The Betrothal

Name: The Betrothal
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay

The poem explores themes of love, desire, and the complexities of relationships. The speaker addresses a potential lover, expressing a willingness to engage in a romantic relationship while acknowledging the limitations and unfulfilled desires that accompany it. The speaker's tone is both inviting and resigned, suggesting a pragmatic approach to love. The speaker contemplates the nature of affection and the societal expectations surrounding marriage. There is a sense of longing for a connection that feels unattainable, as the speaker reflects on the idea of loving someone who may not reciprocate those feelings. The imagery of gifts symbolizes the exchange of affection and the desire for commitment, while the mention of a "dark head" represents an idealized love that remains out of reach. Throughout the work, the speaker grapples with the tension between personal desires and the realities of love. The acknowledgment of potential happiness, even in a flawed relationship, highlights the complexity of human emotions. The poem ultimately suggests that love can be both a source of joy and a cause of pain, and that the pursuit of connection is a fundamental aspect of the human experience.

By Edna St. Vincent Millay · First published 1923 · Genre: Poetry, Romantic, Lyric · 173 words

First lines

Oh, come, my lad, or go, my lad, And love me if you like.

I shall not hear the door shut Nor the knocker strike.

Oh, bring me gifts or beg me gifts, And wed me if you will.

I'd make a man a good wife, Sensible and still.

What this Textopian page supports

The Betrothal is listed on Textopian as a poem 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: Poem
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay
Date: 1923 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Romantic, Lyric, Modernist, Narrative
Length: 173 words
Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

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Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse and employs poetic devices, making it primarily a poem.
Romantic — The themes revolve around love, desire, and emotional conflict, characteristic of romantic literature.
Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, typical of lyric poetry.
Modernist — The style reflects modernist elements, focusing on individual experience and emotional depth.