Assault by Edna St. Vincent Millay

Name: Assault
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay

The poem explores themes of beauty, vulnerability, and the tension between nature and the individual. The speaker reflects on the overwhelming presence of beauty encountered in a quiet, natural setting after a long absence. This beauty is described as "savage," suggesting both its allure and its potential danger. The speaker feels a sense of trepidation as she navigates the unfrequented road, highlighting her isolation and the emotional weight of her surroundings. As she confronts the beauty of the landscape, she expresses a desire to pass through it without being ensnared or overwhelmed. The imagery of the frogs' cries serves as a backdrop to her internal struggle, symbolizing the wildness of nature that contrasts with her timid disposition. The poem captures the duality of beauty as both enchanting and intimidating, reflecting the complexities of human experience in relation to the natural world. The speaker's journey from one house to another symbolizes a transition, possibly representing a search for safety or a return to familiarity. The tension between the desire to engage with beauty and the fear it instills creates a poignant exploration of the human condition, emphasizing the delicate balance between attraction and apprehension in the face of nature's power. The work ultimately invites readers to consider their own responses to beauty and the ways it can both inspire and intimidate.

By Edna St. Vincent Millay · First published 1934 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric, Nature · 90 words

First lines

I Had forgotten how the frogs must sound After a year of silence, else I think

I should not so have ventured forth alone At dusk upon this unfrequented road.

I am waylaid by Beauty. Who will walk Between me and the crying of the frogs?

Oh, savage Beauty, suffer me to pass, That am a timid woman, on her way From one house to another!

What this Textopian page supports

Assault is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay, dated 1934 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: 1934 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Lyric, Nature, Feminist Literature, Modernism
Length: 90 words
Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and reflections, characteristic of lyric poetry.
Nature — The imagery and themes revolve around the natural world and its beauty.
Feminist Literature — The poem explores themes of womanhood and the experience of a woman in a natural setting.