My Suit by Madison Cawein (1905)
The poem explores the speaker's whimsical and critical perspective on various flowers, each representing different qualities and characteristics. The speaker dismisses the Dandelion for being too common and finds the Violet overly sacred. The Touch-me-not is criticized for its speckled appearance, while the Tiger-lily is seen as fierce and haughty. The Sweet-Brier Rose is noted for its prickly nature, suggesting a blend of beauty and danger. The Columbine is described as too merry, leading the speaker to prefer a simpler, more humble flower. The Anemone is associated with sorrow, highlighting the transient nature of life, as it blooms today but may be gone tomorrow. The Daisy, despite its beauty, is deemed lazy due to being overly pursued. Ultimately, the speaker acknowledges the virtues of all these flowers but expresses a preference for the May-apple, which is depicted as delicate and fragrant. This choice reflects a desire for something unique and refined, contrasting with the more common flowers previously mentioned. The poem captures the speaker's playful yet discerning attitude towards nature and beauty, culminating in a celebration of the May-apple as the ideal flower.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1905 · Genre: Poetry, Nature, Romanticism · 335 words
First lines
Faith! the Dandelion is To my mind too lowly; Then the winsome Violet Is, forsooth, too holy.
There's the Touch-me-not -- go to! What! a face that's speckled Like a buxom milking-maid's Which the sun hath freckled!
What this Textopian page supports
My Suit is listed on Textopian as a poem by Madison Cawein, dated 1905 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: 1905 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Nature, Romanticism, Lyric, Symbolism
- Length: 335 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices, focusing on the beauty and characteristics of flowers.
- Nature — The poem explores themes of nature, specifically the qualities and symbolism of various flowers.
- Romanticism — The poem reflects romantic ideals through its appreciation of beauty and nature, as well as emotional expression.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal feelings and thoughts, characteristic of lyric poetry.
Tags
Poetry · Literary Fiction · American Literature · 19th Century Literature · Symbolism · Imagery · Figurative Language · Metaphor · Simile · Personification · Alliteration · Assonance