Sans-Joy by Helen Hay Whitney (1904)
The novel revolves around a young woman's struggle with her own identity and sense of purpose after being abandoned by her lover. She embarks on a journey to rediscover herself and find meaning in life. Along the way, she encounters various characters who challenge her perceptions and force her to confront her own flaws and weaknesses.
By Helen Hay Whitney · First published 1904 · Genre: Poetry, Religious, Fantasy · 94 words
First lines
Hide your eyes, Angels, beneath your gold phylacteries, Israfel will charm you with the magic of his song: Yet you will not smile for him, by reason of your memories, For Lucifer is absent, and the cry goes up, How long!
For his expiation you would give your dreams and destinies, Paradise is clouded by the measure of your pain; Hide your eyes, Angels, beneath your gold phylacteries, Till the jasper gates swing wide to bring him home again.
What this Textopian page supports
Sans-Joy is listed on Textopian as a poem by Helen Hay Whitney, 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: Helen Hay Whitney
- Date: 1904 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Religious, Fantasy, Philosophical
- Length: 94 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Sans-Joy by Helen Hay Whitney
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- The Lifted Bandage by Mary Raymond Shipman Andrews
- Love And Dawn by Helen Hay Whitney
- A Handful Of Clay by Henry Van Dyke
- Mrs Meyers by Edgar Lee Masters
- The Price by Helen Hay Whitney
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse form with a focus on rhythm and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Religious — The text references angels, Israfel, and Lucifer, indicating religious themes.
- Fantasy — The mention of celestial beings and mythical elements suggests a fantasy genre.
- Philosophical — The text explores themes of destiny, expiation, and existential longing, common in philosophical works.
Tags
Literary Fiction · Novel · American Literature · Early 20th Century · Realism · Psychological Insight · Character Study · Social Commentary · Marriage · Relationships · Family Dynamics · Domestic Life
More by Helen Hay Whitney
- Sonnets (1905)
- Songs (1905)
- Some Verses: Sonnets: THE DAYS (1898)
- Some Verses: Sonnets: THE EVERLASTING SNOWS (1898)
- Some Verses: Sonnets: THRONE AND ALTAR (1898)
- Some Verses: Sonnets: EAST AND WEST (1898)
- Some Verses: Sonnets: THE BATTLE (1898)
- Some Verses: Sonnets: WATER AND WINE (1898)
- All works by Helen Hay Whitney