Daphne by Edna St. Vincent Millay
The poem explores the myth of Daphne and Apollo, where Daphne is transformed into a laurel tree to escape Apollo's pursuit. The speaker describes Daphne's transformation, her newfound freedom, and her indifference to Apollo's desire. The poem also touches on themes of femininity, power, and the consequences of desire.
By Edna St. Vincent Millay · First published 1922 · Genre: Poetry, Mythology, Romance · 78 words
First lines
Why do you follow me? -- Any moment I can be Nothing but a laurel-tree.
Any moment of the chase I can leave you in my place A pink bough for your embrace.
Yet if over hill and hollow Still it is your will to follow, I am off; -- to heel, Apollo!
What this Textopian page supports
Daphne is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay, dated 1922 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: 1922 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Mythology, Romance, Drama
- Length: 78 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Daphne by Edna St. Vincent Millay
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse form, with a rhythmic and rhyming structure.
- Mythology — The work references Apollo, a figure from Greek mythology, and uses mythological symbolism such as the laurel tree.
- Romance — The work involves themes of pursuit and desire, common in romantic literature.
- Drama — The work presents a dramatic situation and dialogue, characteristic of drama genre.
Tags
Poetry · Feminism · Love · Desire · Passion · Romance · Eroticism · Sensuality · Beauty · Nature · Imagery · Symbolism
More by Edna St. Vincent Millay
- Renascence and Other Poems (1912)
- Second April: SPRING (1921)
- Second April: CITY TREES (1921)
- Second April: THE BLUE-FLAG IN THE BOG (1921)
- Second April: JOURNEY (1921)
- Second April: EEL-GRASS (1921)
- Second April: ELEGY BEFORE DEATH (1921)
- Second April: THE BEAN-STALK (1921)
- All works by Edna St. Vincent Millay