Witchcraft by Madison Cawein (1904)
The poem explores the theme of enchantment through the lens of romantic desire. The speaker reflects on the transformative power of a woman's beauty and presence, suggesting that her mere gaze can create a sense of magic in the world around him. The woman's smile evokes joy and inspiration, turning his thoughts into harmonious melodies, while her frown introduces a sense of melancholy, making his days feel like unremarkable prose. The speaker's emotions fluctuate with the woman's expressions, indicating that her laughter and words have the ability to liberate his heart, akin to freeing a caged bird. This interplay of emotions highlights the profound impact of love and attraction, suggesting that the woman's influence is both uplifting and burdensome. The longing for a deeper connection culminates in the hope that a kiss from her could break the spell of his unfulfilled desires. The speaker's feelings of sadness and celibacy stem from an inability to articulate his longing, which he perceives as a curse. The poem encapsulates the complexities of love, desire, and the yearning for emotional and physical intimacy, portraying the woman as a powerful figure capable of both enchantment and heartache.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1904 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric · 165 words
First lines
This world is made a witchcraft place With gazing on a woman's face.
Now 'tis her smile, whose sorcery Turns all my thoughts to melody.
Now 'tis her frown, that comes and goes, That makes my day a page of prose.
And now her laugh, or but a word, That in my heart frees wild a bird.
What this Textopian page supports
Witchcraft 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, Fantasy, Symbolism
- Length: 165 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Witchcraft by Madison Cawein
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Witchcraft?
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Romanticism — The themes of love, longing, and emotional expression align with Romantic ideals.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, typical of lyric poetry.
- Fantasy — The use of witchcraft as a metaphor suggests elements of fantasy.
Tags
Fiction · Fantasy · Magic · Supernatural · Mystery · Adventure · Romance · Historical Fiction · Dark Fantasy · Paranormal · Occult · Sorcery