Fame by Ellen Glasgow (1890)
The novel revolves around the life of Harriet Fowler Amberson, a renowned actress who rises to fame through her talent and determination. Born into poverty, Harriet's early life is marked by hardship and struggle. She eventually finds success on stage, becoming a celebrated figure in American theatre. As she gains fame, Harriet must navigate the complexities of her newfound status, including the scrutiny of the public eye and the pressures of maintaining her celebrity image. Throughout the novel, Glasgow explores themes of identity, class, and the consequences of ambition.
By Ellen Glasgow · First published 1890 · Genre: Poetry, Tragedy, Social Commentary · 77 words
First lines
In life he lived among them and they cast Him stones for bread. He that was mightiest of them all had not Whereon to lay his head.
In death, where flaming poppies fired the dust, They brought a laurel wreath: Honour to ashes on the coffin lid! Fame to the skull beneath!
What this Textopian page supports
Fame is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ellen Glasgow, dated 1890 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: 1890 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Tragedy, Social Commentary, Philosophical
- Length: 77 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Fame 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 Fame?
- 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
- Phases Of An Inferior Planet by Ellen Glasgow
- Autres Temps by Edith Wharton
- The Hunter by Ellen Glasgow
- Mary by Ellen Glasgow
- A Torchbearer by Edith Wharton
- The Squanderer by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured as a poem with a clear poetic form and language.
- Tragedy — Themes of suffering, death, and posthumous recognition are central to the poem.
- Social Commentary — The poem critiques societal values and the treatment of individuals during their lives versus after their deaths.
- Philosophical — The poem explores existential themes such as the meaning of fame and the human condition.
Tags
Romance · Novel · American Literature · Southern Gothic · Feminist Fiction · Social Commentary · Psychological Insight · Character Study · Family Drama · Marriage · Infidelity · Ambition