The Whole White World
This novel explores the complexities of human relationships and identity through a non-linear narrative structure. The story revolves around a woman's journey to self-discovery, navigating her past experiences and emotions in an attempt to reconcile with her present. The protagonist's inner world is characterized by a sense of disconnection from reality, as she struggles to distinguish between fantasy and reality. Her relationships with others are marked by a deep-seated need for validation and intimacy, often leading to feelings of isolation and disorientation. Throughout the novel, themes of identity, morality, and the search for meaning are explored in depth. The narrative is fragmented and introspective, reflecting the protagonist's disjointed mental state as she grapples with her own sense of self. Ultimately, the novel presents a nuanced portrayal of human experience, highlighting the complexities and contradictions that define us all.
By Hilda Doolittle · First published 1929 · Genre: Poetry, Imagism, Nature · 213 words
First lines
The whole white world is ours, and the world, purple with rose-bays, bays, bush on bush, group, thicket, hedge and tree, dark islands in a sea of grey-green olive or wild white-olive, cut with the sudden cypress shafts, in clusters, two or three, or with one slender, single cypress-tree.
Slid from the hill, as crumbling snow-peaks slide, citron on citron fill the valley, and delight waits till our spirits tire of forest, grove and bush and purple flower of the laurel-tree.
Yet not one wearies, joined is each to each in happiness complete with bush and flower: ours is the wind-breath at the hot noon-hour, ours is the bee's soft belly and the blush of the rose-petal, lifted, of the flower.
What this Textopian page supports
The Whole White World is listed on Textopian as a poem by Hilda Doolittle, dated 1929 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: 1929 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Imagism, Nature, Modernism
- Length: 213 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Whole White World 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 The Whole White World?
- 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
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing line breaks, rhythm, and imagery typical of poetry.
- Imagism — The text employs vivid imagery and precise language, hallmarks of the Imagist movement.
- Nature — The themes and descriptions focus heavily on natural elements and landscapes.
- Modernism — The work reflects modernist tendencies through its emphasis on individual perception and fragmented structure.
Tags
Modernist poetry · Imagism movement · Free verse · Stream-of-consciousness narrative · Experimental prose · Autobiographical elements · Coming of age story · Female perspective · American literature · Early 20th century writing · Symbolic language · Nature imagery