / And follow death ere I have reached my prime, / Or drunk the strengthening cordial of life's gall. / The lightning's stroke or the fierce tempest blast / Which fells the green tree to the earth to-day / Is kinder than the calm that lets it last, / Unhappy witness of its own decay. / May no man ever look on me and say, / "She lives, but all her usefulness is past. "
What this Textopian page supports
Uselessness 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, Tragedy, Literary Fiction
- Length: 169 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Uselessness by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Philosophical — The themes explore existential questions about life, death, and the nature of usefulness.
- Tragedy — The content reflects a somber and melancholic tone, dealing with decay and the loss of purpose.
- Literary Fiction — The writing style is sophisticated and focuses on deep, introspective themes.
Tags
Philosophy · Poetry · Social Commentary · Critique of Modernity · Existential Crisis · Meaninglessness · Futility · Disillusionment · Societal Pressure · Conformity · Individuality · Free Will