To Marie Louise (Shew)
The poem expresses deep admiration and devotion to a beloved figure, portraying her as a source of light and hope in a dark world. The speaker acknowledges the transformative power she holds over those who encounter her presence, likening her to the morning that dispels the night. Her absence is equated with despair, while her presence brings forth a revival of faith in truth, virtue, and humanity. The speaker reflects on the profound impact she has on individuals who have faced despair, suggesting that her gentle words can inspire a resurgence of life and purpose. The imagery of light serves as a metaphor for enlightenment and spiritual awakening, emphasizing her role as a guiding force. The speaker's gratitude is intense, bordering on worship, as he implores her to remember him among those who cherish her. The poem captures the essence of longing and reverence, illustrating the speaker's emotional connection to the beloved. It conveys themes of love, hope, and the redemptive power of a significant relationship, highlighting the interplay between darkness and light in human experience. The speaker's acknowledgment of his own vulnerability and devotion adds depth to the expression of admiration, making it a poignant tribute to the beloved's influence on his life.
By Edgar Allan Poe · First published 1846 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric · 200 words
First lines
Of all who hail thy presence as the morning --
Of all to whom thine absence is the night --
The blotting utterly from out high heaven The sacred sun -- of all who, weeping, bless thee Hourly for hope -- for life -- ah, above all, For the resurrection of deep buried faith In truth, in virtue, in humanity --
Of all who, on despair's unhallowed bed Lying down to die, have suddenly arisen At thy soft-murmured words, "Let there be light!"
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To Marie Louise (Shew) is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edgar Allan Poe, dated 1846 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Edgar Allan Poe
- Date: 1846 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric, Elegy, Spiritual
- Length: 200 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Confusing
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Similar titles
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- To Charlotte by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
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- To The Memory Of An Affectionate Parent by James Parkerson
- To Eliza by Lord Byron
- I Have No Life But This by Emily Dickinson
Genres
- Poetry — The work is a lyrical expression of emotion and admiration, characteristic of poetic form.
- Romanticism — The themes of love, beauty, and the transcendental connection to the divine reflect Romantic ideals.
- Lyric — The personal and emotional nature of the text aligns with the characteristics of lyric poetry.
- Elegy — The tone of longing and reverence suggests elements of an elegiac tribute.
Tags
Poem · Romance · Love Letter · Epistolary · Personal · Intimate · Emotional · Passionate · Sentimental · Melancholic · Reflective · Autobiographical