Atarah by Helen Hay Whitney (1901)

Name: Atarah
Author: Helen Hay Whitney

The novel revolves around a young woman's journey to self-discovery and independence. It explores themes of identity, morality, and the constraints placed on women during the late 19th century. The protagonist navigates her relationships with family members and societal expectations while struggling to find her own path in life.

By Helen Hay Whitney · First published 1901 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Tragedy · 103 words

First lines

With painted slender folded hands She waited what might come, Her head was tyred with jewelled bands, Her mouth was sweet and dumb.

Her cymar was of ardassine, Fire red from throat to hem, Broidered with Turkis stones therein -- She gave her soul for them.

Faint cassia and love-haunted myrrh Made perilous her hair, And what was Sidon's woe to her Whose face was king's despair?

Nor life nor love from those cold lips, But ah, in what degree, Her passionate lover leans and sips Her death-bright poesy.

What this Textopian page supports

Atarah is listed on Textopian as a poem by Helen Hay Whitney, dated 1901 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Poem
Author: Helen Hay Whitney
Date: 1901 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Romance, Tragedy, Historical Fiction, Fantasy
Length: 103 words
Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Atarah by Helen Hay Whitney
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

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How does this poem by Helen Hay Whitney fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The text is structured in verse form with a focus on rhythm and meter, characteristic of poetry.
Romance — Themes of love and passion are central, as indicated by references to a lover and emotional intensity.
Tragedy — The text suggests themes of despair and loss, particularly through the imagery of 'death-bright poesy' and 'king's despair.'
Historical Fiction — References to historical elements such as 'Sidon' and 'Turkis stones' suggest a setting in a past era.