Beatrice by Sara Teasdale (1911)
The poem explores themes of love, death, and the longing for connection. The speaker, in a state of illness, reflects on their life and the choices made, expressing a desire for deeper engagement with the world. They feel isolated, observing life from a distance, and lament missed opportunities for love and connection. The imagery of light and darkness symbolizes the struggle between life and death, with the speaker yearning for warmth and companionship as they face their mortality. Memories of childhood and dreams intertwine with the present, highlighting a sense of nostalgia and regret. The speaker's thoughts are fragmented, revealing a mind in turmoil, yet they seek solace in the presence of a loved one, urging them to embrace love before it is too late. The poem culminates in a poignant reflection on the nature of existence, the inevitability of death, and the desire for a meaningful connection amidst the fleeting nature of life.
By Sara Teasdale · First published 1911 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Romanticism · 798 words
First lines
Send out the singers -- let the room be still; They have not eased my pain nor brought me sleep. Close out the sun, for I would have it dark That I may feel how black the grave will be.
The sun is setting, for the light is red, And you are outlined in a golden fire, Like Ursula upon an altar-screen.
What this Textopian page supports
Beatrice is listed on Textopian as a short story by Sara Teasdale, dated 1911 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Sara Teasdale
- Date: 1911 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Symbolism, Existentialism
- Length: 798 words
- Structure: 1 section, 19 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Beatrice by Sara Teasdale
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- Loves Apparition And Evanishment by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
- Love And Death by Sara Teasdale
- The Kiss by Robert Graves
- To The True Romance by Rudyard Kipling
- The Rose by Sara Teasdale
- Immortal by Sara Teasdale
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing lyrical language and structured form typical of poetry.
- Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, focusing on themes of love, death, and introspection.
- Romanticism — The themes of longing, nature, and emotional depth align with Romantic literary characteristics.
- Symbolism — The use of imagery and symbols, such as light and darkness, conveys deeper meanings and emotions.
Tags
death · love · loneliness · dreams · pain · memory · light · darkness · reflection · longing · sacrifice · youth