A Successful Man

Author: Ella Wheeler Wilcox

    There was a man who killed a loving maid
    In some mad mood of passion; and he paid
    The price, upon a scaffold.    Now his name
    Stands only as a synonym for shame.
    There was another man, who took to wife
    A loving woman.    She was full of life,
    Of hope, and aspirations; and her pride
    Clothed her like some rich mantle.

             First, the wide
    Glad stream of life that through her veins had sway
    He dammed by rocks, cast in it, day by day.
    Her flag of hope, flung gaily to the world,
    He placed half mast, and then hauled down, and furled.
    The aspirations, breathing in each word,
    By subtle ridicule, were made absurd:

    The delicate fine mantle of her pride,
    With rude unfeeling hands, was wrenched aside:
    And by mean avarice, or vulgar show,
    Her quivering woman's heart was made to know
    That she was but a chattel, bought to fill
    Whatever niche might please the buyer's will.

    So she was murdered, while the slow years went.
    And her assassin, honoured, opulent,
    Lived with no punishment, or social ban!
    'A good provider, a successful man.'
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Type of Poem: Narrative Poem

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

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Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem is a powerful exploration of the themes of power, control, and societal perceptions of crime and harm. It juxtaposes two different men and their relationships with women to critique societal norms and values. The first four lines discuss a man who physically kills a woman in a fit of passion, who is then punished by society. The following lines describe a man who, over time, emotionally and psychologically breaks down his wife, but faces no repercussions, instead being praised as a 'good provider' and 'successful man.'

The structure of the poem, consisting of four-line stanzas with a consistent rhyme scheme, lends a rhythmic quality that contrasts starkly with the grim subject. The poem's tone is bitter and condemning, especially towards societal norms that punish physical violence but ignore emotional and psychological harm. Standout literary devices include metaphor and symbolism. The 'rocks' the second man throws into the 'stream of life' of his wife symbolize the emotional burdens he imposes on her. The 'flag of hope' being 'half mast' and 'furled' symbolizes the crushing of her dreams and aspirations. The 'mantle of her pride' being 'wrenched aside' metaphorically portrays the loss of her self-esteem and dignity.

In conclusion, this poem is a biting critique of societal values and norms, using powerful metaphors and symbolic imagery to underscore the irony and hypocrisy of society's response to different kinds of violence against women.

Exploring Narrative Poetry

Narrative poetry is a form of poetry that tells a story, often making use of the voices of a narrator and characters as well. Unlike lyric poetry, which focuses on emotions and thoughts, narrative poetry is dedicated to storytelling, weaving tales that captivate readers through plot and character development.

Narrative poems are unique in their ability to combine the depth of storytelling with the expressive qualities of poetry. Here are some defining characteristics:

  • Structured Plot: Narrative poems typically have a clear beginning, middle, and end, following a plot that might involve conflict, climax, and resolution, much like a short story or novel.
  • Character Development: Characters in narrative poems are often well-developed, with distinct voices and personalities that drive the story forward.
  • Descriptive Language: The language used in narrative poetry is vivid and descriptive, painting a clear picture of the scenes and events, while also conveying the emotions and atmosphere of the story.

From ancient epics like "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey" to more modern narrative poems, this form continues to engage readers by blending the art of storytelling with the beauty and rhythm of poetry.