The Sorrows of the Body

Name: The Sorrows of the Body
Author: Voltairine De Cleyre

This work explores themes of physical suffering and its impact on the human experience. It delves into the emotional and psychological effects of illness, injury, and disability, often using vivid imagery to convey the intensity of bodily pain. The narrative frequently blurs the lines between physical and mental anguish, suggesting that the two are inextricably linked. Through this exploration, the author critiques societal attitudes towards suffering, arguing that it is not merely a personal issue but also a reflection of broader social and economic conditions.

By Voltairine De Cleyre · First published 1914 · Genre: Philosophical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Autobiographical · 1,091 words

First lines

I have never wanted anything more than the wild creatures have -- a broad waft of clean air, a day to lie on the grass at times, with nothing to do but slip the blades through my fingers, and look as long as I pleased at the whole blue arch, and the screens of green and white between; leave for a month to float and float along the salt crests and among the foam, or roll with my naked skin over a clean long stretch of sunshiny sand; food that I liked, straight from the cool ground, and time to taste its sweetness, and time to rest after tasting; sleep when it came, and stillness, that the sleep might leave me when it would, not sooner -- Air, room, light rest, nakedness when I would not be clothed, and when I would be clothed, garments that did not fetter; freedom to touch my mother earth, to be with her in storm and shine, as the wild things are -- this is what I wanted -- this, and free contact with my fellows; -- not to love, and lie and be ashamed, but to love and say I love, and be glad of it; to feel the currents of ten thousand years of passion flooding me, body to body, as the wild things meet. I have asked no more.

What this Textopian page supports

The Sorrows of the Body is listed on Textopian as a short story by Voltairine De Cleyre, dated 1914 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Short story
Author: Voltairine De Cleyre
Date: 1914 CE
Language: English
Genres: Philosophical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Autobiographical, Symbolic Literature, Romanticism
Length: 1,091 words
Structure: 1 section, 12 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

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Genres

Philosophical Fiction — The text explores deep existential themes, questioning the nature of the soul versus the body and the struggle for personal freedom.
Literary Fiction — The writing style is introspective and rich in imagery, focusing on the emotional and psychological experiences of the narrator.
Autobiographical — The narrative reflects personal desires and struggles, suggesting autobiographical elements related to the author's own experiences.
Symbolic Literature — The text uses symbols such as the 'Soul' and 'Body' to represent broader concepts of freedom, oppression, and human experience.