A Confession by Madison Cawein
The poem presents a confessional narrative from the perspective of a man who reflects on his actions towards a young woman he once loved. Initially, he describes her beauty and innocence, emphasizing her purity and the trust she placed in him. As their relationship progresses, he experiences a shift in his feelings, moving from affection to a disturbing sense of disgust. The turning point occurs after three months, where the speaker's desire transforms into a darker impulse. This internal conflict culminates in a violent act, where he murders the woman while she sleeps, driven by a mix of loathing and a twisted sense of betrayal. The act is portrayed as both a culmination of his emotional turmoil and a tragic end to her innocence, leaving her lifeless yet still smiling. The work explores themes of love, betrayal, guilt, and the duality of human desire, ultimately revealing the destructive potential of unchecked emotions and the consequences of moral failure. The stark imagery and emotional intensity serve to highlight the speaker's internal struggle and the irreversible impact of his actions.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1909 · Genre: Poetry, Tragedy, Romance · 293 words
First lines
These are the facts: -- I was to blame: I brought her here and wrought her shame: She came with me all trustingly. Lovely and innocent her face: And in her perfect form, the grace Of purity and modesty.
I think I loved her then: 'would dote On her ambrosial breast and throat, Young as a blossom's tenderness: Her eyes, that were both glad and sad: Her cheeks and chin, that dimples had: Her mouth, red-ripe to kiss and kiss.
Three months passed by; three moons of fire; When in me sickened all desire: And in its place a devil, -- who Filled all my soul with deep disgust, And on the victim of my lust Turned eyes of loathing, -- swiftly grew.
What this Textopian page supports
A Confession is listed on Textopian as a poem by Madison Cawein, dated 1909 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Madison Cawein
- Date: 1909 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Tragedy, Romance, Psychological, Dark Fiction
- Length: 293 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Tragedy — The themes of guilt, betrayal, and murder contribute to a tragic narrative.
- Romance — The initial depiction of love and desire, despite its dark turn, aligns with romantic elements.
- Psychological — The exploration of the narrator's inner turmoil and moral conflict reflects psychological themes.
Tags
Philosophical · Psychological · Autobiographical · Existential · Melancholic · Poetic · Stream-of-consciousness · Inner-monologue · Self-discovery · Mortality · Regret · Nostalgia