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The Violet

A poem by Ellen Louisa Tucker, retold as a story

Ellen Louisa Tucker (1811–1831) was an American poet and the first wife of Ralph Waldo Emerson. This poem was published in the nineteenth century, though it is often attributed to Emerson himself in collected editions. The text reflects its era; a few period terms have been modernised. Tucker's work is known for its quiet reflection on nature and loss. This poem is worth a child's time because it uses a small, fragile flower to explore large ideas: how we face change, loss and the turning of seasons, and what it means to live gracefully even when life is fading.

Band

Green · Independent readers, earlyTypical starting range: ages 9–11

Length

medium · about 737 words in 4 sections · 3 pictures

Source

Poems, Ralph Waldo Emerson

First published

see the About page in the reader

Regions

Canada · United States

Included formats

• · Web reader and PDF
• · EPUB for e-readers
• · Home-print sheet
• · Folded booklet
• · Binder edition (8.5 × 11)
• · Worksheet
• · Quick Check (10 questions) with answer key
• · Read-aloud script
• · Teacher’s Edition (members)

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