Drinking-Song by Ellen Glasgow
The novel revolves around the life of a young musician, Edgar Holt, who rises to fame with his exceptional talent but struggles with his own demons, particularly his addiction to alcohol. His downfall begins when he marries a woman from a lower social class, Eda, who loves him genuinely but is unable to cope with his drinking problem. As Edgar's addiction worsens, it affects his relationships and career, leading to a tragic conclusion.
By Ellen Glasgow · First published 1922 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Romantic · 366 words
First lines
Fill the bowl and praise the wine, Give good measure, rise and quaff -- (Who dares say the dawn-stars shine? Brothers, shame him by a laugh.) What knows he of soon or late, Who has been the fool of Fate?
Kiss the blue eyes and the brown, Cheeks that pale and cheeks that glow, Kiss the smile and kiss the frown, Lightly love and lightly go. He knows neither love nor hate, Who has been the fool of Fate.
What this Textopian page supports
Drinking-Song is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ellen Glasgow, dated 1922 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: 1922 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Romantic, Satire, Tragic
- Length: 366 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Drinking-Song 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 Drinking-Song?
- 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
- Moonrise Over Tyringham by Edith Wharton
- Reunion by Ellen Glasgow
- The Hunter by Ellen Glasgow
- Mary by Ellen Glasgow
- A Suppliant by Ellen Glasgow
- The Master Hand by Ellen Glasgow
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Philosophical — The themes explore existential questions about fate, life, and the human condition.
- Romantic — The poem discusses love and relationships, albeit in a transient and cynical manner.
- Satire — The tone and content suggest a satirical take on societal norms and values.
Tags
Romance · Novel · American Literature · Southern Gothic · Family Drama · Social Class · Wealth · Poverty · Alcoholism · Addiction · Marriage · Relationships