To Laura in Death
Death is a poem written by Francesco Petrarca that explores the theme of mortality and the fleeting nature of life. The speaker reflects on how death can come at any moment, and how we should make the most of our time while we have it. The poem also touches on the idea of legacy and how one's actions in life will be remembered after they are gone.
By Francesco Petrarca · First published 1342 · Genre: Poetry, Elegy, Romantic · 379 words
First lines
ON THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE DEATH OF LAURA.
Woe for the 'witching look of that fair face! The port where ease with dignity combined! Woe for those accents, that each savage mind To softness tuned, to noblest thoughts the base! And the sweet smile, from whence the dart I trace, Which now leaves death my only hope behind! Exalted soul, most fit on thrones to 've shined, But that too late she came this earth to grace! For you I still must burn, and breathe in you; For I was ever yours; of you bereft, Full little now I reck all other care.
What this Textopian page supports
To Laura in Death is listed on Textopian as a poem by Francesco Petrarca, dated 1342 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Francesco Petrarca
- Date: 1342 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Elegy, Romantic, Classical Literature, Renaissance Literature
- Length: 379 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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- Work identity for To Laura in Death by Francesco Petrarca
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- She Appears To Him And With More Than Wonted Affection Endeavours To Console Him Quando Il Suave Mio Fido Conforto by Francesco Petrarca
- The Relic Taken What Avails The Shrine by Robert Louis Stevenson
- He Finds Her Image Everywhere In Quella Parte Dov Amor Mi Sprona by Francesco Petrarca
- He Seeks In Vain To Mitigate His Woe Sel Pensier Che Mi Strugge by Francesco Petrarca
- Since Her Death He Has Ceased To Live by Francesco Petrarca
- His Grief At Surviving Her Is Mitigated By The Consciousness That She Now Knows His Heart Amor Quando Fioria by Francesco Petrarca
Genres
- Poetry — The work is composed in verse, utilizing poetic devices and structure.
- Elegy — The themes revolve around mourning and lamentation for the deceased Laura.
- Romantic — The text expresses deep personal emotions and admiration for Laura.
- Classical Literature — The style and themes are consistent with classical literary traditions.
Tags
love · loss · grief · poetry · romanticism · nature · beauty · longing · memory · melancholy · immortality · spirituality
More by Francesco Petrarca
- Fifteen sonnets of Petrarch (1350)
- Voi, Ch' Ascoltate in Rime Sparse Il Suono (1343)
- Per Far Una Leggiadra Sua Vendetta (1343)
- Era 'L Giorno Ch' Al Sol Si Scoloraro (1343)
- Quel Ch' Infinita Providenza Ed Arte (1343)
- Quand' Io Movo I Sospiri a Chiamar Voi (1344)
- Si Traviato E 'L Folle Mio Desio (1343)
- La Gola E 'L Sonno E L' Oziose Piume (1344)
- All works by Francesco Petrarca