Orgie by Madison Cawein (1902)
The poem explores themes of desire, nature, and the interplay between beauty and danger. The speaker describes a mystical night in a bayou setting, where the moonlight creates an enchanting atmosphere. This environment evokes a trance-like state, drawing the speaker into a world filled with seductive imagery and ancient myths. As the speaker walks through this dreamlike landscape, they encounter alluring figures that embody sensuality and temptation. The imagery of "lascivious eyes" and "breasts of luring light" suggests an irresistible pull towards these enchanting beings, reminiscent of mythological figures like the Maenads, who are associated with ecstasy and revelry. The poem progresses with a sense of foreboding, as the beauty encountered is intertwined with danger. The mention of "vampire beauty" implies a predatory aspect to the allure, suggesting that the pursuit of desire may lead to one's downfall. The speaker feels an impending doom, as if surrendering to this beauty will seal their fate. Overall, the work captures the tension between the allure of nature and the potential consequences of succumbing to its charms, blending elements of eroticism with a haunting sense of inevitability.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1902 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Symbolism · 209 words
First lines
On nights like this, when bayou and lagoon Dream in the moonlight's mystic radiance, I seem to walk like one deep in a trance With old-world myths born of the mist and moon.
Lascivious eyes and mouths of sensual rose Smile into mine; and breasts of luring light, And tresses streaming golden to the night, Persuade me onward where the forest glows.
And then it seems along the haunted hills There falls a flutter as of beautiful feet, As if tempestuous troops of Maenads meet To drain deep bowls and shout and have their wills.
What this Textopian page supports
Orgie 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: Poetry, Romanticism, Symbolism, Gothic, Fantasy
- Length: 209 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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Similar titles
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- The Dream Of Dread by Madison Cawein
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythmic and lyrical language typical of poetry.
- Romanticism — The themes of nature, beauty, and sensuality align with Romantic ideals.
- Symbolism — The use of imagery and metaphor to convey deeper meanings reflects Symbolist characteristics.
- Gothic — The presence of dark, mysterious elements and themes of doom suggest Gothic influences.
Tags
Dark Fantasy · Gothic Fiction · Literary Horror · Psychological Thriller · Mystery · Suspense · Paranoid · Isolated Setting · Atmospheric · Foreboding · Unreliable Narrator · Twisted Plot