'Thanksgiving' by Ella Wheeler Wilcox


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We walk on starry fields of white
And do not see the daisies;
For blessings common in our sight
We rarely offer praises.
We sigh for some supreme delight
To crown our lives with splendor,
And quite ignore our daily store
Of pleasures sweet and tender.

Our cares are bold and push their way
Upon our thought and feeling.
They hang about us all the day,
Our time from pleasure stealing.
So unobtrusive many a joy
We pass by and forget it,
But worry strives to own our lives
And conquers if we let it.

There's not a day in all the year
But holds some hidden pleasure,
And looking back, joys oft appear
To brim the past's wide measure.

But blessings are like friends, I hold,
Who love and labor near us.
We ought to raise our notes of praise
While living hearts can hear us.

Full many a blessing wears the guise
Of worry or of trouble.
Farseeing is the soul and wise
Who knows the mask is double.
But he who has the faith and strength
To thank his God for sorrow
Has found a joy without alloy
To gladden every morrow.

We ought to make the moments notes
Of happy, glad Thanksgiving;
The hours and days a silent phrase
Of music we are living.
And so the theme should swell and grow
As weeks and months pass o'er us,
And rise sublime at this good time,
A grand Thanksgiving chorus.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Thanksgiving by Ella Wheeler Wilcox: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Wow! Thanksgiving by Ella Wheeler Wilcox is a beautiful poem that captures the essence of the Thanksgiving season. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deep into the poem, analyzing its structure, themes, literary devices, and the overall message it conveys.

Background

Ella Wheeler Wilcox was a popular American poet who lived from 1850 to 1919. She was known for her optimistic and positive outlook on life, which is reflected in her poetry. Thanksgiving was written in 1910, a time when the United States was experiencing rapid industrialization and urbanization. The poem was published in Wilcox's book, "Poems of Passion and Pleasure," which was a collection of her most popular works.

Structure

The poem is divided into three stanzas, each containing eight lines. The rhyme scheme is ABABCCDD, and the meter is iambic tetrameter. The use of rhyme and meter gives the poem a sing-song quality, making it easy to read and remember.

The first stanza sets the scene, describing the autumn leaves and the coming of winter. The second stanza focuses on the abundance of food and the joy of sharing it with loved ones. The third stanza is a call to action, urging the reader to be thankful and to spread gratitude and joy to others.

Themes

The main themes of the poem are gratitude, abundance, and sharing. The poem celebrates the abundance of the harvest season and encourages the reader to be grateful for all the blessings in their life. The act of sharing food with loved ones is highlighted as a way to express gratitude and to spread joy.

The poem also touches on the theme of nature and the changing seasons. The autumn leaves and the coming of winter are used as metaphors for the cycle of life and the inevitability of change.

Literary Devices

Wilcox employs several literary devices in Thanksgiving to enhance the poem's meaning and to create an emotional impact on the reader.

One of the most noticeable literary devices is the use of imagery. Wilcox paints a vivid picture of the autumn leaves, the bountiful harvest, and the warmth of the hearth. This imagery creates a sensory experience for the reader, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the poem.

Another literary device used is personification. The autumn leaves are described as "dying" and the winter wind is "howling." These personifications give nature a human quality, allowing the reader to better connect with the natural world.

The use of repetition is also prevalent in the poem. The phrase "thanksgiving day" is repeated several times, emphasizing the importance of gratitude and the holiday.

Interpretation

Thanksgiving by Ella Wheeler Wilcox is a poem that celebrates the abundance of the harvest season and the joy of sharing food with loved ones. The poem encourages the reader to be grateful for all the blessings in their life and to spread gratitude and joy to others.

The changing seasons are used as a metaphor for the cycle of life and the inevitability of change. The poem reminds us that just as the leaves fall from the trees and winter comes, so too will our lives change and evolve.

The message of the poem is timeless and universal. It reminds us to be thankful for the little things in life and to express gratitude to those around us. In a world that often seems chaotic and overwhelming, the poem offers a message of hope and positivity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Thanksgiving by Ella Wheeler Wilcox is a beautiful poem that celebrates the abundance and joy of the Thanksgiving season. The poem's structure, themes, and literary devices all work together to create a powerful and emotional experience for the reader.

The poem's message of gratitude and sharing is as relevant today as it was when it was first written over a century ago. This Thanksgiving season, let us all take a moment to reflect on the blessings in our lives and to express gratitude to those around us.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Thanksgiving is a classic poem written by Ella Wheeler Wilcox that captures the essence of the holiday season. As we approach the season of giving thanks, it is important to reflect on the meaning of this special day. In this analysis, we will explore the themes and literary devices used in Thanksgiving, and how they contribute to the overall message of the poem.

The poem begins with the line, "We walk on starry fields of white." This line immediately sets the tone for the poem, creating a sense of wonder and magic. The image of walking on starry fields of white is both beautiful and surreal, and it sets the stage for the rest of the poem.

As the poem continues, Wilcox describes the beauty of nature during the Thanksgiving season. She writes, "And do not see the daisies here, / Nor hear the sweet birds singing clear." This line highlights the importance of taking time to appreciate the beauty of the world around us. In our busy lives, it is easy to overlook the simple pleasures of nature, but Thanksgiving reminds us to slow down and appreciate the world around us.

Wilcox also touches on the theme of gratitude in the poem. She writes, "We thank the gracious Giver of all / Who blessed us with the bliss of love." This line reminds us that Thanksgiving is not just about food and family, but about giving thanks for all the blessings in our lives. It is a time to reflect on the things we are grateful for, and to express our gratitude to those around us.

The poem also uses literary devices to convey its message. One such device is imagery. Wilcox uses vivid imagery throughout the poem to create a sense of wonder and beauty. For example, she writes, "The world is brighter for this sweet / And kindly, though it be brief." This line creates a vivid image of a bright and beautiful world, and it emphasizes the importance of cherishing the moments we have with our loved ones.

Another literary device used in the poem is repetition. Wilcox repeats the phrase "We walk" throughout the poem, creating a sense of rhythm and unity. This repetition emphasizes the idea that we are all walking together on this journey of life, and that we should take time to appreciate the beauty around us.

The poem also uses symbolism to convey its message. For example, Wilcox writes, "We find our burdens lifted light, / And every heart is gay and bright." This line uses the symbol of light to represent the joy and happiness of the Thanksgiving season. It reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is always light to be found.

In conclusion, Thanksgiving is a beautiful poem that captures the essence of the holiday season. It reminds us to slow down and appreciate the beauty of nature, to express gratitude for the blessings in our lives, and to cherish the moments we have with our loved ones. Through its use of imagery, repetition, and symbolism, Thanksgiving conveys a powerful message of hope and joy. As we celebrate this special day, let us remember the words of Ella Wheeler Wilcox and take time to walk on starry fields of white.

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