There's Rosemary
The narrative centers on a young woman grappling with the complexities of love, identity, and societal expectations. Set against a backdrop of rural life, the protagonist navigates her feelings for a man who embodies both passion and transience. Their relationship is marked by intense emotions, yet it is fleeting, reflecting the ephemeral nature of youthful love. As the story unfolds, the protagonist's internal struggles become evident. She is torn between her desires and the constraints imposed by her environment. The tension between personal fulfillment and societal norms is a recurring theme, highlighting the challenges faced by women in a patriarchal society. The man represents a form of freedom and escape, yet his presence also brings heartache. The protagonist's reflections on love reveal a deep yearning for connection, juxtaposed with the inevitability of loss. This duality is explored through vivid imagery and lyrical language, emphasizing the beauty and pain of love. Throughout the work, nature serves as a metaphor for the protagonist's emotional landscape. The changing seasons symbolize the cycles of love and loss, reinforcing the idea that while love may be transient, its impact is lasting. The protagonist's journey is one of self-discovery, as she learns to embrace her feelings, even when they lead to sorrow. The narrative culminates in a poignant realization about the nature of love. It is not merely a possession but an experience that shapes one's identity. The protagonist comes to understand that love, in all its forms, is integral to her existence, even if it is fleeting. The work ultimately celebrates the complexity of human emotions, illustrating that love, despite its impermanence, enriches life in profound ways.
By Olive Tilford Dargan · First published 1930 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Literary Fiction · 171 words
First lines
O love that is not love, but dear, so dear! That is not love because it goes so soon, Like flower born and dead within one moon, And yet is love for that it comes full near The guarded fane where love alone may peer, Ere like young Spring by Summer soon outshone, It trembles into death, but comes anon, As thoughts of Spring will come though Summer's here.
O star full sweet, though one arose more fair, Within my heart I'll keep a heaven for thee Where thou mayst freely come and freely go, Touching with thy pale gold the twilight air Where dream-closed buds could never flower show, Yet fragrant keep the shadowy way for me.
What this Textopian page supports
There's Rosemary is listed on Textopian as a poem by Olive Tilford Dargan, dated 1930 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Olive Tilford Dargan
- Date: 1930 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romance, Literary Fiction, Nature Writing
- Length: 171 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for There's Rosemary by Olive Tilford Dargan
- 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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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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- Mid May by Olive Tilford Dargan
- These Latter Days by Olive Tilford Dargan
Genres
- Poetry — The work is characterized by its lyrical quality and use of poetic devices, focusing on themes of love and nature.
- Romance — The central theme revolves around love, exploring its complexities and transient nature.
- Literary Fiction — The writing style is introspective and rich in imagery, typical of literary fiction that delves into emotional and philosophical themes.
- Nature Writing — The text incorporates elements of nature, using it as a backdrop to explore human emotions and experiences.
Tags
Feminist · Social Commentary · Realism · Domestic Drama · Marriage · Family Conflict · Class Struggle · Poverty · Rural Life · Isolation · Loneliness · Mother-Daughter Relationship