An Autumn Sunset by Edith Wharton
The story revolves around a nostalgic and melancholic tone, evoking a sense of longing and despair. The narrator is drawn to an autumn sunset, which serves as a metaphor for the passing of time and the inevitability of death. The wild and rugged coastline is juxtaposed with the serene and peaceful atmosphere of the sunset, highlighting the contradictions of life and mortality. The narrator appears to be grappling with the idea of oblivion, seeking comfort in the thought of being forgotten and reunited with the past. There is a sense of resignation and acceptance, as if the narrator has come to terms with their own mortality and the impermanence of human existence. Throughout the poem, there are allusions to war, violence, and destruction, which serve as a backdrop for the narrator's introspection. The image of the Valkyrie, a mythological figure associated with death and the afterlife, reinforces this theme. Ultimately, the narrative is an exploration of the human experience, grappling with the complexities of life, death, and the passage of time.
By Edith Wharton · First published 1893 · Genre: Poetry, Romantic, Nature · 392 words
First lines
I
LEAGUERED in fire The wild black promontories of the coast extend Their savage silhouettes; The sun in universal carnage sets, And, halting higher, The motionless storm-clouds mass their sullen threats, Like an advancing mob in sword-points penned, That, balked, yet stands at bay.
What this Textopian page supports
An Autumn Sunset is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edith Wharton, dated 1893 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Edith Wharton
- Date: 1893 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romantic, Nature, Tragedy
- Length: 392 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, with a rhythmic and lyrical quality, and uses poetic devices such as metaphor and imagery.
- Romantic — The work explores themes of love, loss, and longing, and uses emotive and evocative language.
- Nature — The work uses vivid and detailed descriptions of natural landscapes and phenomena, and nature is a central theme.
- Tragedy — The work explores themes of death, loss, and despair, and has a somber and melancholic tone.
Tags
Romance · Novel · Classic · Literary Fiction · American Literature · Early 20th Century · Social Commentary · Upper Class · New York Society · Marriage · Love Triangle · Family Drama