Ballade De Marguerite (Normande)
The poem presents a narrative of longing and loss, centered around a young man who expresses his weariness of the world outside, particularly the chivalric pursuits of knights and the societal expectations that come with them. He yearns for the companionship of his beloved, Marguerite, and reflects on the barriers that separate them due to his humble origins as a Forester's son. The speaker contemplates various scenarios in which Marguerite might be engaged—sewing tapestries, hunting, or praying—each thought revealing his deep affection and desire to be near her. He imagines how he could participate in her activities, showcasing his longing to bridge the gap between their social standings. As the narrative unfolds, the atmosphere shifts with the arrival of a funeral procession, indicating a somber turn of events. The speaker learns of the death of Marguerite, which devastates him. The imagery of mourning and the tolling of the curfew create a stark contrast to his earlier dreams of love and companionship. The poem culminates in the speaker's profound grief, as he questions whether there is a place for him alongside Marguerite in death, reflecting the depth of his love and the tragedy of their separation. The themes of love, social class, and mortality intertwine, creating a poignant exploration of the human experience.
By Oscar Wilde · First published 1881 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Tragedy · 512 words
First lines
I AM weary of lying within the chase When the knights are meeting in market-place.
Nay, go not thou to the red-roofed town Lest the hoofs of the war-horse tread thee down.
What this Textopian page supports
Ballade De Marguerite (Normande) is listed on Textopian as a poem by Oscar Wilde, dated 1881 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Oscar Wilde
- Date: 1881 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romance, Tragedy, Historical Fiction, Ballad
- Length: 512 words
- Structure: 1 section, 23 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Ballade De Marguerite (Normande) by Oscar Wilde
- 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 Ballade De Marguerite (Normande)?
- How does this poem by Oscar Wilde fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Kathleen by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Phaon O My Lover by Bliss Carman
- Ballade To A Lady To Annabelle by Franklin P. Adams
- Elizabeth May 1 1891 by James Whitcomb Riley
- Two Sonnets To My Wife by Maxwell Bodenheim
- The Romanza by Madison Cawein
Genres
- Poetry — The work is a lyrical poem that employs meter and rhyme, characteristic of the poetic genre.
- Romance — The themes of love, longing, and loss are central to the narrative, aligning it with the romance genre.
- Tragedy — The poem explores themes of death and mourning, indicative of tragic elements.
- Historical Fiction — The setting and references to knights and historical elements suggest a historical context.
Tags
Poetry · French Literature · Ballad · Romance · Love Poem · Norman Culture · Historical Fiction · Medieval Setting · Chivalry · Courtly Love · Feminine Perspective · Female Protagonist