Ermengarde by Madison Cawein (1903)
The poem presents a vivid and romantic portrayal of a sleeping woman, depicted as a queen in a dreamlike state. The imagery evokes a sense of beauty and tranquility, with comparisons to natural elements such as dawn, dusk, and flowers. The woman is described with rich, luxurious details, emphasizing her regal presence and the opulence of her surroundings. The setting is imbued with a serene atmosphere, where moonlight filters through stained glass, creating a magical interplay of light and shadow. The use of color, particularly the contrast between the purple damask and the pale skin of the woman, enhances the visual richness of the scene. The poem captures the essence of her peaceful slumber, free from worldly troubles, and suggests a connection to the divine or ethereal. As the poem progresses, the focus remains on the woman's beauty and the enchanting environment, reinforcing themes of love, dreams, and the idealization of femininity. The language is lush and evocative, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the tranquil yet vibrant imagery. The overall tone is one of admiration and reverence, celebrating the subject's grace and the serene world around her.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1903 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Imagism · 268 words
First lines
Queen of the Courts of Love, she sleeps; one arm Pillowing her raven hair, as Dawn might Night, Or Day kiss Dusk; or Darkness, starry warm, Be gathered of her sister, rosy Light.
Pale from the purple of the damask cloth One hand hangs, as a lily-bloom might, lone Above a bed of poppies; or a moth Might softly hover by a rose full-blown.
Heraldic, rich, the costly coverings Sweep, fall'n in folds, pushed partly from her breast; As through storm-broken clouds the full moon springs, From these one orb of her pure bosom pressed.
What this Textopian page supports
Ermengarde is listed on Textopian as a poem by Madison Cawein, dated 1903 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: 1903 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Imagism, Symbolism, Elegiac Poetry
- Length: 268 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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- Work identity for Ermengarde by Madison Cawein
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work exhibits a strong emphasis on personal emotion and aesthetic beauty, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Romanticism — Themes of nature, beauty, and idealized love align with the Romantic movement.
- Imagism — The vivid imagery and focus on sensory experiences reflect the principles of Imagism.
- Symbolism — The use of symbols and metaphors to convey deeper meanings is prevalent throughout the text.
Tags
Tragic Love Story · Literary Fiction · Psychological Drama · Social Commentary · Coming-of-Age · Romance · Melancholy · Isolation · Loneliness · Obsession · Madness · Mental Health