The Ballad of Chaldon Down

Name: The Ballad of Chaldon Down
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay

The poem unfolds in a pastoral setting during April, where the speaker is confined to their room due to illness while the vibrant natural world flourishes outside. A lady, dressed in a green and silver gown, arrives from across the sea, traversing the landscape to visit the speaker. Her journey is marked by the beauty of the surroundings, including blooming gorse and the presence of wildlife, emphasizing the contrast between her vitality and the speaker's frailty. As she approaches, she brings gifts from nature—flowers and herbs—symbolizing life and health. However, she notably omits certain plants associated with death, hinting at the speaker's precarious state. The lady's visit is not merely a social call; she implores the speaker to remain steadfast and to fight against death, urging them to embody the resilience of their ancestors who lived long lives. The poem captures themes of life, death, and the connection between the natural world and human experience. The lady's insistence on the speaker's survival reflects a deep concern for the continuity of life and the importance of perseverance. The imagery of the journey she undertakes underscores the lengths to which one might go for love and support, reinforcing the bond between the two characters. Ultimately, the work explores the interplay between illness and the vitality of nature, the struggle against mortality, and the enduring human spirit. The lady's visit serves as a catalyst for the speaker to reflect on their own life and the legacy of their forebears, encapsulating a poignant moment of connection amidst the backdrop of a vibrant, yet indifferent, natural world.

By Edna St. Vincent Millay · First published 1940 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Narrative Poetry · 587 words

First lines

In April, when the yellow whin Was out of doors, and I within,- And magpies nested in the thorn Where not a man of woman born

Might spy upon them, save he be Content to bide indefinitely

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The Ballad of Chaldon Down is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay, dated 1940 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay
Date: 1940 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Narrative Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Nature Writing
Length: 587 words
Structure: 1 section, 17 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythmic and lyrical language typical of poetry.
Romanticism — The themes of nature, beauty, and emotional depth align with Romantic ideals.
Narrative Poetry — The poem tells a story through its verses, featuring characters and a plot.
Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal feelings and emotions, characteristic of lyric poetry.