Widows by Ella Wheeler Wilcox (1892)
The poem explores the theme of widowhood and the emotional struggles that come with it. It describes the feelings of loneliness, grief, and despair that a widow experiences after losing her husband. The speaker reflects on the memories of their life together, remembering the joy and love they shared, but also the pain and sorrow of their parting.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1892 · Genre: Religious Poetry, Philosophical Poetry, Elegy · 795 words
First lines
_The world was widowed by the death of Christ_: _Vainly its suffering soul for peace has sought_ _And found it not_. _For nothing_, _nothing_, _nothing has sufficed_ _To bring back comfort to the stricken house_ _From whence has gone the Master and the Spouse_.
In its long widowhood the world has striven To find diversion. It has turned away From the vast aweful silences of Heaven (Which answer but with silence when we pray) And sought for something to assuage its grief. Some surcease and relief From sorrow, in pursuit of mortal joys.
What this Textopian page supports
Widows is listed on Textopian as a short story by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1892 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: 1892 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Religious Poetry, Philosophical Poetry, Elegy, Social Commentary, Lyric Poetry
- Length: 795 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Religious Poetry — The text heavily references religious themes, particularly the death of Christ and the world's suffering in His absence.
- Philosophical Poetry — The work explores deep philosophical questions about suffering, faith, and the human condition.
- Elegy — The poem mourns the loss of Christ and the resulting sorrow, fitting the characteristics of an elegy.
- Social Commentary — The text comments on societal issues such as war, loss, and the role of women as widows.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · Feminist Literature · Women's Rights · Marriage · Widowhood · Grief · Loss · Love · Relationships · Social Commentary · Victorian Era