Parfait Amour by David Park Barnitz
The work explores themes of love intertwined with melancholy and death. The speaker is captivated not by physical beauty but by the profound sadness reflected in the beloved's eyes. This sadness evokes a sense of longing and connection, suggesting that true beauty lies in emotional depth rather than superficial appearances. The speaker perceives the beloved as a sacred entity, equating their love to a form of worship. The imagery of an altar and holy wine signifies the reverence the speaker holds for their love, despite acknowledging the beloved's flaws and sins. The juxtaposition of love and death is central, as the speaker finds solace in the idea that their bond transcends the mortal realm, linking love to a sense of eternal rest. The poem delves into the complexities of desire, where the beloved's imperfections and sorrow become sources of attraction. The speaker's heart is irrevocably tied to the beloved, suggesting a love that is both consuming and redemptive. The work ultimately presents a paradoxical view of love, where beauty and darkness coexist, creating a profound emotional landscape that resonates with the reader.
By David Park Barnitz · First published 1867 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Gothic · 152 words
First lines
It is not that thy face is fair As dying sunsets are, Nor that thy lovely eyelids wear The splendour of a star;
'Tis the deep sadness of thine eyes Hath my heart captive led, And that within thy soul I prize The calmness of the dead.
O holy love, O fair white face, O sweet lost soul of thine!
Thy bosom is an altar-place, Thy kisses holy wine;
What this Textopian page supports
Parfait Amour is listed on Textopian as a poem by David Park Barnitz, dated 1867 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: David Park Barnitz
- Date: 1867 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Gothic, Lyric, Symbolism
- Length: 152 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices, focusing on themes of love and mortality.
- Romanticism — The themes of deep emotional expression and the exploration of love and death align with Romantic ideals.
- Gothic — The imagery of death, sinfulness, and melancholy contributes to a Gothic atmosphere.
- Lyric — The personal and emotional nature of the text reflects the characteristics of lyric poetry.
Tags
Romance · Literary Fiction · Historical Fiction · Family Drama · Coming-of-Age · Love Story · Small Town Life · Social Class · Marriage · Infidelity · Secrets · Lies