The Harpy by Robert W. Service
The narrative centers on a woman who embodies wisdom and experience, reflecting on her life filled with sorrow and unfulfilled desires. Despite her youth, she feels ancient, burdened by the knowledge of human iniquity. She perceives herself as unloved and unworthy, engaging in a profession that society scorns. Her existence is marked by a façade; she uses makeup to mask her true self, waiting for men who seek her out for their own gratification. She recognizes the hypocrisy of the men who come to her, aware of their shame and the brutality of their desires. The woman articulates a harsh truth about life and love, suggesting that women must navigate a world dominated by male desires, often sacrificing their own needs and dignity. She warns against the perils of love, suggesting that it can lead to despair and isolation. The woman reflects on her own experiences, having once sought genuine love but finding only betrayal and sorrow. She adopts a defensive stance, using her allure to manipulate the very men who objectify her, likening herself to a predator in a world where she has been victimized. The poem delves into themes of fate, judgment, and the human condition, portraying life as a tragic play where women are often relegated to the role of mere performers. The woman acknowledges the inherent flaws in humanity and the inevitability of suffering, suggesting that the heart's desires can lead to ruin. Ultimately, she presents a bleak view of existence, where love is a dangerous game and the struggle for survival is fraught with pain and betrayal.
By Robert W. Service · First published 1916 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Drama · 590 words
First lines
There was a woman, and she was wise; woefully wise was she; She was old, so old, yet her years all told were but a score and three; And she knew by heart, from finish to start, the Book of Iniquity.
There is no hope for such as I, on earth nor yet in Heaven; Unloved I live, unloved I die, unpitied, unforgiven; A loathèd jade I ply my trade, unhallowed and unshriven.
What this Textopian page supports
The Harpy is listed on Textopian as a poem by Robert W. Service, dated 1916 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Robert W. Service
- Date: 1916 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Drama, Tragedy, Feminist Literature
- Length: 590 words
- Structure: 1 section, 13 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Literary Fiction — The themes explore deep emotional and philosophical issues, particularly regarding love, gender, and societal roles.
- Drama — The narrative presents a theatrical quality, depicting life as a performance with significant emotional conflict.
- Tragedy — The themes of despair, unrequited love, and the human condition reflect tragic elements.
Tags
Poetry · Classic · Literary · Fiction · Adventure · Fantasy · Mythology · Greek Mythology · Harpy · Birds · Nature · Symbolism