Two Lives by Madison Cawein (1902)
The work presents a dialogue between two contrasting perspectives on life, love, and existence. One voice embodies a nihilistic view, asserting that life is devoid of divine purpose, equating love with mere physical desire, and advocating for hedonism as a response to the inevitability of death. This perspective encourages indulgence in pleasures while one can, dismissing any notion of an afterlife or spiritual significance. In stark contrast, the second voice espouses a belief in a benevolent deity, positing that love transcends mere physicality and that death is not an end but a transition to a higher state of being. This viewpoint emphasizes the importance of faith, truth, and the mind, suggesting that these elements enrich human experience and provide a sense of eternal youth. The narrative culminates in a poignant moment where the two lives represented by these voices intersect. One character, having embraced a life of debauchery, meets a tragic end, while the other, who rises from a harlot's side, embodies a more hopeful and spiritually aware existence. This juxtaposition highlights the consequences of each worldview, ultimately suggesting that the pursuit of meaning and connection may lead to a more fulfilling life than the pursuit of transient pleasures. The work invites readers to reflect on the nature of existence, the dichotomy of belief systems, and the impact of choices made in life.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1902 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Romanticism · 207 words
First lines
1. "There is no God," one said, And love is lust; When I am dead I'm _dead_, And all is dust.
"Be merry while you can Before you're gray; With some wild courtesan Drink care away."
2. One said, "A God there is, And God is love; Death is not _death_, but bliss, And life above.
"Above all flesh is mind; And faith and truth God's gifts to poor mankind That make life youth."
What this Textopian page supports
Two Lives 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, Philosophical, Romanticism, Existentialism, Lyric
- Length: 207 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices, focusing on themes of love, life, and existential contemplation.
- Philosophical — The dialogue presents contrasting views on existence, morality, and the nature of love and death, engaging with deep philosophical questions.
- Romanticism — The exploration of love and emotional depth aligns with Romantic themes, emphasizing individual experience and emotion.
- Existentialism — The text grapples with the meaning of life and death, reflecting existential concerns about human existence.
Tags
Biographical · Autobiographical · Memoir · Poetic · Literary · Historical · American · 19th Century · 20th Century · Family · Relationships · Identity