Treachery by Madison Cawein (1904)
The poem explores themes of beauty, love, and betrayal within a romantic and natural setting. It begins with a vivid depiction of a serene night, filled with fragrant roses and the melancholic songs of nightingales. The imagery evokes a sense of tranquility and enchantment, as the speaker describes a palace surrounded by nature, where lovers might wander under the moonlight. As the poem progresses, the atmosphere shifts from idyllic to ominous. The roses, initially symbols of beauty and love, reveal their treacherous nature when a serpent emerges, representing betrayal. This serpent's sting poisons the speaker's heart, transforming the once harmonious melodies into sounds of anguish and desolation. The nightingales' sorrowful songs reflect the speaker's emotional turmoil, as the beauty of the night is overshadowed by the pain of lost love. The final stanzas emphasize the emptiness left in the wake of betrayal, with the once vibrant palace now echoing with desolation. The imagery of the broken harp and the empty throne symbolizes the loss of joy and the void created by treachery. The poem concludes on a note of despair, highlighting the profound impact of betrayal on love and beauty.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1904 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric · 503 words
First lines
I. Came a spicy smell of showers On the purple wings of night, And a pearl-encrusted crescent On the lake looked still and white, While a sound of distant singing From the vales rose sad and light.
II. Dripped the musk of sodden roses From their million heavy sprays, And the nightingales were sobbing Of the roses amorous praise Where the raven down of even Caught the moonlight's bleaching rays.
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Treachery 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, Romanticism, Lyric, Symbolism, Gothic
- Length: 503 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verses with a focus on imagery, rhythm, and emotional expression, characteristic of poetry.
- Romanticism — The themes of nature, beauty, and emotional depth align with the Romantic literary movement.
- Lyric — The personal and emotional tone of the verses reflects the characteristics of lyric poetry.
- Symbolism — The use of symbols, such as roses and the serpent, conveys deeper meanings and themes.
Tags
Poetry · Drama · Tragedy · Betrayal · Loyalty · Deception · Secrets · Mystery · Suspense · Tension · Conflict · Emotional