The Long Room by Madison Cawein

Name: The Long Room
Author: Madison Cawein

The narrative unfolds in a long, opulent room filled with rich tapestries and sculptures, evoking a sense of nostalgia and introspection. The protagonist encounters various artworks, including a statue of Psyche holding a crystal heart and a grim knight with a decayed steed, which symbolize the complexities of love, desire, and regret. The tapestries seem to watch him, reflecting his inner turmoil and memories of a past relationship marked by shame and betrayal. As he contemplates the art around him, he realizes that these images represent his own life experiences and emotions. The protagonist's reflection leads him to a moment of decision, where he consumes a potion from a slender vial, suggesting a desire to escape or transform his reality. The act of drinking the potion signifies a surrender to his fate, as he collapses between the knight and Psyche, symbolizing the conflict between noble ideals and the darker aspects of desire. The room, with its haunting beauty and sinister undertones, serves as a backdrop for the exploration of themes such as the duality of love, the consequences of choices, and the struggle between aspiration and despair. The protagonist's journey through this space becomes a metaphor for his internal battle, culminating in a poignant moment of self-realization and acceptance of his past. The vivid imagery and emotional depth create a rich tapestry of human experience, inviting readers to reflect on their own lives and the complexities of love and loss.

By Madison Cawein · First published 1902 · Genre: Poetry, Fantasy, Romance · 332 words

First lines

He found the long room as it was of old, Glimmering with sunset's gold; That made the tapestries seem full of eyes Strange with a wild surmise: Glaring upon a Psyche where she shone Carven of stainless stone, Holding a crystal heart where many a sun Seemed starrily bound in one: And near her, grim in rigid metal, stood An old knight in a wood, Groping his way: the bony wreck, that was His steed, at weary pause. And over these a canvas -- one mad mesh Of Chrysoprase tints of flesh And breasts -- Bohemian cups, whose glory gleamed For one who, brutish, seemed A hideous Troll, unto whose lustful arms She yielded glad her charms.

What this Textopian page supports

The Long Room 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, Fantasy, Romance, Symbolism, Gothic
Length: 332 words
Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering The Long Room?
How does this poem by Madison Cawein fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rich imagery and lyrical language typical of poetry.
Fantasy — The presence of mythical elements, such as Psyche and a Troll, indicates a fantasy genre.
Romance — Themes of love and desire are central to the narrative, particularly the relationship dynamics presented.
Symbolism — The use of symbols, such as the crystal heart and the knight, conveys deeper meanings and themes.