The Wife by Emily Dickinson (1890)
This poem explores the theme of marriage and relationships through a speaker who describes their wife as a possession that has been lost. The speaker's tone is melancholic and nostalgic, reflecting on the past and the loss of their partner. The poem touches on themes of love, loss, and the passage of time.
By Emily Dickinson · First published 1890 · Genre: Poetry, Feminist Literature, Domestic Fiction · 99 words
First lines
She rose to his requirement, dropped The playthings of her life To take the honorable work Of woman and of wife.
If aught she missed in her new day Of amplitude, or awe, Or first prospective, or the gold In using wore away,
It lay unmentioned, as the sea Develops pearl and weed, But only to himself is known The fathoms they abide.
What this Textopian page supports
The Wife is listed on Textopian as a poem by Emily Dickinson, 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: Emily Dickinson
- Date: 1890 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Feminist Literature, Domestic Fiction, Philosophical Literature
- Length: 99 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter typical of poetry.
- Feminist Literature — The themes explore the roles and expectations of women, particularly in marriage, reflecting feminist concerns.
- Domestic Fiction — The focus is on the domestic sphere and the personal experiences of a woman in her role as a wife.
- Philosophical Literature — The poem delves into existential themes, such as identity and fulfillment, within the context of societal roles.
Tags
Poetry · Marriage · Relationships · Love · Loss · Grief · Identity · Feminism · Domesticity · Isolation · Loneliness · Mourning