The Tollman's Daughter
The narrative centers on a young woman, the daughter of a tollman, who embodies beauty and grace, captivating all who encounter her. The setting is a picturesque landscape, rich with natural imagery that reflects her allure. The protagonist is depicted as a figure of divine beauty, with striking features and an enchanting presence that seems to animate the environment around her. As the story unfolds, the tollman's daughter becomes a symbol of unattainable love and idealized beauty. Her interactions with nature suggest a deep connection to the world, where her beauty influences the flora and fauna, causing flowers to bloom and birds to sing in her presence. The protagonist's charm is so profound that even the brook seems to celebrate her, illustrating the theme of nature responding to human emotion. The narrator expresses a profound infatuation with her, revealing a personal longing that intertwines with the admiration of her physical attributes. This infatuation is tinged with a sense of melancholy, as the narrator recognizes the distance between his feelings and the reality of their situation. The tollman's daughter, while enchanting, remains an elusive figure, embodying both desire and unattainability. The work explores themes of beauty, love, and the interplay between humanity and nature. The vivid descriptions create a dreamlike quality, emphasizing the idealization of the tollman's daughter and the impact of her presence on the world around her. The narrator's emotional journey reflects a universal experience of longing and the bittersweet nature of unrequited love, leaving readers to ponder the complexities of beauty and desire.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1902 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Nature · 403 words
First lines
She stood waist-deep among the briers: Above in twisted lengths were rolled The sunset's tangled whorls of gold, Blown from the west's cloud-pillared fires. And in the hush no sound did mar, You almost heard o'er hill and dell, Deep, bubbling over, star on star, The night's blue cisterns slowly well. A crane, like some dark crescent, crossed The sunset, winging towards the west; While up the east her silver breast Of light the moon brought, white as frost.
What this Textopian page supports
The Tollman's Daughter 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, Romance, Nature, Lyric, Imagism
- Length: 403 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Tollman's Daughter by Madison Cawein
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rich imagery and lyrical language typical of poetry.
- Romance — The central theme revolves around love and admiration for the tollman's daughter, highlighting romantic feelings.
- Nature — The poem vividly describes natural elements and settings, emphasizing the beauty of the environment.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, characteristic of lyric poetry.
Tags
Historical Fiction · Literary Fiction · Family Drama · Coming-of-Age · Romance · Mystery · Thriller · Psychological Thriller · Domestic Suspense · Small Town Secrets · Family Secrets · Mother-Daughter Relationship