For Katrina's Window. in her Tower of Yaddo (Epi
The poem describes a woman's isolation in her tower, symbolizing the confinement of societal expectations and the constraints of traditional roles. The speaker reflects on the woman's situation, noting that she has been locked away for so long that even the birds have forgotten how to sing outside her window. The poem explores themes of loneliness, disconnection, and the longing for freedom and connection with the world beyond the tower.
By Henry Van Dyke · First published 1906 · Genre: Poetry, Epigram, Inspirational · 151 words
First lines
This is the window's message, In silence, to the Queen: "Thou hast a double kingdom And I am set between: Look out and see the glory, On hill and plain and sky: Look in and see the light of love That nevermore shall die!"
_L'ENVOI_
_Window in the Queen's high tower, This shall be thy magic power!
Shut the darkness and the doubt, Shut the storm and conflict, out; Wind and hail and snow and rain Dash against thee all in vain.
What this Textopian page supports
For Katrina's Window. in her Tower of Yaddo (Epigrams, Greetings, and Inscriptions) is listed on Textopian as a poem by Henry Van Dyke, dated 1906 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Henry Van Dyke
- Date: 1906 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Epigram, Inspirational, Symbolism, Fantasy
- Length: 151 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Epigram — The text includes concise, witty statements, typical of epigrams.
- Inspirational — The themes focus on light, love, and overcoming darkness, which are common in inspirational literature.
- Symbolism — The window serves as a symbol for perspective and insight, a hallmark of symbolic writing.
Tags
Poetry · Epigrams · Greetings · Inscriptions · Literary · Collection · Verse · Formal · Tone · Reflective · Personal · Autobiographical