My Lady of Verne by Madison Cawein
The narrative unfolds in a melancholic setting, reflecting on the past as the speaker approaches death. The protagonist reminisces about Lady Leona, a noblewoman of striking beauty and pride, who grew up in a desolate yet hauntingly beautiful landscape. The speaker, a humble admirer, recalls their shared moments in nature, filled with innocence and unspoken love. As seasons change, the speaker's feelings deepen, contrasting with Leona's apparent indifference. The speaker grapples with the pain of unrequited love, feeling like an outsider in her world of privilege. The arrival of autumn brings a sense of foreboding, culminating in the news of Leona's marriage to a young Earl, which devastates the speaker. In a poignant encounter, the speaker confronts Leona, sensing her unhappiness despite her marriage. Their conversation reveals a shared sorrow, as Leona confesses her love for the speaker, trapped in a life that suffocates her spirit. The tension escalates when a dagger, symbolizing both danger and desire, becomes central to their tragic fate. In a moment of desperation, they choose to end their lives together, believing that death will free them from their suffering. The act is both a culmination of their love and a rejection of the constraints imposed by society. As they succumb to their wounds, the narrative closes with a haunting reflection on love, loss, and the inevitability of silence that follows their tragic end.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1903 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Tragedy · 2,221 words
First lines
It all comes back as the end draws near; All comes back like a tale of old! Shall I tell you all? Will you lend an ear? You, with your face so stern and cold; You, who have found me dying here.
Lady Leona's villa at Verne -- You have walked its terraces, where the fount And statue gleam and the fluted urn; Its world-old elms, that are avenues gaunt Of shadow and flame when the West is a-burn.
What this Textopian page supports
My Lady of Verne is listed on Textopian as a novella 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: Novella
- Author: Madison Cawein
- Date: 1903 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Tragedy, Gothic, Historical Fiction
- Length: 2,221 words
- Structure: 1 section, 32 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for My Lady of Verne by Madison Cawein
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rich imagery and lyrical language typical of poetry.
- Romanticism — Themes of unrequited love, nature, and emotional depth align with Romantic literary ideals.
- Tragedy — The narrative culminates in a tragic ending involving love, loss, and death.
- Gothic — Elements of melancholy, haunting landscapes, and emotional turmoil contribute to a Gothic atmosphere.
Tags
Romance · Poetry · Literary Fiction · 19th Century Literature · American Literature · Classic Novel · Historical Fiction · Social Commentary · Marriage · Love Story · Family Drama · Coming of Age