What Gain? by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the idea that material wealth and worldly success are fleeting and ultimately unfulfilling. The speaker reflects on a life of luxury and excess, but realizes that it has brought no lasting happiness or sense of fulfillment. Instead, they are left with a sense of emptiness and disillusionment.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1889 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Tragedy · 363 words
First lines
Now, while thy rounded cheek is fresh and fair, While beauty lingers, laughing, in thine eyes, Ere thy young heart shall meet the stranger, "Care," Or thy blithe soul become the home of sighs, Were it not kindness should I give thee rest By plunging this sharp dagger in thy breast? Dying so young, with all thy wealth of youth, What part of life wouldst thou not claim, in sooth? Only the woe, Sweetheart, that sad souls know.
What this Textopian page supports
What Gain? 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, Romance, Tragedy, Philosophical Fiction, Drama
- Length: 363 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Similar titles
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- A Vision by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Realisation by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Romance — The themes revolve around love, relationships, and emotional intimacy.
- Tragedy — The narrative contemplates themes of death, loss, and the potential for tragic outcomes.
- Philosophical Fiction — The text explores deep existential questions about life, death, and the nature of happiness.
Tags
Poetry · Philosophy · Spirituality · Self-Discovery · Motivational · Inspirational · Christianity · Religion · Faith · Hope · Optimism · Positive Thinking