The Waltz by Lord Byron (1816)
It's a narrative poem that tells the story of a young woman who is seduced and abandoned by a nobleman. The poem explores themes of love, betrayal, and social class.
By Lord Byron · First published 1816 · Genre: Satire, Poetry, Social Commentary · 3,188 words
First lines
Muse of the many-twinkling feet! whose charms / Are now extended up from legs to arms; / Terpsichore! - too long misdeemed a maid - / Reproachful term - bestowed but to upbraid - / Henceforth in all the bronze of brightness shine, / The least a Vestal of the Virgin Nine. / Far be from thee and thine the name of Prude: / Mocked yet triumphant; sneered at, unsubdued; / Thy legs must move to conquer as they fly, / If but thy coats are reasonably high! 10 / Thy breast - if bare enough - requires no shield; / Dance forth - sans armour thou shalt take the field / And own - impregnable to most assaults, / Thy not too lawfully begotten "Waltz."
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Genres
- Satire — The work is a satirical poem critiquing the social and cultural implications of the waltz dance, using humor and irony.
- Poetry — The text is written in verse form, employing poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Social Commentary — The poem provides a critique of contemporary society, particularly focusing on the moral and cultural changes associated with the waltz.
- Cultural Criticism — The work examines the cultural impact of the waltz, reflecting on its influence on social norms and behaviors.
Tags
Poetry · Romance · Napoleonic Wars · War Poetry · Love Poem · Ballad · Narrative Verse · Epic · Historical Fiction · Imagery Rich · Symbolic Language · Metaphor
What this Textopian page supports
The Waltz is listed on Textopian as a short story by Lord Byron, dated 1816 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Lord Byron
- Date: 1816 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Poetry, Social Commentary, Cultural Criticism, Humor
- Length: 3,188 words
- Structure: 1 section, 16 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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