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)
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- Work identity for Drinking-Song by Ellen Glasgow
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Similar titles
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- Reunion by Ellen Glasgow
- The Hunter by Ellen Glasgow
- Mary by Ellen Glasgow
- A Suppliant by Ellen Glasgow
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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