The Mermaid by Madison Cawein (1916)
The poem unfolds in a melancholic seaside setting, where the speaker is captivated by a mysterious mermaid who emerges from the mist. The atmosphere is imbued with a sense of longing and enchantment, as the speaker describes the moonlit scene and the haunting beauty of the mermaid. She is depicted with tawny hair and a delicate form, embodying both allure and sorrow. As the mermaid sings a mournful song, the speaker feels a deep connection, interpreting her lament as a reflection of unrequited love. Despite the mermaid's enchanting presence and her attempts to embrace him, the speaker remains emotionally guarded, aware that her affection may be insincere or fleeting. The tension between desire and caution permeates the interaction, as the speaker struggles with his feelings while recognizing the mermaid's coldness. The poem captures the ephemeral nature of their encounter, with the mermaid ultimately retreating into the mist as dawn approaches. The speaker's heart, once filled with passion, turns to ice in her absence, leaving him in a state of sorrow and longing. The imagery of the sea, the moon, and the mist serves to enhance the themes of love, loss, and the haunting beauty of unattainable desires. The work concludes with a poignant sense of despair, as the speaker grapples with the reality of his unfulfilled yearning.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1916 · Genre: Poetry, Fantasy, Romance · 826 words
First lines
The moon in the East is glowing; I sit by the moaning sea; The mists down the sea are blowing, Down the sea all dewily.
The sands at my feet are shaking, The stars in the sky are wan; The mists for the shore are making, With a glimmer drifting on.
What this Textopian page supports
The Mermaid is listed on Textopian as a poem by Madison Cawein, dated 1916 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: 1916 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Fantasy, Romance, Lyrical, Nature
- Length: 826 words
- Structure: 1 section, 18 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Fantasy — The presence of a mermaid and supernatural elements indicates a fantasy genre.
- Romance — The themes of love, longing, and emotional connection with the mermaid suggest romantic elements.
- Lyrical — The expressive and emotional nature of the language aligns with lyrical poetry.
Tags
Mythology · Fiction · Fantasy · Romance · Poetry · Symbolism · Imagery · Metaphor · Allusion · Literary Device · Nautical · Underwater