Leda by Hilda Doolittle (1944)
The poem explores the myth of Leda and the Swan, with the speaker identifying with Leda's experience of being ravished by Zeus in the form of a swan. The poem delves into themes of power dynamics, consent, and the objectification of women. It also touches on the idea that even in moments of trauma, there can be a sense of surrender or acceptance.
By Hilda Doolittle · First published 1944 · Genre: Poetry, Symbolism, Modernism · 237 words
First lines
Where the slow river / meets the tide, / a red swan lifts red wings / and darker beak, / and underneath the purple down / of his soft breast / uncurls his coral feet.
Through the deep purple / of the dying heat / of sun and mist, / the level ray of sun-beam / has caressed / the lily with dark breast, / and flecked with richer gold / its golden crest.
Where the slow lifting / of the tide, / floats into the river / and slowly drifts / among the reeds, / and lifts the yellow flags, / he floats / where tide and river meet.
What this Textopian page supports
Leda is listed on Textopian as a poem by Hilda Doolittle, dated 1944 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Hilda Doolittle
- Date: 1944 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Symbolism, Modernism, Nature
- Length: 237 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Leda by Hilda Doolittle
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing poetic devices such as imagery, metaphor, and rhythm.
- Symbolism — The text employs symbolic imagery, such as the red swan and the river, to convey deeper meanings and emotions.
- Modernism — The style reflects modernist tendencies with its focus on vivid imagery and exploration of subjective experience.
- Nature — The poem prominently features natural elements like the river, swan, and lilies, emphasizing the beauty and tranquility of nature.
Tags
Mythology · Poetry · Symbolism · Feminism · Greek Mythology · Leda and the Swan · Zeus · Hera · Power Dynamics · Desire · Violence · Nature