When One Forgets by Gilbert Parker
The novel When One Forgets by Gilbert Parker follows the story of a man named John who suffers from amnesia after being involved in a car accident. As he tries to piece together his past, he discovers that he was once married and had a child with a woman named Mary. However, when he attempts to reconnect with her, she rejects him due to the painful memories of their past relationship. The novel explores themes of love, loss, and the power of memory in shaping one's identity.
By Gilbert Parker · First published 1904 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Romantic · 162 words
First lines
When one forgets, the old things are as dead things; The grey leaves fall, and eyes that saw their May Turn from them now, and voices that have said things Wherein Life joyed, alas! are still to-day -- When one forgets.
The world was noble, now its sordid casement Glows but with garish folly, and the plains Of rich achievement lie in mean abasement -- Ah, Hope is only midwife to our pains!
When one forgets, but maimed rites come after: To mourn, be priest, be sexton, bear the pall, Remembrance-robed, the while a distant laughter Proclaims Love's ghost -- what wonder skies should fall, When one forgets!
What this Textopian page supports
When One Forgets is listed on Textopian as a poem by Gilbert Parker, dated 1904 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Gilbert Parker
- Date: 1904 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Romantic, Melancholic
- Length: 162 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Similar titles
- Loves House by Frederic Manning
- The Memory by Gilbert Parker
- After by Gilbert Parker
- Parting by Gilbert Frankau
- The House Of Regret by Francis Sherman
- Unchanged by Gilbert Parker
Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse form, with a focus on rhythm and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Philosophical — The themes explore deep existential questions about memory, life, and the passage of time.
- Romantic — The text reflects on love and its transient nature, a common theme in romantic literature.
- Melancholic — The tone is somber and reflective, focusing on loss and the fading of past joys.
Tags
memory · loss · identity · relationships · nostalgia · forgiveness · self-discovery · regret · love · redemption · time · change
More by Gilbert Parker
- The Power And The Glory (1925)
- Pierre and his People, Volume 1 (1895)
- Pierre and his People, Volume 2 (1904)
- Pierre and his People, Volume 3 (1904)
- Pierre and his People, Volume 4 (1905)
- Pierre and his People, Volume 5 (1904)
- A Romany of the Snows, Volume 1 (1897)
- A Romany of the Snows, Volume 2 (1907)
- All works by Gilbert Parker