One Mourner by Thomas Nelson Page
The narrative centers on the reflections of a Black character mourning the death of a white poet known for his writings about African American life and culture. The mourner expresses sorrow over the poet's demise, emphasizing his literary contributions and the deep understanding he had of the Black experience. The mourner recalls the poet's ability to capture the essence of Black life, suggesting that his insights stemmed from a personal connection, likely through his upbringing. The character laments the poet's poverty at the time of his death, questioning why he was left destitute, especially during the Christmas season. There is a poignant contrast drawn between the poet's literary brilliance and his unfortunate circumstances, highlighting themes of social injustice and the struggles faced by both the poet and the mourner. The mourner speculates on divine intervention, suggesting that perhaps God took the poet to a better place, free from earthly suffering. The narrative concludes with a wish for the poet to be remembered fondly, with nature celebrating his life, and a request for acknowledgment of the mourner's sorrow. The work encapsulates themes of empathy, loss, and the enduring impact of art, while also addressing the complexities of race and class in society.
By Thomas Nelson Page · First published 1901 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction · 708 words
First lines
(FOR IRWIN RUSSELL, WHO DIED IN NEW ORLEANS IN GREAT DESTITUTION, ON CHRISTMAS EVE, 1879)
Well, well, I declar'! I is sorry. He 's 'ceasted, yo' say, Marse Joe? -- Dat gent'man down in New Orleans, Whar writ 'bout'n niggers so,
What this Textopian page supports
One Mourner is listed on Textopian as a short story by Thomas Nelson Page, dated 1901 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: 1901 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction, Southern Literature, Elegy
- Length: 708 words
- Structure: 1 section, 16 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for One Mourner by Thomas Nelson Page
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering One Mourner?
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Similar titles
- Over The Coffin by Thomas Hardy
- By Her Aunts Grave by Thomas Hardy
- The Gardener by Rudyard Kipling
- Davids Death Song by Charles Kingsley
- Home From The Wars by George Macdonald
- Mandrews Hymn by Rudyard Kipling
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse and employs poetic devices, reflecting themes of loss and remembrance.
- Literary Fiction — The narrative explores deep emotional themes and character reflections, typical of literary fiction.
- Historical Fiction — The context and references to historical figures and societal issues place it within a historical framework.
- Southern Literature — The setting and cultural references are specific to the American South, characteristic of Southern literature.
Tags
grief · loss · mourning · family · southern literature · historical fiction · relationships · death · love · redemption · community · memory