The poem tells the story of a young woman named Maud Muller who is forced to marry an old man due to her family's financial situation. She is unhappy in the marriage and longs for love and companionship, but feels trapped by her circumstances. Maud meets a lawyer who is charming and handsome, and they begin a romantic affair. However, their social differences make it impossible for them to be together, and Maud is left heartbroken when the lawyer leaves her. The poem explores themes of love, class, and societal expectations, highlighting the limited options available to women in 19th-century America.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1854 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Narrative