Nuit Blanche

Name: Nuit Blanche
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay

The poem explores themes of isolation, introspection, and the passage of time through the metaphor of a shepherd tending to a flock. The speaker reflects on the night, a time when doubts and unresolved emotions surface, contrasting with the clarity of day. The imagery of sheep climbing a wall suggests a struggle or journey, while the inability to see the flock symbolizes a disconnect from reality or a sense of loss. As the speaker grapples with their emotions, they acknowledge having outgrown certain childish griefs, yet these feelings resurface, manifesting as tears that weigh heavily. The juxtaposition of night and day serves to highlight the tension between clarity and confusion, as well as the inevitability of confronting one's inner turmoil. The poem captures a sense of longing and melancholy, as the speaker navigates their thoughts and feelings in the quiet of the night, ultimately revealing a deeper understanding of their own vulnerabilities and the complexities of human experience. The imagery and emotional depth create a poignant reflection on the nature of existence and the burdens carried within.

By Edna St. Vincent Millay · First published 1928 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric, Modernist · 129 words

First lines

I am a shepherd of those sheep That climb a wall by night,

One after one, until I sleep, Or the black pane goes white.

Because of which I cannot see A flock upon a hill,

But doubts come tittering up to me That should by day be still.

What this Textopian page supports

Nuit Blanche is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay, dated 1928 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay
Date: 1928 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Lyric, Modernist, Romanticism, Symbolism
Length: 129 words
Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)

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Genres

Poetry — The work is a poem, characterized by its use of verse, meter, and expressive language.
Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, typical of lyric poetry.
Modernist — The themes of existential doubt and emotional complexity align with modernist literary movements.
Romanticism — The focus on individual emotion and nature reflects elements of Romantic literature.