The Old Love and the New
This novel explores the complexities of love and relationships through the eyes of a middle-aged man who becomes infatuated with a younger woman. The story delves into themes of nostalgia, regret, and the human desire for connection. As the protagonist navigates his feelings, he must confront the reality of his own mortality and the impermanence of love.
By John Gould Fletcher · First published 1933 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Philosophical · 65 words
First lines
Beware, for the dying vine can hold The strongest oak.
Only by cutting at the root Can love be altered.
Late in the night A rosy glimmer yet defies the darkness.
But the evening is growing late, The blinds are being lowered; She who held your heart and charmed you Is only a rosy glimmer of flame remembered.
What this Textopian page supports
The Old Love and the New is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Gould Fletcher, dated 1933 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: John Gould Fletcher
- Date: 1933 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romance, Philosophical, Literary Fiction, Symbolism
- Length: 65 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Old Love and the New by John Gould Fletcher
- 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 Old Love and the New?
- How does this poem by John Gould Fletcher fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Two Ladies Contrasted by John Gould Fletcher
- The Front Door by John Gould Fletcher
- The Temptress by James Weldon Johnson
- The Toy Cabinet by John Gould Fletcher
- The Wall Cabinet by John Gould Fletcher
- The Back Stairs by John Gould Fletcher
Genres
- Poetry — The work employs lyrical language and explores emotional themes, characteristic of poetic expression.
- Romance — The themes of love, memory, and longing are central to the narrative, aligning it with the romance genre.
- Philosophical — The exploration of love's nature and the passage of time suggests deeper philosophical inquiries.
- Literary Fiction — The focus on character introspection and emotional depth places it within literary fiction.
Tags
Southern Gothic · Literary Fiction · Coming-of-Age · Family Drama · Social Commentary · Regionalism · American Literature · 1920s Setting · Small Town Life · Love Triangle · Marriage · Infidelity