As to some Lovely Temple

Name: As to some Lovely Temple
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay

The poem explores themes of loss, memory, and the enduring nature of love. The speaker reflects on a once-vibrant temple, now abandoned and overgrown, symbolizing a relationship that has ended. Despite the physical absence of the beloved, the speaker is drawn back to the memories and emotions associated with them, akin to a worshiper returning to a sacred place. The imagery of the temple evokes a sense of reverence and longing, highlighting the contrast between the past vitality of the relationship and the current desolation. The speaker acknowledges the futility of seeking the lost love, yet feels compelled to return, driven by grief and loneliness. This tension between the desire to reconnect and the acceptance of loss underscores the emotional depth of the piece, illustrating how love can persist even in the face of death. The poem ultimately captures the struggle between remembrance and acceptance, illustrating the profound impact of love on the human experience.

By Edna St. Vincent Millay · First published 1923 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Elegy, Romanticism · 143 words

First lines

As to some lovely temple, tenantless

Long since, that once was sweet with shivering brass, Knowing well its altars ruined and the grass

Grown up between the stones, yet from excess

Of grief hard driven, or great loneliness, The worshiper returns, and those who pass

What this Textopian page supports

As to some Lovely Temple is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay, dated 1923 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Poem
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay
Date: 1923 CE
Language: English
Genres: Lyric Poetry, Elegy, Romanticism, Symbolism, Modernism
Length: 143 words
Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)

Good citation fit

Work identity for As to some Lovely Temple by Edna St. Vincent Millay
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
Readability and classroom-planning context
Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering As to some Lovely Temple?
How does this poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Lyric Poetry first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal emotions and reflections, characteristic of lyric poetry.
Elegy — The work mourns the loss of a loved one, fitting the themes of grief and remembrance found in elegies.
Romanticism — The poem emphasizes deep emotional experiences and the beauty of love, aligning with Romantic ideals.
Symbolism — The use of imagery and symbols, such as the temple and ashes, conveys deeper meanings and emotions.