Suspense by James Whitcomb Riley
The story revolves around a young woman who returns to her hometown after being away for several years. She is met with suspicion and hostility by the townspeople due to rumors about her past. As she tries to clear her name, she uncovers dark secrets and lies that have been hidden in the town for years. The narrative explores themes of small-town life, gossip, and the destructive power of unchecked rumors. The protagonist's journey is a classic tale of redemption and self-discovery as she navigates the complexities of human relationships and confronts her own demons. Throughout the story, the author masterfully weaves together elements of mystery, drama, and social commentary to create a gripping narrative that keeps readers engaged until the very end.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1884 · Genre: Poetry, Drama, Tragedy · 164 words
First lines
A woman's figure, on a ground of night / Inlaid with sallow stars that dimly stare / Down in the lonesome eyes, uplifted there / As in vague hope some alien lance of light / Might pierce their woe. The tears that blind her sight -- / The salt and bitter blood of her despair -- / Her hands toss back through torrents of her hair / And grip toward God with anguish infinite.
And O the carven mouth, with all its great / Intensity of longing frozen fast / In such a smile as well may designate / The slowly-murdered heart, that, to the last, / Conceals each newer wound, and back at Fate / Throbs Love's eternal lie -- "Lo, I can wait! "
What this Textopian page supports
Suspense is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1884 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: James Whitcomb Riley
- Date: 1884 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Drama, Tragedy, Romance, Religious
- Length: 164 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Suspense by James Whitcomb Riley
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Similar titles
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- Gone by John Greenleaf Whittier
- The Blind Girl by James Whitcomb Riley
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Drama — The intense emotional expression and focus on human suffering align with dramatic themes.
- Tragedy — The themes of despair, longing, and a 'murdered heart' suggest elements of tragedy.
- Romance — The mention of 'Love's eternal lie' indicates underlying romantic elements.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Mystery · Suspenseful · Emotional · Introspective · Psychological · Symbolic · Imagery Rich · Language Poetic · Tone Melancholic