The Wind at Night by Madison Cawein
The poem explores themes of nature, solitude, and the interplay between the external environment and internal emotions. It begins with a vivid depiction of a wild, stormy night, characterized by a howling wind and tumultuous trees that seem to express desperation. The speaker is reluctant to succumb to sleep until the chaos of the wind subsides, suggesting a deep connection to the natural world and its tumultuous beauty. As the poem progresses, the imagery shifts to dark waters and ghostly reflections, evoking a sense of haunting tranquility that follows the storm. The speaker's thoughts are intertwined with the silence that follows the chaos, indicating a struggle between the desire for peace and the lingering effects of the wildness experienced. The tension between the external storm and the internal state of the speaker creates a rich emotional landscape, highlighting the complexity of human experience in relation to nature. Ultimately, the work captures the essence of a restless mind seeking solace amidst the chaos of the natural world, reflecting on the profound impact of the environment on personal introspection and emotional states. The interplay of sound, silence, and imagery serves to deepen the reader's understanding of the speaker's inner turmoil and the beauty found in the wildness of the night.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1904 · Genre: Poetry, Nature, Romanticism · 203 words
First lines
I. Not till the wildman wind is shrill, Howling upon the hill In every wolfish tree, whose boisterous boughs, Like desperate arms, gesture and beat the night, And down huge clouds, in chasms of stormy white The frightened moon hurries above the house, Shall I lie down; and, deep, -- Letting the mad wind keep Its shouting revel round me, -- fall asleep.
What this Textopian page supports
The Wind at Night is listed on Textopian as a poem by Madison Cawein, dated 1904 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: 1904 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Nature, Romanticism, Gothic, Symbolism
- Length: 203 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Wind at Night by Madison Cawein
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Wind at Night?
- 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
- The Rain by Madison Cawein
- Hoar Frost by Madison Cawein
- Unutterable by Madison Cawein
- The Rising Of The Moon by Madison Cawein
- Clouds Of The Autumn Night by Madison Cawein
- The Valleys Singing Day by Robert Frost
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, utilizing meter and rhyme, characteristic of poetry.
- Nature — The themes revolve around natural elements, particularly the wind and night, emphasizing the relationship between the speaker and the environment.
- Romanticism — The emotional depth and focus on nature align with Romantic ideals, exploring feelings and the sublime.
- Gothic — The imagery evokes a sense of darkness and mystery, typical of Gothic literature.
Tags
Poetry · Nature · Nighttime · Wind · Atmosphere · Mood · Emotion · Imagery · Symbolism · Metaphor · Personification · Tone