Nossis by Hilda Doolittle (1916)
The poem explores the speaker's emotional state and her relationship with a woman named Nossis. The speaker describes their love as intense and all-consuming, but also acknowledges its impermanence. The poem touches on themes of longing, desire, and the passing of time. It is written in a lyrical style, with a focus on the musicality of language.
By Hilda Doolittle · First published 1916 · Genre: Poetry, Classical, Romantic · 670 words
First lines
I thought to hear him speak the girl might rise and make the garden silver, as the white moon breaks, "Nossis," he cried, "a flame."
I said: "a girl that's dead some hundred years; a poet -- what of that? for in the islands, in the haunts of Greek Ionia, Rhodes and Cyprus, girls are cheap."
What this Textopian page supports
Nossis is listed on Textopian as a poem by Hilda Doolittle, dated 1916 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: 1916 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Classical, Romantic, Historical, Symbolism
- Length: 670 words
- Structure: 1 section, 12 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Nossis by Hilda Doolittle
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Nossis?
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing poetic devices such as imagery, metaphor, and rhythm.
- Classical — The text references ancient Greek culture, poets, and mythology, situating it within a classical context.
- Romantic — Themes of love and beauty are central, with references to Eros and the emotional impact of love.
- Historical — The work evokes historical figures and settings, such as Greek Ionia and Cyprus, and mentions poets from antiquity.
Tags
Ancient Greek Poetry · Epicurean Philosophy · Feminist Themes · Greek Mythology · Literary Experimentation · Lyric Poetry · Meditative Style · Nature Imagery · Philosophical Inquiry · Poetic Fragmentation · Private Life · Psychological Insight