The Two Glasses
Ella Wheeler Wilcox
1850 to 1919
There sat two glasses filled to the brim
On a rich man's table, rim to rim,
One was ruddy and red as blood,
And one was clear as the crystal flood.
Said the Glass of Wine to his paler brother:
"Let us tell tales of the past to each other;
I can tell of banquet and revel and mirth,
Where I was king, for I ruled in might;
For the proudest and grandest souls of earth
Fell under my touch, as though struck with blight.
From the heads of kings I have torn the crown;
From the heights of fame I have hurled men down.
I have blasted many an honored name;
I have taken virtue and given shame;
I have tempted youth with a sip, a taste,
That has made his future a barren waste.
Far greater than any king am I,
Or than any army beneath the sky.
I have made the arm of the driver fail,
And sent the train from the iron rail.
I have made good ships go down at sea,
And the shrieks of the lost were sweet to me.
Fame, strength, wealth, genius before me fall;
And my might and power are over all!
Ho, ho, pale brother," said the Wine,
"Can you boast of deeds as great as mine?"
Said the Water Glass: "I cannot boast
Of a king dethroned, or a murdered host;
But I can tell of hearts that were sad,
By my crystal drops made bright and glad;
Of thirsts I have quenched and brows I have laved,
Of hands I have cooled, and souls I have saved.
I have leaped through the valley, dashed down the mountain,
Slipped from the sunshine, and dripped from the fountain,
I have burst my cloud-fetters, and dropped from the sky,
And everywhere gladdened the prospect and eye;
I have eased the hot forehead of fever and pain,
I have made the parched meadows grow fertile with grain.
I can tell of the powerful wheel of the mill,
That ground out the flour, and turned at my will.
I can tell of manhood debased by you
That I have uplifted and crowned anew;
I cheer, I help, I strengthen and aid,
I gladden the heart of man and maid;
I set the wine-chained captive free,
And all are better for knowing me."
These are the tales they told each other,
The Glass of Wine, and its paler brother,
As they sat together, filled to the brim,
On a rich man's table, rim to rim.
Ella Wheeler Wilcox's The Two Glasses
A Tale of Two Liquids: Contrasting Influences in Ella Wheeler Wilcox's "The Two Glasses"
Ella Wheeler Wilcox's "The Two Glasses" presents a compelling allegory, contrasting the destructive potential of alcohol with the life-sustaining power of water. Through vivid imagery and personification, Wilcox delivers a potent message about choice, consequence, and the enduring battle between vice and virtue. This analysis will delve into the poem's historical context, explore its use of literary devices, and examine its overarching themes, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of this timeless work.
Historical Context: Temperance and Social Reform
"The Two Glasses" was published in 1883, during a period of fervent social reform in the United States. The temperance movement, advocating for moderation or complete abstinence from alcohol, was gaining momentum. Wilcox, known for her progressive views and social activism, often used her poetry as a platform to address contemporary issues. In "The Two Glasses," she reflects the concerns of the temperance movement, highlighting the devastating impact of alcohol on individuals and society.
Personification and Allegory: Giving Life to Inanimate Objects
The poem employs personification, imbuing the two glasses with human-like qualities and the ability to converse. This technique creates a dynamic interplay between the contrasting liquids, allowing Wilcox to explore the moral implications of their influence. The "Glass of Wine," portrayed as arrogant and boastful, embodies the destructive force of addiction. It revels in its power to corrupt, boasting of its ability to "dethrone kings" and "hurl men down from heights of fame." Conversely, the "Water Glass" is depicted as humble and benevolent, emphasizing its role in nurturing and sustaining life. It speaks of "quenching thirsts," "cooling brows," and "saving souls."
The poem functions as an allegory, with the two glasses representing the opposing forces of vice and virtue. The "rich man's table" on which they sit symbolizes the arena of human choice, where individuals are constantly confronted with decisions that can lead to either upliftment or downfall.
Imagery and Contrast: Painting a Vivid Picture
Wilcox uses vivid imagery to further emphasize the contrast between the two glasses. The "ruddy and red" wine is associated with violence and destruction, while the "clear as the crystal flood" water evokes purity and tranquility. This stark contrast underscores the poem's central message: while alcohol can lead to ruin, water offers renewal and sustenance.
Themes: Choice, Consequence, and Redemption
At its core, "The Two Glasses" is a poem about choice and consequence. The "rich man" is presented with two options, each with its own set of consequences. The wine offers fleeting pleasure but ultimately leads to destruction, while water offers sustained well-being and life. The poem also touches on the theme of redemption. The Water Glass speaks of "uplifting and crowning anew" those who have been "debased" by wine, suggesting that even those who have succumbed to addiction can find salvation.
Emotional Impact: A Call to Action
"The Two Glasses" is not merely a didactic poem preaching against the evils of alcohol. It also carries a strong emotional impact, appealing to the reader's sense of empathy and compassion. The poem's vivid imagery and personified characters create a sense of immediacy, drawing the reader into the narrative and inviting them to consider the consequences of their own choices.
Conclusion: A Timeless Message
Ella Wheeler Wilcox's "The Two Glasses" remains relevant today, serving as a powerful reminder of the importance of making wise choices. Its enduring message transcends the specific historical context of the temperance movement, speaking to the universal human struggle between vice and virtue. Through its masterful use of literary devices and its exploration of timeless themes, "The Two Glasses" continues to resonate with readers, offering a poignant reflection on the power of choice and the potential for redemption.