Oriental Romance by Madison Cawein
The work presents a narrative steeped in exoticism and longing, exploring themes of love, desire, and the tragic consequences of unattainable passion. The protagonist, a king, embarks on a journey across vast seas to claim the love of a mysterious queen, the last of a forgotten dynasty. The imagery evokes a lush, vibrant world filled with rich scents and colors, emphasizing the beauty and allure of the queen, who resides on an island characterized by its opulence and isolation. As the king approaches her castle, described as an opal shining against the backdrop of the sea, the narrative shifts to a darker tone. The queen, once vibrant and alive, is found lifeless among her maidens and flowers, suggesting themes of mortality and the ephemeral nature of beauty. This stark contrast between the initial allure and the eventual tragedy underscores the work's exploration of love's complexities. In a parallel narrative, the story of a mameluke unfolds, who harbors a deep, unspoken love for the queen. His passion is fraught with despair, as he serves her in silence, unable to express his feelings due to his status. The mameluke's internal struggle is palpable, as he grapples with the pain of unrequited love while remaining devoted to her beauty. The queen, in turn, appreciates his talent as a singer, creating a moment of connection that is both intimate and fraught with tension. The climax of the mameluke's story culminates in a moment of reckless passion, where he dares to kiss the queen, leading to a tragic end. The narrative questions the nature of love and sacrifice, illustrating how desire can lead to destruction. The work ultimately reflects on the interplay between beauty, power, and the often-painful realities of love, leaving readers with a sense of melancholy and contemplation on the nature of longing and loss.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1900 · Genre: Romance, Poetry, Fantasy · 745 words
First lines
I. Beyond lost seas of summer she Dwelt on an island of the sea, Last scion of that dynasty, Queen of a race forgotten long. -- With eyes of light and lips of song, From seaward groves of blowing lemon, She called me in her native tongue, Low-leaned on some rich robe of Yemen.
II. I was a king. Three moons we drove Across green gulfs, the crimson clove And cassia spiced, to claim her love. Packed was my barque with gums and gold; Rich fabrics; sandalwood, grown old With odor; gems; and pearls of Oman, -- Than her white breasts less white and cold; -- And myrrh, less fragrant than this woman.
What this Textopian page supports
Oriental Romance is listed on Textopian as a poem by Madison Cawein, dated 1900 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: 1900 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Romance, Poetry, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Adventure
- Length: 745 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Oriental Romance by Madison Cawein
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Romance — The central theme revolves around love and desire, depicting romantic relationships and emotional connections.
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, utilizing poetic devices and imagery to convey its themes.
- Fantasy — Elements of fantasy are present through the depiction of mythical settings and characters, such as queens and castles.
- Historical Fiction — The narrative references historical and cultural elements, suggesting a backdrop of a specific time and place.
Tags
Romance · Poetry · Orientalism · Imagery · Symbolism · Mythology · Fantasy · Love · Passion · Desire · Longing · Exoticism