De Erotio Puella by Robert Louis Stevenson

Name: De Erotio Puella
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson

The narrative centers on a young girl, celebrated for her extraordinary beauty and charm, which surpasses all natural wonders and precious materials. The speaker expresses deep admiration, comparing her to various symbols of grace and elegance, such as swans, lambs, and pearls. This girl embodies the pinnacle of femininity, her allure likened to the finest treasures and the most exquisite sights. As the poem unfolds, it reveals a sense of loss and nostalgia. The speaker reflects on their relationship with the girl, who was not only a source of joy but also a companion in childhood. The imagery evokes a sense of innocence and purity, emphasizing the girl's ethereal qualities. However, this beauty is juxtaposed with the harsh reality of fate, as the speaker mourns her untimely departure from life, which occurred on the sixth day of her birth. The work explores themes of beauty, loss, and the fleeting nature of youth. The speaker's admiration is tinged with sorrow, as the girl’s life was tragically cut short, leaving behind a poignant memory. The language is rich and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the girl’s splendor while simultaneously conveying the deep emotional impact of her absence. The poem serves as a tribute to the girl, encapsulating both the joy she brought and the grief of her loss, ultimately reflecting on the fragility of life and the enduring nature of love and memory.

By Robert Louis Stevenson · First published 1896 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric · 151 words

First lines

THIS girl was sweeter than the song of swans, / And daintier than the lamb upon the lawns / Or Curine oyster. She, the flower of girls, / Outshone the light of Erythrean pearls; / The teeth of India that with polish glow, / The untouched lilies or the morning snow.

Her tresses did gold-dust outshine / And fair hair of women of the Rhine.

Compared to her the peacock seemed not fair, / The squirrel lively, or the phoenix rare; / Her on whose pyre the smoke still hovering waits; / Her whom the greedy and unequal fates / On the sixth dawning of her natal day, / My child-love and my playmate-snatcht away.

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Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and imagery to convey emotions and themes.
Romanticism — The themes of beauty, love, and loss reflect the ideals of Romantic literature.
Lyric — The personal and emotional expression of the speaker aligns with the characteristics of lyric poetry.
Elegy — The poem reflects mourning and loss, typical of elegiac poetry.

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De Erotio Puella is listed on Textopian as a short story by Robert Louis Stevenson, dated 1896 CE.

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Work type: Short story
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson
Date: 1896 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric, Elegy, Symbolism
Length: 151 words
Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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