Fair Susan by Sabine Baring-Gould

Name: Fair Susan
Author: Sabine Baring-Gould

The narrative unfolds around a young woman named Susan, who finds herself in a serene and secluded setting, unaware that her true love is nearby. He is captivated by her beauty as she sleeps, feeling compelled to kiss her. However, when she awakens and discovers his presence, she reacts with anger and shame, feeling violated by his actions. She commands him to leave, declaring their love over and expressing her hurt. The man, realizing his mistake, pleads for forgiveness, attributing his actions to overwhelming love. He expresses regret and asks for the kiss back, indicating a desire to mend their relationship. The tension between desire and respect for boundaries is central to their interaction, highlighting themes of love, consent, and emotional turmoil. As the story progresses, the complexities of their relationship are explored, revealing the struggles of communication and the impact of impulsive actions on love. The characters navigate their feelings, with Susan grappling with her emotions and the man reflecting on his behavior. The narrative delves into the nuances of romantic relationships, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect and understanding. The setting serves as a backdrop for their emotional journey, with nature symbolizing both tranquility and the tumult of their feelings. The contrast between Susan's initial peace and the disruption caused by the man's actions underscores the fragility of love and trust. Ultimately, the work examines the interplay of passion and propriety, illustrating how love can lead to both joy and conflict. The characters' development throughout the story reveals their growth and the potential for reconciliation, as they confront their feelings and the consequences of their actions. The resolution remains open-ended, inviting readers to reflect on the complexities of love and the importance of communication in relationships.

By Sabine Baring-Gould · First published 1898 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Lyric · 183 words

First lines

C. J. S. [Music]

1. Fair Susan slumbered in shady bower, Safe hid, she thought, from every eye; Nor dreamed she in that tranquil hour Her own true love was passing by.

2. He gazed in rapture upon her beauty, Sleep did her charms but more reveal; He deemed it sure a lover's duty From those sweet lips a kiss to steal.

3. In shame and anger poor Susan started, With eyes aflame she bade him go; "Return no more! -- for ever parted; Cruel and base to use me so!"

What this Textopian page supports

Fair Susan is listed on Textopian as a poem by Sabine Baring-Gould, dated 1898 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Poem
Author: Sabine Baring-Gould
Date: 1898 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Romance, Lyric, Narrative, Drama
Length: 183 words
Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The work is structured in verse, employing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
Romance — The central theme revolves around love, desire, and emotional conflict between the characters.
Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, typical of lyric poetry.
Narrative — The poem tells a story involving characters and a plot, which is a key element of narrative forms.