Bill, the Groom by Ida Lee (1888)
The novel revolves around a young woman who marries an older man for financial security and social status. She navigates the complexities of her new role while struggling with feelings of emptiness and disconnection from her husband. The story explores themes of love, duty, and identity in the context of societal expectations.
By Ida Lee · First published 1888 · Genre: Tragedy, Drama, Poetry · 1,199 words
First lines
The lights burn in the stable, and I stand in the yard, Yet thro' the open window I hear him breathing hard; They watch the bed in silence where Bill the groom lies still, For Bill the groom is surely fast going down the hill. 'Twas only yestereven, he made a solemn vow To catch and ride the chestnut; she stands outside there now, While he lies crushed and helpless upon a bed of pain; He will not see the sunset behind "The Ridge" again.
The chestnut's free and easy, a trifle too thin-skinned, I know she isn't faultless, though sound in limb and wind; But I thought she'd give no trouble, for Bill said he could ride, -- Australian-born he was not, he came from t'other side.
What this Textopian page supports
Bill, the Groom is listed on Textopian as a short story by Ida Lee, dated 1888 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Ida Lee
- Date: 1888 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Tragedy, Drama, Poetry, Pastoral, Supernatural
- Length: 1,199 words
- Structure: 1 section, 22 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Bill, the Groom by Ida Lee
- 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 Bill, the Groom?
- How does this short story by Ida Lee fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Tragedy first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Tragedy — The narrative centers on the tragic accident and subsequent death of Bill, the groom, highlighting themes of loss and sorrow.
- Drama — The story unfolds with emotional intensity, focusing on the relationships and emotional responses of the characters involved.
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing poetic devices and a rhythmic style to convey its narrative.
- Pastoral — The setting and elements of the story involve rural life, horses, and the natural environment, typical of pastoral themes.
Tags
Romance · Fiction · Novel · Marriage · Love Story · 19th Century Literature · American Literature · Classic Novel · Social Commentary · Satire · Comedy of Manners · Gentry Life