To Woman by Lord Byron (1817)
The poem explores the theme of a woman's independence and her desire for freedom from societal constraints. It describes her inner turmoil and conflict between her desire for love and her need for autonomy. The speaker portrays this woman as strong-willed, yet vulnerable to the whims of fate. The poem touches on the idea that women are often trapped by their own emotions and the expectations placed upon them by society.
By Lord Byron · First published 1817 · Genre: Poetry, Romantic, Satire · 218 words
First lines
Woman! experience might have told me, That all must love thee who behold thee: Surely experience might have taught Thy firmest promises are nought: But, placed in all thy charms before me, All I forget, but to adore thee.
Oh memory! Thou choicest blessing When join'd with hope, when still possessing; But how much cursed by every lover When hope is fled and passion's over.
Woman, that fair and fond deceiver, How throbs the pulse when first we view The eye that rolls in glossy blue, Or sparkles black, or mildly throws A beam from under hazel brows! How quick we credit every oath, And hear her plight the willing troth! Fondly we hope 'twill last for aye, When, lo! she changes in a day.
What this Textopian page supports
To Woman 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: Poetry, Romantic, Satire, Lyric
- Length: 218 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter typical of poetry.
- Romantic — The themes revolve around love, admiration, and the emotional experiences associated with romantic relationships.
- Satire — The poem critiques and mocks the fickle nature of women's promises in romantic contexts.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, characteristic of lyric poetry.
Tags
Poetry · Romanticism · Love · Philosophy · Feminism · Critique · Society · Morality · Ethics · Human Nature · Beauty · Truth