Where the White Rose Died

Name: Where the White Rose Died
Author: Voltairine De Cleyre

The poem describes a scene of death and decay, where the white rose has wilted and died. The speaker reflects on the fleeting nature of beauty and life, comparing it to the inevitability of death. The poem explores themes of mortality, impermanence, and the transience of human existence.

By Voltairine De Cleyre · First published 1918 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Realism · 1,963 words

First lines

It was late at night, a raw, rough-shouldering night, that shoved men in corners as having no business in the street, and the few people in the northbound car drew themselves into themselves, radiating hedgehog quills of feeling at their neighbors. Presently there came in a curious figure, clothed in the drapery of its country's honor, the blue flannel flapping very much about its legs. I looked at its feet first, because they were so very small and girlish, and because the owner of them adjusted the flapping pants with the coquetry of a maiden switching her skirts. Then I glanced at the hands: they also were small and womanish, and constantly in motion. At last, the face, expecting a fresh young boy's, not long away from some country village. It was the sunk, seamed face of a man of forty-five, seared, and with iron-gray eyebrows, but lit by twinkling young eyes, that gleamed at everything good-humoredly. The sailor's pancake with its official lettering was pushed rakishly down and forward, and looking at hat and wearer, one instinctively turned milliner and decorated the "shape" with aigrette and bows -- they would nod so accordant with the flirting head. Presently the restless hands went up and gave the hat another tilt, went down and straightened the "divided skirt," folded themselves an instant while the little feet began tattooing the car floor, and the scintillant eyes looked general invitation all round the car. No perceptible shrinkage of quills, however, so the eyes wandered over to their image in the plate glass, and directly the hat got another coquettish dip, and the skirts another flirt and settle.

What this Textopian page supports

Where the White Rose Died is listed on Textopian as a short story by Voltairine De Cleyre, dated 1918 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: 1918 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Realism, Psychological Fiction, Short Story
Length: 1,963 words
Structure: 1 section, 19 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Literary Fiction — The work explores complex themes of humanity, morality, and societal critique through rich character development and introspective narrative.
Social Commentary — It addresses social issues such as addiction, poverty, and the human condition, reflecting on the societal implications of these themes.
Realism — The narrative presents a realistic portrayal of urban life and the struggles of individuals within it, emphasizing authentic experiences.
Psychological Fiction — The internal conflict and emotional turmoil of the narrator highlight psychological themes, particularly regarding guilt and moral responsibility.