Answered by Madison Cawein (1902)
The work explores themes of lost love, sorrow, and the haunting memories that linger after a relationship has ended. The speaker reflects on a night filled with emotional turmoil, where the stars and moon symbolize the sadness and regret associated with past experiences. The imagery evokes a sense of mourning, as the speaker grapples with harsh words exchanged that have left a lasting impact, leading to a metaphorical death of spirit long before physical demise. As the night progresses, the atmosphere becomes increasingly ominous, with references to thunder and lightning, suggesting an impending emotional storm. The speaker's recollections reveal a deep sense of betrayal and disillusionment, as love is portrayed as a deceptive force that has inflicted pain. The contrast between life and death is emphasized, with the speaker's heart and spirit feeling lifeless due to the weight of past grievances. The narrative shifts to a moment of introspection, where the speaker urges the other person to find peace within themselves, indicating a surrender of passion to a more subdued will. The final lines convey a sense of resignation, as the speaker acknowledges the futility of their past connection, suggesting that the once vibrant love has become a silent, forsaken memory. The work encapsulates the complexity of human emotions, particularly the interplay between love, loss, and the struggle for inner tranquility amidst turmoil.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1902 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric · 431 words
First lines
Do you remember how that night drew on? That night of sorrow, when the stars looked wan As eyes that gaze reproachful in a dream, Loved eyes, long lost, and sadder than the grave? How through the heaven stole the moon's gray gleam, Like a nun's ghost down a cathedral nave? -- Do you remember how that night drew on?
Do you remember the hard words then said? Said to the living, -- now denied the dead, -- That left me dead, -- long, long before I died, -- In heart and spirit? -- me, your words had slain, Telling how love to my poor life had lied, Armed with the dagger of a pale disdain. -- Do you remember the hard words then said?
What this Textopian page supports
Answered is listed on Textopian as a poem by Madison Cawein, dated 1902 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: 1902 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric, Gothic, Existentialism
- Length: 431 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Similar titles
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- Out Of The Depths by Madison Cawein
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as imagery, metaphor, and rhythm.
- Romanticism — Themes of love, loss, and emotional depth are prevalent, characteristic of the Romantic genre.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, focusing on the speaker's inner feelings.
- Gothic — Elements of darkness, sorrow, and a haunting atmosphere contribute to a Gothic sensibility.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · Symbolism · Nature · Mortality · Existentialism · Philosophy · Spirituality · Faith · Hope · Despair · Loss