Coward Memory by Ellen Glasgow
The novel revolves around the life of a young woman named Lucy, who struggles to reconcile her past and present selves. Born into poverty, Lucy rises through the social ranks after marrying a wealthy man, but she remains haunted by memories of her humble beginnings. As she navigates her new life, Lucy's relationships with those around her are strained, particularly with her husband, who is increasingly disillusioned with their marriage. Through Lucy's story, the novel explores themes of class, identity, and the fragility of human relationships.
By Ellen Glasgow · First published 1920 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric, Elegy · 164 words
First lines
A street half flecked with shade and sun, / A last year's leaf along it blown, / A gray wall where green lichens run; / Like water falling on dry stone, / A robin's ripe notes dropping one by one.
Sad sun and shade and sadness over all / The distance blended into solemn hues, / On the warm air suspended as a pall / The sweetness dying violets diffuse, / While from a single tree the ashen elm flowers fall.
At the street's sudden end a shining square, / The sunny threshold of an open door, / Thick with the dust of an untrodden stair / That leads beyond me to the upper floor -- / Then memory halts -- it dares not enter there.
What this Textopian page supports
Coward Memory is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ellen Glasgow, dated 1920 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: 1920 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Lyric, Elegy, Modernist
- Length: 164 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Coward Memory 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
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as imagery and metaphor.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and reflections, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Elegy — The themes of sadness and memory suggest a mournful tone, typical of elegiac poetry.
- Modernist — The use of fragmented imagery and introspective themes aligns with modernist literary techniques.
Tags
Southern Gothic · Family Drama · Psychological Fiction · Trauma · Memory Loss · Mystery · Romance · Tragedy · Dark Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Historical Fiction