The Unattainable by Madison Cawein
The poem explores the theme of unattainable beauty and desire, presenting a figure who embodies an ideal that is both alluring and destructive. The speaker reflects on the paradox of love and longing, where the object of desire is simultaneously enchanting and harmful. The imagery evokes a sense of longing, with references to nature and celestial elements, suggesting that this beauty is ethereal and beyond reach. The speaker grapples with the futility of pursuing such an ideal, questioning the value of love that leads to pain and disappointment. The beauty of the figure is described as imperishable, yet it brings a sense of despair to those who seek to possess it. The poem delves into the emotional turmoil experienced by the lover, who is entranced by the figure's allure but ultimately finds himself trapped in a cycle of yearning and regret. As the poem progresses, it highlights the transformative power of this beauty, which captivates the heart and mind, leading to a surrender of reality. The lover becomes consumed by dreams and desires, losing touch with the tangible world. The figure is portrayed as a tyrant, wielding power over those who dare to love her, leaving them with nothing but longing and sorrow. The closing lines emphasize the struggle against the enchantment of this beauty, questioning the possibility of breaking free from its spell. The imagery of a hidden danger beneath the surface of beauty serves as a warning about the seductive nature of unattainable desires. Ultimately, the poem encapsulates the tension between the pursuit of idealized love and the inevitable pain that accompanies such aspirations.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1902 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Symbolism · 721 words
First lines
Mark thou! a shadow crowned with fire of hell. Man holds her in his heart as night doth hold The moonlight memories of day's dead gold; Or as a winter-withered asphodel In its dead loveliness holds scents of old. And looking on her, lo, he thinks 'tis well.
Who would not follow her whose glory sits, Imperishably lovely on the air? Who, from the arms of Earth's desire, flits With eyes defiant and rebellions hair? -- Hers is the beauty that no man shall share.
What this Textopian page supports
The Unattainable is listed on Textopian as a short story 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: Short story
- Author: Madison Cawein
- Date: 1902 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Symbolism, Tragedy, Philosophical
- Length: 721 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Similar titles
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- Despair by John Gould Fletcher
- Last Days by Madison Cawein
- Indifference by Madison Cawein
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rich imagery and lyrical language typical of poetry.
- Romanticism — The themes of unattainable love, beauty, and idealization of the beloved align with Romantic ideals.
- Symbolism — The use of symbols, such as flowers and light, to convey deeper meanings reflects Symbolist characteristics.
- Tragedy — The exploration of unfulfilled desire and the pain of unattainable love suggests tragic elements.
Tags
Poetry · Philosophy · Existentialism · Human Condition · Longing · Desire · Futility · Hopelessness · Melancholy · Sorrow · Loss · Regret