Exiled by Edna St. Vincent Millay

Name: Exiled
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay

The poem expresses a deep yearning for the natural world, particularly the sea, contrasting it with the speaker's current urban existence. The speaker reflects on feelings of weariness and disconnection from both people and the city, longing for the sensory experiences associated with the coast. Memories of the sea evoke a sense of happiness and fulfillment that is absent in the speaker's present life. The imagery of the sea—its sounds, sights, and sensations—serves as a powerful symbol of freedom and contentment. The speaker recalls the tactile experiences of handling shells and anchors, emphasizing a desire to reconnect with the physicality of the ocean. The poem captures a profound sense of nostalgia for a simpler, more authentic existence, highlighting the emotional and spiritual void created by urban life. As the speaker grapples with feelings of exile, the poem articulates a universal longing for belonging and the restorative power of nature. The contrast between the chaotic city and the serene coast underscores the theme of alienation, suggesting that true happiness is found in the embrace of the natural world. The speaker's plea for water signifies a deeper need for emotional nourishment and a return to one's roots.

By Edna St. Vincent Millay · First published 1940 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Nature Poetry, Modernist Poetry · 419 words

First lines

Searching my heart for its true sorrow, This is the thing I find to be:

That I am weary of words and people, Sick of the city, wanting the sea;

What this Textopian page supports

Exiled is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edna St. Vincent Millay, dated 1940 CE.

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Work type: Short story
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay
Date: 1940 CE
Language: English
Genres: Lyric Poetry, Nature Poetry, Modernist Poetry, Romantic Poetry, Confessional Poetry
Length: 419 words
Structure: 1 section, 19 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal emotions and reflections, characteristic of lyric poetry.
Nature Poetry — The themes revolve around the sea and natural elements, emphasizing the speaker's longing for nature.
Modernist Poetry — The poem's style and themes reflect modernist concerns with alienation and the search for meaning.
Romantic Poetry — The focus on individual emotion and nature aligns with Romantic ideals.