Lais by Hilda Doolittle (1923)
The novel revolves around the protagonist's journey to self-discovery and spiritual awakening. It explores themes of identity, morality, and the human condition through a non-linear narrative structure. The story is set in a mystical realm where the protagonist encounters various characters who serve as guides on their path towards enlightenment. Along the way, they grapple with existential questions and confront their own flaws and weaknesses.
By Hilda Doolittle · First published 1923 · Genre: Poetry, Classical Mythology, Modernist Literature · 463 words
First lines
Let her who walks in Paphos take the glass, let Paphos take the mirror and the work of frosted fruit, gold apples set with silver apple-leaf, white leaf of silver wrought with vein of gilt.
Let Paphos lift the mirror, let her look into the polished centre of the disk.
What this Textopian page supports
Lais is listed on Textopian as a poem by Hilda Doolittle, dated 1923 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Hilda Doolittle
- Date: 1923 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Classical Mythology, Modernist Literature, Feminist Literature
- Length: 463 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Lais by Hilda Doolittle
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Lais?
- How does this poem by Hilda Doolittle fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Epigrams by Hilda Doolittle
- Why Have You Sought by Hilda Doolittle
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing poetic devices such as imagery, metaphor, and rhythm.
- Classical Mythology — References to figures and locations from Greek mythology, such as Paphos and Lais, are central to the themes and narrative.
- Modernist Literature — The style reflects modernist tendencies with its focus on introspection, fragmented structure, and exploration of identity.
- Feminist Literature — Themes of female identity and autonomy are explored through the character of Lais and her relationship with her reflection.
Tags
Poetry · Verse · Free Verse · Modernism · Experimentation · Imagery · Symbolism · Nature · Mythology · Femininity · Identity · Self-Discovery