The Lust of the World
The work explores the duality of desire and destruction, presenting a powerful feminine figure who embodies both allure and danger. This figure is depicted as a seductive force, captivating humanity with her beauty and charm, which are likened to vampiric qualities. The text suggests that this allure drives individuals to extremes, pushing them toward both creation and annihilation. The narrative reflects on the nature of existence, positing that without this force, life would become stagnant and devoid of passion. The interplay between pleasure and pain is central, as the figure's influence brings a sense of vitality, even in suffering. The work emphasizes a relentless cycle of building and destroying, where the figure operates without remorse, highlighting a stark contrast between noble aspirations and the darker impulses of humanity. Ultimately, the text serves as a meditation on the complexities of desire, illustrating how it can inspire greatness while simultaneously leading to ruin. The portrayal of this figure encapsulates the tension between the beauty of life and the inevitable chaos that accompanies it, suggesting that such forces are essential to the human experience.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1902 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Symbolism · 249 words
First lines
Since Man first lifted up his eyes to hers And saw her vampire beauty, which is lust, All else is dust Within the compass of the universe.
With heart of Jael and with face of Ruth She sits upon the tomb of Time and quaffs Heart's blood and laughs At all Life calls most noble and the truth.
The fire of conquest and the wine of dreams Are in her veins; and in her eyes the lure Of things unsure, Urging the world forever to extremes.
Without her, Life would stagnate in a while. -- Her touch it is puts pleasure even in pain. -- So Life attain Her end, she cares not if the means be vile.
What this Textopian page supports
The Lust of the World 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, Philosophical, Gothic
- Length: 249 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Lust of the World by Madison Cawein
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Romanticism — Themes of beauty, desire, and the complexities of love are central to the text.
- Symbolism — The use of metaphor and symbolic imagery conveys deeper meanings about life and desire.
- Philosophical — The text explores existential themes and the nature of life and desire.
Tags
Philosophical · Psychological · Existential · Poetic · Symbolic · Mysterious · Dark · Gothic · Romantic · Melancholic · Introspective · Self-Discovery