The Traveller by Ellen Glasgow
The novel revolves around the life of John Burkett, a charismatic and ambitious man who rises from poverty to wealth and power. Through his journey, the author explores themes of love, family, social class, and the American Dream. The story spans several decades, tracing Burkett's transformation from a poor farmer's son to a successful businessman and politician. Along the way, he faces numerous challenges, including romantic entanglements, familial conflicts, and moral dilemmas that test his character. Ultimately, the novel presents a nuanced portrayal of the human experience, probing the complexities of the American psyche during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
By Ellen Glasgow · First published 1927 · Genre: Poetry, Gothic, Romanticism · 309 words
First lines
The storm clouds swirl against the moon, The hawk flies black across the snow, My steed shies at the shifting gloom, The darkness thickens where I go. But I ride on when stars are flown, As one who journeys to his own.
From hamlets draped in frozen white The flames of ruddy windows fall, Above the lashing of the night I hear the cheerful voices call. The homely hearths are lit in vain For one who rides across the plain.
What this Textopian page supports
The Traveller is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ellen Glasgow, dated 1927 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: 1927 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Gothic, Romanticism, Adventure, Horror
- Length: 309 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Traveller by Ellen Glasgow
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Traveller?
- 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
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- Beppo by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- To A Strange God by Ellen Glasgow
- The Shadow by Ellen Glasgow
- Guilo by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Lippo by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured as a poem with a clear rhyme scheme and meter.
- Gothic — The themes include darkness, death, and supernatural elements such as ghosts and beckoning fingers.
- Romanticism — The poem emphasizes individualism, emotion, and the sublime in nature.
- Adventure — The narrative involves a journey through challenging and dangerous conditions.
Tags
Romance · Historical Fiction · American Literature · Southern Gothic · Family Saga · Social Class · Wealth · Power Dynamics · Marriage · Infidelity · Adultery · Deception