To Anne by Lord Byron (1817)
The poem is a lamentation of the loss of innocence and the corrupting influence of society on a young girl named Anne. It explores themes of morality, virtue, and the dangers of unchecked desire. The speaker reflects on how Anne's beauty has been exploited by those around her, leading to her downfall.
By Lord Byron · First published 1817 · Genre: Romantic Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Dramatic Monologue · 215 words
First lines
Oh, Anne, your offences to me have been grievous: I thought from my wrath no atonement could save you: But woman is made to command and deceive us - I look ‘d in your face, and I almost forgave you.
I vow'd I could ne'er for a moment respect you, Yet thought that a day's separation was long; When we met, I determined again to suspect you Your smile soon convinced me suspicion was wrong.
I swore, in a transport of young indignation, With fervent contempt evermore to disdain you: I saw you - my anger became admiration; And now, all my wish, all my hope's to regain you.
What this Textopian page supports
To Anne is listed on Textopian as a poem by Lord Byron, dated 1817 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Lord Byron
- Date: 1817 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Romantic Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Dramatic Monologue, Confessional Poetry
- Length: 215 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Romantic Poetry — The poem expresses deep emotions of love, admiration, and forgiveness, characteristic of romantic poetry.
- Lyric Poetry — The poem is a personal expression of the speaker's feelings and emotions, typical of lyric poetry.
- Dramatic Monologue — The speaker addresses Anne directly, revealing personal thoughts and emotions, a feature of dramatic monologues.
- Confessional Poetry — The poem reveals intimate feelings and personal conflicts, aligning with confessional poetry.
Tags
Poem · Sonnet · Romanticism · Love Letter · Epistolary · Personal · Intimate · Emotional · Passionate · Sentimental · Autobiographical · Confessional