Felice by Thomas Nelson Page (1904)
The narrative centers on a young woman named Felice, whose beauty captivates those around her. The protagonist, deeply enamored, describes her physical attributes in poetic detail, emphasizing her fairness, the softness of her eyes, and the delicate interplay of colors in her complexion. Felice's hair is likened to a halo, enhancing her ethereal presence, while her voice is compared to soothing natural sounds, evoking a sense of longing and nostalgia. Despite her enchanting exterior, Felice possesses a cold and unyielding heart, leading the protagonist to question whether her beauty is merely a façade, akin to a sculpted figure devoid of warmth or emotion. This contrast between her stunning appearance and her emotional detachment creates a tension that permeates the narrative, as the protagonist grapples with his infatuation and the realization that true connection may be unattainable. The work explores themes of beauty, love, and the dichotomy between appearance and reality. The protagonist's admiration is tinged with melancholy, as he recognizes the limitations of his affection for someone who remains emotionally inaccessible. The imagery throughout the text serves to heighten the sense of longing and the bittersweet nature of unrequited love, ultimately questioning the value of beauty when it is not accompanied by genuine emotional depth.
By Thomas Nelson Page · First published 1904 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric · 293 words
First lines
You are very fair, Felice, wondrous fair, / And the light deep in your eyes / Is more soft than summer skies, / And rare roses in your cheek / Play with lilies hide-and-seek, -- / Play as Pleasure plays with Care.
And your throat is white, Felice, wondrous white, / White as sifted snow, I wis, / Ere the sun hath stol'n a kiss, / High up starry mountain-heights, / Or as in rich moonful nights / Parian baths in Cynthia's light.
And, Felice, your rippling waves of soft hair, / In their mystic depths aye hold / Shade and shimmer of red gold, / Like a halo round your face, / Lending you another grace / From the sunbeams shining there.
What this Textopian page supports
Felice is listed on Textopian as a short story by Thomas Nelson Page, dated 1904 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Thomas Nelson Page
- Date: 1904 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric, Elegy, Visual Art
- Length: 293 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Felice by Thomas Nelson Page
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as imagery and metaphor.
- Romanticism — The themes of beauty, nature, and emotional expression align with Romantic ideals.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal feelings and emotions directed towards the subject, Felice.
- Elegy — The tone reflects a sense of longing and admiration, characteristic of elegiac poetry.
Tags
Southern literature · romance · historical fiction · American South · family dynamics · social issues · love story · cultural heritage · 19th century · character development · conflict · tradition