On the Tower by Sara Teasdale (1917)
The work is a one-act play set atop a high castle tower, featuring a Knight and a Lady. The narrative unfolds as the Knight and Lady ascend the tower, symbolizing a journey from enmity to love. The Lady expresses her fear of falling and her reluctance to embrace the Knight, who urges her to overcome her fears and accept their newfound connection. As they reach the top, the Knight seeks a kiss, and the Lady, though fatigued, reciprocates her feelings. Their interaction reveals the tension between their past as adversaries and their present intimacy. The Knight desires to explore the Lady's castle and treasures, while she suggests that their love will unfold over time, emphasizing the importance of patience. As dusk falls, the Lady sings a lullaby, and the Knight drifts into sleep. The atmosphere shifts as the castle bell rings for vespers, signaling the Knight's obligations. A Page calls for him, reminding him of a tournament against his enemy. The Knight, caught between duty and love, prepares to leave, unaware of the Lady's impending despair. In a moment of tragic resolution, the Lady, feeling abandoned and overwhelmed, throws herself from the tower, marking a poignant end to their brief encounter. The play explores themes of love, duty, and the consequences of societal expectations, culminating in a dramatic and tragic conclusion.
By Sara Teasdale · First published 1917 · Genre: Drama, Romance, Poetry · 1,986 words
First lines
(A play in one act.)
The Knight. The Lady.
What this Textopian page supports
On the Tower is listed on Textopian as a novel by Sara Teasdale, dated 1917 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Sara Teasdale
- Date: 1917 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Drama, Romance, Poetry, Fantasy, Tragedy
- Length: 1,986 words
- Structure: 1 section, 51 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for On the Tower by Sara Teasdale
- 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
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering On the Tower?
- How does this novel by Sara Teasdale fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Drama first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- At My Window After Sunset by George Macdonald
- Love From Afar by George William Russell
- Songs Of The Winter Nights by George Macdonald
- Songs Of The Winter Days by George Macdonald
- A Summer Night by George William Russell
- The Gifts Of The Moon by Charles Pierre Baudelaire
Genres
- Drama — The work is a one-act play featuring dialogue and character interactions, typical of the drama genre.
- Romance — The central theme revolves around the romantic relationship between the Knight and the Lady, exploring love and emotional connection.
- Poetry — The play's language is lyrical and poetic, with rhythmic dialogue and imagery that evoke poetic elements.
- Fantasy — The setting includes a castle and elements of chivalry, which are common in fantasy narratives.
Tags
poetry · nature · solitude · reflection · emotion · beauty · existence · transcendence · loneliness · spirituality · imagination · inspiration