Before the Rain by Madison Cawein
The poem depicts a tense and foreboding atmosphere as a storm approaches. The imagery evokes a sense of unease, with the moon described as weak and sickly, surrounded by ominous storm mists. The heavens appear vindictive, and the stars are likened to daggers, suggesting a malevolent force at play. Nature is alive with sound; the croaking of frogs and the creaking of crickets punctuate the silence, while the wind stirs the trees, creating a mournful ambiance. The gathering tempest is slow and deliberate, building tension over time. The thunder's arrival is likened to a drum, signaling the storm's approach and the earth's restless anticipation. The earth is personified as a woman waiting for a lover, filled with doubt and longing. This metaphor emphasizes the emotional weight of the scene, as the earth yearns for the rain that symbolizes renewal and relief. The poem concludes with the heavens explaining the storm, suggesting a deeper connection between nature and human emotion, as the night unfolds with the promise of rain.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1901 · Genre: Poetry, Nature, Romanticism · 281 words
First lines
Before the rain, low in the obscure east, Weak and morose the moon hung, sickly gray; Around its disc the storm mists, cracked and creased, Wove an enormous web, wherein it lay Like some white spider hungry for its prey. Vindictive looked the scowling firmament, In which each star, that flashed a dagger ray, Seemed filled with malice of some dark intent.
What this Textopian page supports
Before the Rain is listed on Textopian as a poem by Madison Cawein, dated 1901 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: 1901 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Nature, Romanticism, Symbolism, Gothic
- Length: 281 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Before the Rain by Madison Cawein
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Before the Rain?
- How does this poem by Madison Cawein fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Rain by Madison Cawein
- Tones by Madison Cawein
- Diurnal by Madison Cawein
- Winter Night by Edna St Vincent Millay
- Snow And Fire by Madison Cawein
- The Window On The Hill by Madison Cawein
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing meter and rhyme, characteristic of poetry.
- Nature — The poem vividly describes natural elements and their emotional impact, focusing on the atmosphere before a storm.
- Romanticism — Themes of nature, emotion, and the sublime reflect the ideals of Romantic literature.
- Symbolism — The imagery and metaphors convey deeper meanings and emotions, typical of Symbolist literature.
Tags
Poetry · Nature · Mood · Atmosphere · Emotion · Imagery · Symbolism · Metaphor · Simile · Personification · Alliteration · Assonance