The Man by Helen Hay Whitney (1905)
The novel revolves around a young woman's journey to self-discovery and independence. It explores themes of identity, morality, and the societal expectations placed on women during that time period. The protagonist navigates complex relationships with those around her, including family members and romantic interests, as she grapples with her own desires and values.
By Helen Hay Whitney · First published 1905 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Drama · 125 words
First lines
The flame is spent, I can no more Hold the tall candle by your door. Too often have I watched to see Your lagging steps come home to me.
The Tyrian traders taught me this. They came, perfumed with ambergris, With amethystine robes, and hair Curled by the kisses of salt air.
They mocked me for my weary hands, Holding your light as love demands, They sang the lure of poppied sleep, Their lips were warm, their eyes were deep.
The flame is spent! Your pale weak face Must seek another resting place. Win me, and hold me now who can! The Tyrian trader was a man!
What this Textopian page supports
The Man 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, Romance, Drama, Historical
- Length: 125 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Man 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
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Man?
- How does this poem by Helen Hay Whitney fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- The Story Of Jees Uck by Jack London
- The Double Transformation A Tale by Oliver Goldsmith
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Romance — Themes of love and longing are central, focusing on emotional relationships.
- Drama — The narrative involves emotional conflict and personal struggle, typical of dramatic works.
- Historical — References to Tyrian traders suggest a historical context, adding depth to the setting.
Tags
Novel · Fiction · Literary Fiction · American Literature · 20th Century Literature · Psychological Novel · Character Study · Coming of Age · Self-Discovery · Identity Crisis · Social Commentary · Class Conflict
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