Elaine by Edna St. Vincent Millay

Name: Elaine
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay

The poem explores themes of unrequited love, longing, and emotional restraint. The speaker addresses Lancelot, expressing a desire for his return to Astolat while simultaneously asserting her independence and emotional distance. She declares that she will not seek his kindness or express her feelings, indicating a shift from previous interactions where she may have been more open about her affections. The imagery of the orchard and lake conveys a sense of stillness and tranquility, contrasting with the speaker's inner turmoil. The garden, once a place of intimacy, now feels expansive and lonely, suggesting that the speaker's feelings have created a chasm between them. The speaker's resolve to remain silent about her feelings highlights the pain of unreciprocated love, as she contemplates the possibility of Lancelot believing she has moved on or even died emotionally. Despite her attempts to distance herself, there is an underlying desire to observe him from afar, indicating that her feelings persist. The poem captures the complexity of love, where the speaker grapples with the tension between her longing for connection and her decision to maintain emotional distance. The work ultimately reflects on the nature of love, loss, and the struggle for self-preservation in the face of deep emotional attachment.

By Edna St. Vincent Millay · First published 1923 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric · 233 words

First lines

OK, come again to Astolat!

I will not ask you to be kind.

And you may go when you will go, And I will stay behind.

I will not say how dear you are, Or ask you if you hold me dear,

What this Textopian page supports

Elaine is listed on Textopian as a short story 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: Short story
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay
Date: 1923 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric, Drama, Fantasy
Length: 233 words
Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
Romanticism — Themes of love, longing, and emotional depth are central to the poem.
Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, characteristic of lyric poetry.
Drama — The dialogue and emotional conflict suggest elements of dramatic literature.