Despondency by Madison Cawein (1902)
The poem explores themes of deep sorrow and longing for escape from emotional turmoil. The speaker expresses a profound sense of despondency, feeling that external beauty and the promise of dawn cannot alleviate their inner pain. The imagery contrasts the vibrancy of nature with the speaker's internal darkness, suggesting a disconnect between the external world and personal experience. The desire for solitude is palpable, as the speaker yearns for a secluded, tranquil place away from the sun's brightness, symbolizing the burdens of life. This wildwood cave represents a refuge where the speaker can find peace and forget their troubles. The invocation of Sleep, Silence, and Oblivion highlights a wish to retreat from reality and the weight of existence. Throughout the work, the speaker grapples with the futility of seeking joy in the face of overwhelming sorrow. The repetition of the desire to forget emphasizes the depth of their despair, suggesting that the only solace lies in complete withdrawal from the world. The poem ultimately captures the struggle between the desire for connection with nature and the overwhelming need for personal respite from pain.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1902 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Existentialism · 176 words
First lines
Not all the bravery that day puts on Of gold and azure, ardent or austere, Shall ease my soul of sorrow; grown more dear Than all the joy that heavenly hope may don. Far up the skies the rumor of the dawn May run, and eve like some wild torch appear; These shall not change the darkness, gathered here, Of thought, that rusts like an old sword undrawn. Oh, for a place deep-sunken from the sun! A wildwood cave of primitive rocks and moss! Where Sleep and Silence -- breast to married breast -- Lie with their child, night-eyed Oblivion; Where, freed from all the trouble of my cross, I might forget, I might forget, and rest!
What this Textopian page supports
Despondency 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: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Existentialism, Nature Poetry, Symbolism
- Length: 176 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses deep personal emotions and reflections, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Romanticism — Themes of nature, emotion, and individual experience align with Romantic ideals.
- Existentialism — The exploration of despair and the search for meaning reflect existential themes.
- Nature Poetry — Imagery of nature and the desire for solitude in natural settings are prominent.
Tags
Poetry · Mental Health · Emotional Struggle · Despair · Hopelessness · Darkness · Sorrow · Loss · Grief · Isolation · Loneliness · Melancholy