Solitude, Ella Wheeler Wilcox: Summary & Analysis
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"Solitude" by Ella Wheeler Wilcox reflects on the contrasting experiences of joy and sorrow, companionship and isolation, success and failure in the journey of life. Through vivid imagery and thoughtful observations, the poem highlights the transient nature of human relationships and the individual's inevitable journey through both happiness and hardship. The poem's structure and language underscore the bittersweet nature of existence. Solitude
Laugh, and the world laughs with you;
Weep, and you weep alone.
For the sad old earth must borrow its mirth,
But has trouble enough of its own.
Sing, and the hills will answer;
Sigh, it is lost on the air.
The echoes bound to a joyful sound,
But shrink from voicing care.
Rejoice, and men will seek you;
Grieve, and they turn and go.
They want full measure of all your pleasure,
But they do not need your woe.
Be glad, and your friends are many;
Be sad, and you lose them all.
There are none to decline your nectared wine,
But alon…