Lais by Helen Hay Whitney (1905)

Name: Lais
Author: Helen Hay Whitney

The novel revolves around the life of a young woman who returns to her hometown after being away for several years. She becomes involved with a local man and must navigate the complexities of their relationship amidst societal expectations and personal desires. The story explores themes of identity, community, and the constraints placed on women during this time period.

By Helen Hay Whitney · First published 1905 · Genre: Poetry, Symbolism, Modernism · 97 words

First lines

You are white as the moths of Twilight, You are secret as mist and dew, And your down-dropped eyes Are eternally wise, Strange sins have wrought their hue.

Mother of men and women, They are ghosts, not men you have bred; In infinite scorn Their bodies were born While their souls were worse than dead.

We are what your lips have made us, Empty, and bitterly old; Our faith has lied, Oh, barren bride, And the fires of the world are cold.

What this Textopian page supports

Lais is listed on Textopian as a poem by Helen Hay Whitney, dated 1905 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: 1905 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Symbolism, Modernism, Philosophical, Mysticism
Length: 97 words
Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Lais by Helen Hay Whitney
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Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The work is structured in verse, utilizing poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
Symbolism — The text employs symbolic imagery and metaphor to convey deeper meanings.
Modernism — The themes of existential reflection and disillusionment align with modernist literature.
Philosophical — The work explores philosophical themes related to existence and human nature.