Ella Wilcox
Ella Wilcox: A Poet's Legacy
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Ella Wheeler Wilcox was born on May 5, 1850, in Johnstown, Center County, Pennsylvania. She is often referred to as Ella Wilcox or Ella Wheeler.
Birth and Death Dates
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May 5, 1850 - October 30, 1919
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Ella Wheeler Wilcox was an American poet, writer, and journalist of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Her work spanned various genres, including poetry, essays, and short stories.
Early Life and Background
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Growing up in a family that valued literature and education, Ella developed a passion for reading and writing from an early age. Her father, a schoolteacher, encouraged her to hone her writing skills. After completing her education at the local schools, she taught briefly before moving to Wisconsin with her husband, Edward Wilcox.
Major Accomplishments
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Ella Wheeler Wilcox's literary career began in the 1870s when she started publishing her poetry and short stories in various magazines. Her first collection of poetry, _Poems of Pleasure and Health_, was published in 1873 to moderate success. However, it was her second collection, _Poems of Passion and Pain_ (1883), that brought her widespread recognition.
Throughout her career, Ella Wilcox traveled extensively throughout the world, including Europe and Asia. Her experiences during these journeys heavily influenced her writing, which often reflected her observations on life, love, and social issues.
Notable Works or Actions
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Some of Ella Wheeler Wilcox's notable works include:
_Poems of Pleasure and Health_ (1873)
_Poems of Passion and Pain_ (1883)
_A Woman of the Century: A Collection of Biographies and Portraits of Eminent Women of the World_ (1893-1894) - a four-volume encyclopedia that highlights notable women from around the world
_The Works of Ella Wheeler Wilcox, Volume 1: Poems_ (1908)
In addition to her literary work, Ella Wilcox was also an advocate for women's rights and social justice. Her writing often addressed issues such as equality, education, and suffrage.
Impact and Legacy
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Ella Wheeler Wilcox's impact on American literature cannot be overstated. As one of the first female writers in the United States to achieve widespread recognition, she paved the way for future generations of women authors. Her poetry and prose continue to inspire readers today with their timeless themes and universal appeal.
Her legacy extends beyond her writing; Ella Wilcox was a true trailblazer who defied societal norms by pursuing her passions and advocating for social change.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Ella Wheeler Wilcox's words continue to resonate with readers around the world due to their wit, wisdom, and insight. Her poetry often addresses universal themes such as love, loss, and self-discovery, making her a beloved figure in American literature.
Her commitment to social justice and women's rights has made her an enduring symbol of female empowerment. As we continue to navigate the complexities of modern life, Ella Wilcox's words remain a powerful reminder of the importance of compassion, equality, and perseverance.
Ella Wheeler Wilcox may have passed away in 1919, but her legacy lives on through her writing and the countless readers who find inspiration in her words.
Quotes by Ella Wilcox
And if pretension for a time deceive,And prove me one too ready to believe,Far less my shame, than if by stubborn act,I brand as lie, some great colossal Fact.
The human Will, that force unseen,The offspring of a deathless Soul,Can hew the way to any goal,Though walls of granite intervene.
And I am glad my heart can say,When others trip and fall(Although I safely passed that way),""I understand it all.
All in the dark we grope along,And if we go amissWe learn at least which path is wrong,And there is gain in this.
The life that neither grief nor burden knowsIs dwarfed in sympathy before its close.The life that grows majestic with the yearsMust taste the bitter tonic found in tears.
If I could only weep,I think sweet help with my salt tears would come,To ease the cruel pain that is so dumb,And will not let me sleep.
But to the tireless toiler toward the goal,Shall the great miracles of God be knownAnd life revealed, immortal and divine.
If you work with zeal and ardor till the night,You can only make the wasted moments right.
If you are seeking health, wealth, usefulness, skill in any direction, there is nothing and no one who can hinder your attainment of the coveted boon, if you are willing to work and wait.
