A Ballad. with a Serious Conclusion

Series: The Complete Works of James Whitcomb Riley, Volume I

James Whitcomb Riley

The poem is a narrative ballad that tells the story of a young woman who is forced to marry an old man due to her family's financial struggles. The poem explores themes of love, duty, and the constraints placed on women during this time period. The speaker describes the woman's inner turmoil as she prepares for her wedding, feeling trapped and unhappy about her situation. Despite her reservations, she goes through with the ceremony, but ultimately finds a way to escape her marriage by running away with a younger... AI Generated Content

~1883 CE

Available in: English