The Holy Cross by Eugene Field
The poem explores the idea that even sacred objects can be desecrated by human actions. It describes a holy cross being used as a plaything by children, and later being discarded in a gutter. The poem contrasts the original purpose of the cross with its eventual fate, highlighting the theme of desecration.
By Eugene Field · First published 1893 · Genre: Religious Fiction, Historical Fiction, Philosophical Fiction · 4,757 words
First lines
Whilst the noble Don Esclevador and his little band of venturesome followers explored the neighboring fastnesses in quest for gold, the Father Miguel tarried at the shrine which in sweet piety they had hewn out of the stubborn rock in that strangely desolate spot. Here, upon that serene August morning, the holy Father held communion with the saints, beseeching them, in all humility, to intercede with our beloved Mother for the safe guidance of the fugitive Cortes to his native shores, and for the divine protection of the little host, which, separated from the Spanish army, had wandered leagues to the northward, and had sought refuge in the noble mountains of an unknown land. The Father's devotions were, upon a sudden, interrupted by the approach of an aged man who toiled along the mountain-side path, -- a man so aged and so bowed and so feeble that he seemed to have been brought down into that place, by means of some necromantic art, out of distant centuries. His face was yellow and wrinkled like ancient parchment, and a beard whiter than Samite streamed upon his breast, whilst about his withered body and shrunken legs hung faded raiment which the elements had corroded and the thorns had grievously rent. And as he toiled along, the aged man continually groaned, and continually wrung his palsied hands, as if a sorrow, no lighter than his years, afflicted him.
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Genres
- Religious Fiction — The narrative centers around themes of faith, redemption, and the consequences of sin, particularly in relation to Christian beliefs.
- Historical Fiction — The story is set against a historical backdrop involving the Spanish conquests and references to biblical events.
- Philosophical Fiction — The text explores deep moral and existential questions, particularly regarding guilt, punishment, and the nature of mercy.
- Tragedy — The story involves the tragic fate of the Wandering Jew, highlighting themes of eternal suffering and loss.
Tags
Christianity · Religion · Spirituality · Faith · Devotion · Meditation · Prayer · Catholicism · Symbolism · Redemption · Salvation · Hope
What this Textopian page supports
The Holy Cross is listed on Textopian as a short story by Eugene Field, dated 1893 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Eugene Field
- Date: 1893 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Religious Fiction, Historical Fiction, Philosophical Fiction, Tragedy, Adventure
- Length: 4,757 words
- Structure: 1 section, 33 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Holy Cross by Eugene Field
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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