From the German of Uhland
The narrative unfolds around three students who stop at an inn by the Rhine River, seeking refreshment and the company of the innkeeper's daughter. Upon inquiring about her, they discover she has passed away and lies in a room, shrouded in a white cloth. Each student approaches her body, expressing their love and sorrow in distinct ways. The first student, upon seeing her, laments that if she were alive, he would lay his heart at her feet. His words reflect a sense of longing and unfulfilled desire. The second student, overwhelmed by grief, acknowledges his long-standing love for her, revealing a deep emotional connection that has persisted over the years. The third student, in a poignant act, kisses her cold lips, declaring his eternal love, emphasizing a commitment that transcends death. The poem captures themes of love, loss, and the enduring nature of affection, even in the face of mortality. Each student's reaction highlights different facets of love—idealization, regret, and unwavering devotion—creating a rich tapestry of emotional responses to the tragedy of death. The setting by the Rhine adds a layer of melancholy, as the river symbolizes the passage of time and the inevitability of change. The work ultimately reflects on the profound impact of love and the sorrow that accompanies its loss.
By James Weldon Johnson · First published 1922 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Narrative · 203 words
First lines
Three students once tarried over the Rhine, And into Frau Wirthin's turned to dine.
"Say, hostess, have you good beer and wine?
And where is that pretty daughter of thine?"
"My beer and wine is fresh and clear.
What this Textopian page supports
From the German of Uhland is listed on Textopian as a short story by James Weldon Johnson, dated 1922 CE.
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- Work type: Short story
- Author: James Weldon Johnson
- Date: 1922 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Narrative, Elegy, Translation
- Length: 203 words
- Structure: 1 section, 14 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is a poetic translation, focusing on lyrical expression and emotional depth.
- Romanticism — Themes of love, loss, and idealized beauty align with Romantic literary characteristics.
- Narrative — The poem tells a story involving characters and their emotional responses to a tragic event.
- Elegy — The poem reflects on death and mourning, fitting the elegiac tradition.
Tags
German Literature · Poetry Collection · Translation · 19th Century · Folklore · Mythology · Romance · Fantasy · Symbolism · Imagery · Language · Cultural Heritage