The other Woman by Madison Cawein
The poem presents a dramatic monologue from the perspective of a woman who confronts the grief of another woman over a deceased man. The speaker asserts her own connection to the man, claiming that she shared a significant and passionate love with him, which she believes surpasses the relationship the other woman had with him. The speaker feels excluded from the mourning process and demands to be heard, insisting that her love was genuine and enduring. She challenges the other woman's understanding of the man's past, suggesting that the love he gave to her was more profound and meaningful. The speaker expresses a sense of triumph in her connection to the man, contrasting her joy with the other woman's sorrow. Throughout the poem, themes of love, loss, jealousy, and the complexities of relationships are explored. The speaker's tone is assertive and confrontational, as she seeks recognition for her role in the man's life. She emphasizes the transitory nature of love, suggesting that the other woman's grief is misplaced and that she should acknowledge the speaker's significance in the man's life. The poem culminates in a bitter declaration that the speaker's love was the most valuable part of the man's existence, urging the other woman to let go of her pride and accept this truth. The speaker's desire for acknowledgment is palpable, as she insists on the importance of her relationship with the deceased, even as she acknowledges the finality of death. The work ultimately examines the dynamics of love and the pain of unrecognized affection, leaving the reader to ponder the complexities of human relationships and the legacies left behind.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1902 · Genre: Poetry, Drama, Romance · 353 words
First lines
You have shut me out from your tears and grief Over the man laid low and hoary. Listen to me now: I am no thief! -- You have shut me out from your tears and grief, -- Listen to me, I will tell my story.
The love of a man is transitory. -- What do you know of his past? the years He gave to another his manhood's glory? -- The love of a man is transitory. Listen to me now: open your ears.
What this Textopian page supports
The other Woman is listed on Textopian as a poem by Madison Cawein, dated 1902 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Madison Cawein
- Date: 1902 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Drama, Romance, Tragedy, Literary Fiction
- Length: 353 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Drama — The themes of love, betrayal, and grief create a dramatic narrative.
- Romance — The central focus is on romantic relationships and emotional conflicts.
- Tragedy — The themes of loss and sorrow contribute to a tragic tone.
Tags
Poetry · Romance · Love · Relationships · Infidelity · Drama · Emotions · Passion · Jealousy · Heartbreak · Loss · Longing