Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Full Name and Common Aliases
Ella Wheeler Wilcox was a renowned American author and poet, often referred to simply as Ella Wilcox. Her work, characterized by its accessibility and emotional depth, has left a lasting imprint on American literature.
Birth and Death Dates
Ella Wheeler Wilcox was born on November 5, 1850, in Johnstown, Wisconsin, and passed away on October 30, 1919, in Short Beach, Connecticut. Her life spanned a period of significant cultural and social change in the United States, which is reflected in her writings.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Ella Wheeler Wilcox was an American poet and author. She was a prolific writer, contributing to the literary world with her poetry, essays, and articles. Her work was widely published in newspapers and magazines, making her a household name during her lifetime.
Early Life and Background
Ella Wheeler was born into a family that valued education and literature. Her parents, Marcus and Sarah Wheeler, encouraged her literary pursuits from a young age. Growing up in rural Wisconsin, Ella developed a love for reading and writing, often finding inspiration in the natural beauty surrounding her. She began writing poetry as a child, and by the age of 14, her poems were being published in local newspapers. Her early exposure to literature and the encouragement she received from her family laid the foundation for her future career as a writer.
Major Accomplishments
Ella Wheeler Wilcox's career was marked by numerous accomplishments. She gained national recognition with the publication of her poem "Solitude" in 1883, which famously begins with the line, "Laugh, and the world laughs with you; weep, and you weep alone." This poem encapsulated her ability to capture universal human emotions, resonating with a wide audience. Her poetry collection, "Poems of Passion," published in 1883, was a commercial success and solidified her reputation as a leading poet of her time. Throughout her career, she published over 20 volumes of poetry and prose, reaching a broad audience and earning her a place among America's most beloved poets.
Notable Works or Actions
Among Ella Wheeler Wilcox's notable works, "Poems of Passion" stands out as a defining collection that showcased her talent for expressing deep emotions and exploring themes of love, loss, and the human experience. Her poem "Solitude" remains one of her most quoted works, capturing the essence of human connection and isolation. In addition to her poetry, Wilcox was a regular contributor to newspapers and magazines, where she wrote essays and articles on a variety of topics, including spirituality, women's rights, and social issues. Her ability to address contemporary issues with clarity and empathy made her a respected voice in American literature.
Impact and Legacy
Ella Wheeler Wilcox's impact on American literature is significant. Her accessible style and emotional depth made her work appealing to a broad audience, and her poems continue to be read and appreciated today. She was a pioneer in using poetry as a means of exploring personal and societal issues, paving the way for future generations of poets. Her legacy is also evident in her advocacy for women's rights and her involvement in the spiritualist movement, which influenced her later works. Wilcox's ability to connect with readers on a personal level has ensured her place in the canon of American literature.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Ella Wheeler Wilcox is widely quoted and remembered for her ability to distill complex emotions into simple, yet profound, language. Her poems often explore themes of love, happiness, and the human condition, making them relatable to readers across generations. The enduring popularity of her work is a testament to her skill as a poet and her understanding of the human experience. Her famous lines, such as those from "Solitude," continue to resonate with readers, offering insight and comfort. Wilcox's work remains a source of inspiration and reflection, ensuring her place in the hearts of poetry lovers worldwide.
Quotes by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Ella Wheeler Wilcox's insights on:
But, lo! from a peak on the mountain grand / That looks out over the smiling land / And over the mighty ocean, / The Eagle is spreading her splendid wings — / She rises, rises, and upward swings, / With a slow, majestic motion.
I am quite convinced,' said Crow, with a caw, / 'That the Eagle minds no moral law, / She's a most unruly creature.' / 'She's an ugly thing,' piped Canary Bird; / 'Some call her handsome — it's so absurd — / She hasn't a decent feature.'
My friends,' said the Owl, with a look most wise, / 'The Eagle is soaring too near the skies, / In a way that is quite improper; / Yet the world is praising her, so I'm told, / And I think her actions have grown so bold / That some of us ought to stop her.'
"As Monday goes, so goes the week," dames say. Refreshed, renewed, use well the initial day. And see! thy neighbour already seeks his labour.
When this full throat shall wattle fold on fold, / Like some ripe peach left drying on a wall
A lustrous rocket, rising out of space. Behold the signal of the foe,' cried one.
Snugly creep and fall asleep, / O come, my baby, do; / Creep into my lap, and with a nap, / We'll break the day in two.
And then on the gray granite precipice burst; / And I knew as I counted, while other waves mounted, / I knew the tenth billow would rhyme with the first
The old-fashioned verse with intentional rhymes. / And quite out of date, too, is rhythmical metre; / The critics / declare it an insult to art. / But oh! the sweet swing of it, oh! the clear ring of it, / Oh! the great pulse of it, / right from the heart, / Art or no art.