A Suppliant by Ellen Glasgow (1901)
The novel revolves around the life of a young woman who seeks to escape her mundane and impoverished existence in rural Virginia during the late 19th century. She becomes infatuated with a wealthy and charismatic man, eventually marrying him despite their differing social classes. As she navigates her new life among the aristocracy, she must confront the harsh realities of her husband's morally corrupt nature and the stifling societal expectations placed upon women. Through her struggles, the protagonist undergoes a transformation from naivety to self-awareness, ultimately finding the strength to forge an independent path in life.
By Ellen Glasgow · First published 1901 · Genre: Religious Poetry, Spiritual, Inspirational · 360 words
First lines
Lo, these many years I lay, As a suppliant to my God, Bore the Cross upon my breast, Bowed my head beneath the rod.
I have kept my temple fair, I have watched it day and night, Lo, my cruse of oil is full, And my lamp of faith is bright!
What this Textopian page supports
A Suppliant is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ellen Glasgow, dated 1901 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: 1901 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Religious Poetry, Spiritual, Inspirational, Classical Poetry, Philosophical
- Length: 360 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Suppliant by Ellen Glasgow
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Suppliant?
- How does this poem by Ellen Glasgow fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Religious Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Mountain Pine by Ellen Glasgow
- The Spur by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Resurrection by Ellen Glasgow
- Moonrise Over Tyringham by Edith Wharton
- A Prayer by Ellen Glasgow
- Guerdon by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Genres
- Religious Poetry — The poem's themes revolve around faith, devotion, and supplication to God.
- Spiritual — The work explores spiritual themes such as grace, divine will, and the afterlife.
- Inspirational — The poem aims to inspire through its depiction of unwavering faith and hope.
- Classical Poetry — The structure and language are consistent with classical poetic forms.
Tags
Romance · Fiction · Novel · American Literature · Southern Gothic · Family Drama · Social Class · Wealth · Poverty · Marriage · Love Triangle · Tragedy