Tryst by Olive Tilford Dargan (1922)
The narrative unfolds in a remote, rugged coastal setting, where the protagonist grapples with profound emotional turmoil and existential questions. The central character, a woman, reflects on her past and the complexities of love, loss, and longing. She is haunted by memories of a passionate relationship that has left an indelible mark on her psyche. As the story progresses, the protagonist encounters various figures that symbolize different aspects of her inner conflict. These characters serve as mirrors, reflecting her desires, regrets, and the societal constraints that shape her identity. The tension between personal freedom and societal expectations is a recurring theme, as the protagonist navigates her feelings of entrapment and yearning for liberation. The coastal landscape plays a significant role, embodying the tumultuous emotions of the protagonist. The sea, with its relentless waves and shifting tides, symbolizes both the chaos of her inner world and the possibility of renewal. The imagery of darkness and light throughout the work underscores the duality of hope and despair, as the protagonist seeks solace amidst her struggles. The narrative structure intertwines lyrical passages with introspective monologues, creating a rich tapestry of thought and emotion. The protagonist's journey is not just a quest for love but also a search for self-identity and purpose. As she confronts her past, she grapples with the notion of fate versus free will, questioning whether her choices have led her to her current state of being. Ultimately, the work culminates in a moment of revelation, where the protagonist must confront the reality of her situation. This confrontation leads to a deeper understanding of herself and her desires, allowing her to embrace her complexities. The resolution is not one of complete closure but rather an acceptance of the ongoing struggle between the heart's desires and the mind's rationality. The themes of love, loss, and the quest for self-discovery resonate throughout the narrative, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences of passion and the search for meaning in a world fraught with uncertainty. The work stands as a poignant exploration of the human condition, capturing the essence of longing and the intricate dance between hope and despair.
By Olive Tilford Dargan · First published 1922 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Literary Fiction · 181 words
First lines
(AFTER READING FROM SHAKESPEARE)
Night, thou art heavy, with no stars to chain / Thy darkness unto heaven, that thy feet / May dance along these cliffs in gay retreat / Of the pursuing sea; heavy as pain / Where eyes see not the end, or tears that stain / The joy of him who conquers by defeat; / Or this dark sea whose heart doth climb and beat / The stones that make no sign, then falls again.
Cry with the night and wrestle with the wave, / Ye two-edged winds that cut this shore and me; / I warm me still with thinking of a grave / That can not hold the dust's eternal part; / For here across the centuries and the sea, / A dead hand lies like flame upon my heart.
What this Textopian page supports
Tryst is listed on Textopian as a short story by Olive Tilford Dargan, dated 1922 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Olive Tilford Dargan
- Date: 1922 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romance, Literary Fiction, Drama, Philosophical
- Length: 181 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Tryst 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
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Similar titles
- The Kiss by Olive Tilford Dargan
- Love And Dawn by Helen Hay Whitney
- The Hearts Highway by Mary E. Wilkins
- Beatrice by Paul Heyse
- Love Of Brothers by Katharine Tynan
- The Story Of Bawn by Katharine Tynan
Genres
- Poetry — The work features lyrical language and explores deep emotional themes, characteristic of poetry.
- Romance — The title 'Tryst' suggests themes of love and romantic encounters.
- Literary Fiction — The writing style and thematic depth align with literary fiction, focusing on character and emotional experience.
- Drama — The emotional intensity and conflict present in the text suggest dramatic elements.
Tags
Romance · Fiction · Novel · Literary Fiction · American Literature · Early 20th Century · Social Realism · Working Class · Marriage · Love Story · Family Drama · Domestic Life