Only a Woman's Hair by Lewis Carroll

Name: Only a Woman's Hair
Author: Lewis Carroll

The poem explores the idea that only a woman's hair can be truly beautiful and captivating. It describes how men are drawn to it, but also notes its fragility and tendency to fall out. The speaker suggests that this makes women's beauty fleeting and ultimately unattainable.

By Lewis Carroll · First published 1863 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric, Romanticism · 497 words

First lines

/ 'Only a woman's hair'! Fling it aside! / A bubble on Life's mighty stream: / Heed it not, man, but watch the broadening tide / Bright with the western beam.

/ Nay! In those words there rings from other years / The echo of a long low cry, / Where a proud spirit wrestles with its tears / In loneliest agony.

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Only a Woman's Hair is listed on Textopian as a poem by Lewis Carroll, dated 1863 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Poem
Author: Lewis Carroll
Date: 1863 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Lyric, Romanticism, Religious, Symbolism
Length: 497 words
Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Work identity for Only a Woman's Hair by Lewis Carroll
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Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres

Poetry — The work is structured in verse, employing rhythm and meter typical of poetic forms.
Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and reflections, focusing on themes of beauty, memory, and loss.
Romanticism — The themes of nature, emotion, and the idealization of women align with Romantic literary characteristics.
Religious — The poem references biblical imagery and themes of redemption and humility.