Mary by Ellen Glasgow (1916)
The novel revolves around Mary Blackburn, a strong-willed and independent woman who returns to her family's Virginia plantation after the American Civil War. She finds the once-prosperous estate in disarray and decides to restore it to its former glory. Through her journey, Mary confronts the harsh realities of Reconstruction-era South, including racial tensions, economic struggles, and personal conflicts.
By Ellen Glasgow · First published 1916 · Genre: Poetry, Religious, Tragedy · 331 words
First lines
Daughter of dreams and visions, Flushed by the world's desire, Empress of priests' decisions, Priestess of altar fire -- Treading a march immortal, As the Cross to the sunrise swings, Passing the inmost portal, Over the crowns of kings -- _By the worship with which we woo thee,_ _By the hymns that our hearts repeat,_ _By the flames that have burned unto thee,_ _By the prayers that have warmed thy feet,_ _By the moons that have risen below thee,_ _By the stars that have set on thy brow,_ _By the saints that have suffered to know thee,_ _We hail thee "Blessed," now._
What this Textopian page supports
Mary is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ellen Glasgow, dated 1916 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: 1916 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Religious, Tragedy, Symbolism, Historical
- Length: 331 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Mary 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 Mary?
- 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
- A Creed by Ellen Glasgow
- The Hunter by Ellen Glasgow
- The Wheel Of Life by Ellen Glasgow
- Love Has Passed Along The Way by Ellen Glasgow
- A Prayer by Ellen Glasgow
- To A Strange God by Ellen Glasgow
Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme, meter, and imagery.
- Religious — The themes revolve around religious figures, worship, and spiritual suffering.
- Tragedy — The content focuses on sorrow, despair, and enduring suffering.
- Symbolism — The use of symbols like the Cross, altar fire, and crowns of kings is prominent.
Tags
Romance · Fiction · Novel · American Literature · Southern Gothic · Family Drama · Social Class · Women's Roles · Marriage · Infidelity · Tragedy · Psychological Insight