The Dole of the King's Daughter
A tale unfolds in a dark, mystical setting where a king's daughter is burdened by her inner turmoil and guilt. The narrative begins with a haunting description of her beauty, juxtaposed with the presence of death and decay surrounding her. The imagery of seven stars and seven sins suggests a deep moral conflict within her, as she grapples with the consequences of her actions. The scene shifts to a slain knight and a page, both victims of a violent fate, their bodies lying in a landscape that reflects the darkness of the daughter's soul. The presence of black ravens and lean fishes symbolizes the predatory nature of death, while the blood on her hands and the lilies hints at her involvement in their demise. The poem evokes a sense of foreboding, as the daughter is caught between her desires and the weight of her sins. As the narrative progresses, two pairs of riders approach from different directions, suggesting impending judgment or confrontation. The mention of a grave dug by a man who loves her indicates a complex relationship, marked by loyalty and sacrifice. The stark contrast between the daughter's multiple sins and the singular sin of her lover emphasizes the moral ambiguity of their situation. The poem culminates in a reflection on love, guilt, and the inevitability of death, leaving the reader to ponder the consequences of passion and the burdens of the heart. The imagery throughout serves to create a rich tapestry of emotion, exploring themes of beauty, violence, and redemption. The work ultimately presents a tragic exploration of the human condition, where love and loss intertwine in a haunting dance.
By Oscar Wilde · First published 1888 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Gothic · 311 words
First lines
(Breton)
Seven stars in the still water, And seven in the sky;
What this Textopian page supports
The Dole of the King's Daughter is listed on Textopian as a poem by Oscar Wilde, dated 1888 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: 1888 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Gothic, Tragedy, Symbolism
- Length: 311 words
- Structure: 1 section, 16 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythmic and lyrical language typical of poetry.
- Romanticism — Themes of love, death, and nature reflect the emotional depth and idealism characteristic of Romantic literature.
- Gothic — The dark imagery, themes of death, and supernatural elements align with Gothic literary conventions.
- Tragedy — The narrative involves themes of loss, sin, and fatal consequences, typical of tragic literature.
Tags
Fiction · Novel · Social Commentary · Satire · Comedy · Romance · Family Drama · Coming of Age · Class Conflict · Morality Tale · Philosophical Themes · Psychological Insight