Despair by Madison Cawein (1904)
The poem explores themes of despair, loss, and the haunting nature of unfulfilled dreams. The speaker describes a figure trapped in a cycle of regret and sorrow, surrounded by the remnants of past hopes and sins. This individual is depicted as moving from the light of strength and faith into a darker realm of weakness and despair, symbolized by a cave. The imagery evokes a sense of struggle against overwhelming emotions, with references to water and wind representing the weight of unexpressed grief and longing. As the figure descends into this abyss, the poem emphasizes the burden of time and the inevitability of facing one's inner turmoil. The voice of the waters suggests a constant, haunting presence, while the wind signifies an unending sorrow. The lack of lifted eyes indicates a refusal or inability to confront the past or seek redemption, reinforcing the theme of entrapment in despair. Overall, the work captures the essence of human suffering and the psychological weight of unfulfilled desires, illustrating a poignant journey through darkness without the promise of resolution or hope.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1904 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Symbolism · 171 words
First lines
Shut in with phantoms of life's hollow hopes, And shadows of old sins satiety slew, And the young ghosts of the dead dreams love knew, Out of the day into the night she gropes. Behind her, high the silvered summit slopes Of strength and faith, she will not turn to view; But towards the cave of weakness, harsh of hue, She goes, where all the dropsied horror ropes. There is a voice of waters in her ears, And on her brow a wind that never dies: One is the anguish of desired tears; One is the sorrow of unuttered sighs; And, burdened with the immemorial years, Downward she goes with never lifted eyes.
What this Textopian page supports
Despair is listed on Textopian as a poem by Madison Cawein, dated 1904 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: 1904 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Symbolism, Gothic, Existentialism
- Length: 171 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse and employs poetic devices, focusing on emotional expression and imagery.
- Romanticism — The themes of despair, longing, and the exploration of inner emotions align with Romantic ideals.
- Symbolism — The use of symbols such as phantoms and shadows conveys deeper meanings related to despair and existential themes.
- Gothic — The dark imagery and themes of anguish and horror reflect elements typical of Gothic literature.
Tags
Poetry · Darkness · Mortality · Existentialism · Philosophy · Psychological · Emotional · Introspection · Self-discovery · Melancholy · Sorrow · Loss