Tenderly, in those Times

Name: Tenderly, in those Times
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay

The poem explores themes of tenderness, care, and the complexities of marital relationships. It begins with a woman nurturing her husband, likening her care to that of a mother tending to a sick child. This imagery highlights the vulnerability of men, suggesting a dynamic where the woman assumes a nurturing role, providing strength and support. As she tends to him, her thoughts drift to the broader world outside their intimate space. The mention of a distant train symbolizes the passage of time and the journey of life, contrasting the domestic scene with the vastness of the outside world. The woman’s imagination conjures a fantastical realm where cities are inverted, representing her desire for escape or a different reality. The poem captures a moment of stillness and intimacy, yet it also hints at the isolation felt within the confines of their relationship. The window screen serves as a barrier, separating her from the outside world, emphasizing the tension between her nurturing role and her yearning for something beyond her immediate surroundings. The interplay of care, imagination, and the longing for connection creates a poignant reflection on love and the human experience.

By Edna St. Vincent Millay · First published 1945 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Modernism · 155 words

First lines

Tenderly, in those times, as though she fed

An ailing child-with sturdy propping u p

Of its small, feverish body in the bed, And steadying of its hands about the cup-

She gave her husband of her body's strength, Thinking of men, what helpless things they were, Until he turned and fell asleep at length, And stealthily stirred the night and spoke to her.

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Tenderly, in those Times is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay, dated 1945 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay
Date: 1945 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Modernism, Imagism, Narrative Poetry
Length: 155 words
Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)

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Genres

Poetry — The work is a poem that employs lyrical language and explores emotional themes.
Romanticism — The poem reflects romantic themes of love, intimacy, and emotional connection.
Modernism — The poem exhibits modernist characteristics through its exploration of personal experience and subjective reality.
Imagism — The vivid imagery and focus on sensory experience align with imagist principles.