The Answer by Helen Hay Whitney

Name: The Answer
Author: Helen Hay Whitney

The novel revolves around a young woman's journey of self-discovery and growth after her husband leaves her for another woman. She embarks on a series of relationships with men who are emotionally unavailable, leading to a deeper understanding of herself and the societal expectations placed upon women during that time period. Through her experiences, she grapples with themes of identity, love, and independence, ultimately finding a sense of liberation and autonomy in her own life. The narrative explores the complexities of female relationships and the constraints imposed by societal norms on women's lives during the early 20th century.

By Helen Hay Whitney · First published 1906 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Philosophical · 105 words

First lines

The themes of women! Mounting up the sky, Beating the air with tremulous weak wings, How shall so small a matter win so high, The vain sweet goal of their imaginings?

Striving for Beauty, dark philosophy, Or the obscure and purple deeps of truth, How shall they know their one great verity, The answer to their queries and their youth?

Simple vain themes of women! Only this One theme may lift their wings to goals above, -- To spill their hearts out blindly in a kiss, An infinite surrendering to love.

What this Textopian page supports

The Answer is listed on Textopian as a poem by Helen Hay Whitney, dated 1906 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: 1906 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Romance, Philosophical, Feminist
Length: 105 words
Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Genres

Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
Romance — The central theme revolves around love and emotional surrender.
Philosophical — The text explores deep questions about truth and beauty.
Feminist — The themes focus on women's aspirations and struggles.