The Jessamine and the Morning-Glory
The poem presents a vivid and symbolic exploration of two flowers: the morning-glory and the jessamine. The morning-glory is depicted as a proud and beautiful flower, basking in the light of the morning star, which serves as her prince. She is characterized by her vibrant colors and regal demeanor, commanding attention and admiration from other flowers in the garden. The morning-glory's confidence is juxtaposed with her disdain for the jessamine, which is portrayed as meek, pale, and selfless. As the morning-glory revels in her beauty and the warmth of the sun, she mocks the jessamine for its lack of vibrancy and perceived weakness. The jessamine, however, embodies purity and humility, contrasting sharply with the morning-glory's arrogance. Despite the morning-glory's scorn, the jessamine remains steadfast and true, reflecting a deeper, quieter strength. As the day progresses, the morning-glory's beauty begins to fade under the harshness of the sun, symbolizing the transient nature of superficial beauty. In contrast, the jessamine flourishes, becoming more fragrant and pure as the light of the evening approaches. The poem concludes with the speaker choosing the jessamine, signifying a preference for enduring qualities over fleeting beauty. The work ultimately explores themes of pride, humility, and the contrasting nature of beauty, suggesting that true worth lies in inner strength and purity rather than outward appearances.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1901 · Genre: Poetry, Nature, Romanticism · 583 words
First lines
I. On a sheet of silver the morning-star lay Fresh, white as a baby child, And laughed and leaped in his lissome way, On my parterre of flowers smiled. For a morning-glory's spiral bud Of shell-coned tallness slim Stood ready to burst her delicate hood And bloom on the dawning dim: A princess royal in purple born To beauty and pride in the balmy morn.
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The Jessamine and the Morning-Glory is listed on Textopian as a poem by Madison Cawein, dated 1901 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: 1901 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Nature, Romanticism, Symbolism, Lyric
- Length: 583 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Nature — The poem explores themes of flowers and natural beauty, focusing on the morning-glory and jessamine.
- Romanticism — The themes of beauty, nature, and emotional expression align with Romantic literary ideals.
- Symbolism — The flowers symbolize different traits and emotions, reflecting deeper meanings beyond their physical appearance.
Tags
Poetry · Nature · Symbolism · Imagery · Metaphor · Allegory · Mythology · Folklore · Romanticism · Victorian Era · Literary Device · Figurative Language