A Prayer by Ellen Glasgow (1905)
The novel revolves around the life of a young woman who returns to her family's plantation in Virginia after being educated in the North. She struggles with the moral implications of slavery and the decline of the aristocratic Southern way of life. Through her experiences, the novel explores themes of social class, racial tension, and personal identity.
By Ellen Glasgow · First published 1905 · Genre: Poetry, Religious, Inspirational · 131 words
First lines
Grant me but courage, Lord! I ask not that Thou smooth the appointed path; I ask not any joys the years afford, I ask not even Thine averted wrath.
Let me but learn to smile -- Let me face lightly any blow that falls; Bear bravely with my bondage all the while, And hug my freedom within prison walls.
Thus when the end draws near, With lifted head let me the potion quaff, And so -- as one who never learned to fear -- Pass on to meet Thy judgment with a laugh.
What this Textopian page supports
A Prayer is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ellen Glasgow, dated 1905 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Ellen Glasgow
- Date: 1905 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Religious, Inspirational, Philosophical
- Length: 131 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Prayer by Ellen Glasgow
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Prayer?
- How does this poem by Ellen Glasgow fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- A Creed by Ellen Glasgow
- A Suppliant by Ellen Glasgow
- Mary by Ellen Glasgow
- Resurrection by Ellen Glasgow
- The Spur by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- The Hunter by Ellen Glasgow
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured as a poem with a clear verse format and rhyme scheme.
- Religious — The poem addresses a prayer to the Lord, reflecting themes of faith and divine judgment.
- Inspirational — The poem emphasizes courage, resilience, and facing life's challenges with a positive attitude.
- Philosophical — The poem explores existential themes such as freedom within constraints and facing death without fear.
Tags
Romance · Novel · American Literature · Southern Gothic · Family Drama · Social Class · Women's Rights · Marriage · Infidelity · Religion · Faith · Spirituality