The Battle by Madison Cawein (1900)
The poem explores themes of love, conflict, and the emotional turmoil associated with parting. It opens with a vivid depiction of a dark, oppressive atmosphere, symbolizing the tension in the relationship. The imagery of black clouds and a dim garden reflects the heaviness of the moment, suggesting that the love shared is fraught with difficulties and sorrow. As the speaker and their beloved wander through the garden, the setting becomes a metaphor for their relationship, filled with strife and uncertainty. The night is described as dark and afraid, mirroring the speaker's internal struggle and the fear of separation. The emotional weight of their love is highlighted, characterized by tears and sighs, indicating that their connection is overshadowed by pain. When the moment of parting arrives, the speaker expresses a deep longing for escape from the anguish of separation. The desire for death is articulated as a wish for divine intervention to alleviate the suffering caused by their impending farewell. This intense emotional response underscores the depth of their bond, revealing how intertwined love and sorrow can be. The poem ultimately captures the complexity of love, illustrating how it can be both beautiful and burdensome. The juxtaposition of the natural world with the inner emotional landscape emphasizes the struggle between desire and despair, leaving the reader with a poignant sense of the challenges faced in love.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1900 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric · 130 words
First lines
Black clouds hung low and heavy, Above the sunset glare; And in the garden dimly We wandered here and there.
So full of strife, of trouble The night was dark, afraid, Like our own love, so merely For tears and sighings made.
That when it came to parting, And I must mount and go, With all my soul I wished it -- That God would lay me low.
What this Textopian page supports
The Battle 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: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric, Nature, Melancholy
- Length: 130 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, utilizing poetic devices such as imagery and emotional expression.
- Romanticism — The themes of love, longing, and emotional turmoil align with the characteristics of Romantic literature.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, typical of lyric poetry.
- Nature — The imagery of the natural world, such as clouds and gardens, reflects a connection to nature.
Tags
War · Conflict · Battlefield · Soldiers · Warfare · Violence · Bloodshed · Death · Loss · Pain · Suffering · Humanity