Ella Wheeler Wilcox’s poem, “Illusion,” extensively poses philosophical and metaphysical uncertainties pertaining to the perception and distinction between reality and actuality. Wilcox takes a very original and abstract approach in utilizing hypothetical dialogue with a superior spiritual figure. This unique element vastly broadens the reader’s perspective and opinions of its literary value. Wilcox’s style also greatly opens a door for a wide variety of personal interpretations and metaphorical intentions. This creative approach is appropriately complimented and enhanced by the visual and concrete description used in the opening line of the first stanza. The line, “God and I in space alone,” does not necessarily paint a portrait of one specific location, rather allows the reader to envision and create a setting of their desire. This opening line succeeds immediately at closely drawing the reader’s mind and attention into the poem, as if being a truism. When reading Wilcox’s poem, metaphorical reference and philosophical contemplation occur multiple times. For instance, in the opening stanza of the poem, there is an instant establishment of spiritual content and philosophical questioning. Wilcox writes:God and I alone in space, And nobody else in view.And “Where are the people, O Lord,” I said,“The earth below and the sky o’erheadAnd the dead whom once I knew?”Wilcox is definitely discussing a metaphorical meaning in this stanza when she comments to God and illustrates their solitude. This could possibly be insinuating that her personal gained knowledge of life is all that she has ever known to be true. However, it appears that she is strongly hinting and expressing her solitude and uncertainty that has become a reality and newly found realization. In a sense, everything that she had once thought to be true was now in question of r...
