To a Young Girl

Name: To a Young Girl
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay

The poem addresses a young girl, reflecting on the nature of emotions, particularly sorrow and joy. The speaker contemplates the girl's innocence and the beauty of her tears, suggesting that experiencing grief is a vital part of life. The imagery of color and light contrasts with the darkness of sorrow, emphasizing that while tears can bring beauty, they also signify depth of feeling. The speaker expresses a desire for the girl to embrace her emotions fully, warning against the dangers of becoming overly cheerful to the point of emotional numbness. The act of weeping is portrayed as a necessary release, one that enriches the soul and adds complexity to one's character. The poem suggests that those who have experienced sorrow often possess a deeper understanding of beauty and life. As the poem progresses, the speaker reflects on the faces of those who have endured pain, noting that their experiences have shaped them into more profound individuals. The speaker values the wisdom gained through suffering, implying that a life devoid of tears may lack richness and authenticity. The work ultimately champions the importance of emotional experiences, advocating for a balance between joy and sorrow as essential to personal growth and understanding.

By Edna St. Vincent Millay · First published 1920 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Modernism · 213 words

First lines

Shall I despise you that your colourless tears Made rainbows in your lashes, and you forgot to weep?

Would we were half so wise, that eke a grief out By sitting in the dark, until we fall asleep.

I only fear lest, being by nature sunny, By and by you will weep no more at all, And fall asleep in the light, having lost with the tears The colour in the lashes that comes as the tears fall.

I would not have you darken your lids with weeping, Beautiful eyes, but I would have you weep enough To wet the fingers of the hand held over the eye-lids, And stain a little the light frock's delicate stuff.

What this Textopian page supports

To a Young Girl is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay, dated 1920 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: 1920 CE
Language: English
Genres: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Modernism, Feminist Literature, Coming-of-Age
Length: 213 words
Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Work identity for To a Young Girl by Edna St. Vincent Millay
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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal emotions and reflections, characteristic of lyric poetry.
Romanticism — Themes of beauty, emotion, and nature align with Romantic ideals.
Modernism — The poem's introspective style and focus on individual experience reflect modernist tendencies.
Feminist Literature — The poem addresses the experiences and emotions of a young girl, highlighting gender perspectives.