Aubade by Edna St. Vincent Millay

Name: Aubade
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay

The poem explores themes of love, loss, and the inevitability of separation. It begins with vivid imagery, comparing the beloved's beauty to natural elements, emphasizing both physical allure and emotional depth. The speaker reflects on a profound connection, marked by a sense of vulnerability and longing. The narrative unfolds with the speaker's acknowledgment of a deep emotional wound, symbolizing the pain of love and the struggle against it. The imagery of nature serves as a backdrop for the speaker's internal conflict, illustrating the tension between desire and the harsh realities of life. The speaker grapples with the permanence of love, suggesting that despite physical separation or emotional turmoil, the bond remains unbroken. As the poem progresses, the speaker confronts the transient nature of existence, recognizing that love persists even in the face of inevitable loss. The juxtaposition of beauty and pain highlights the complexity of human emotions, where joy and sorrow coexist. The speaker's resolve to love despite suffering underscores the theme of enduring affection, suggesting that love transcends physical presence. Ultimately, the work encapsulates the bittersweet essence of love, portraying it as both a source of profound joy and deep anguish. The speaker's journey reflects a universal experience, resonating with the complexities of human relationships and the enduring impact of love on the soul. The poem concludes with a sense of acceptance, acknowledging that love, while fraught with challenges, remains a vital and inescapable part of the human experience.

By Edna St. Vincent Millay · First published 1920 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Modernism · 93 words

First lines

Cool and beautiful as the blossom of the wild carrot With its crimson central eye, Round and beautiful as the globe of the onion blossom Were her pale breasts whereon I laid me down to die.

From the wound of my enemy that thrust me through in the dark wood I arose; with sweat on my lip and the wild woodgrasses in my spur

I arose and stood.

But never did I arise from loving her.

What this Textopian page supports

Aubade is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay, dated 1920 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay
Date: 1920 CE
Language: English
Genres: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Modernism, Imagism, Nature Poetry
Length: 93 words
Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, characteristic of lyric poetry.
Romanticism — Themes of love and nature reflect the ideals of Romanticism.
Modernism — The poem's structure and exploration of complex emotions align with Modernist themes.
Imagism — The vivid imagery and focus on sensory experiences are hallmarks of Imagism.