The Return by Sara Teasdale (1917)

Name: The Return
Author: Sara Teasdale

The poem explores themes of nostalgia, solitude, and the passage of time through the lens of returning to a once-familiar space. The speaker enters a deserted room, reflecting on the emptiness that has accumulated during their absence. The imagery evokes a sense of loneliness, as the dust symbolizes neglect and the absence of life. The speaker yearns for the vibrancy that once filled the room, contrasting the stillness with memories of joy and connection. The artwork within the room, including famous paintings, serves as a metaphor for the speaker's emotional state. The figures in the paintings remain unchanged, indifferent to the speaker's presence, highlighting the disconnect between past experiences and the current reality. The speaker's longing for interaction with these artworks underscores a deeper desire for connection and the bittersweet nature of memory. As the poem progresses, the speaker grapples with the realization that time has altered their relationship with the space and its contents. The once lively atmosphere is now replaced by a haunting silence, prompting reflections on loss and the inevitability of change. The juxtaposition of past joy against present desolation emphasizes the transient nature of happiness and the impact of absence. Ultimately, the work encapsulates a poignant exploration of returning to a place filled with memories, where the echoes of the past linger but are overshadowed by the stark reality of solitude. The speaker's journey through this emotional landscape reveals a universal struggle with the passage of time and the longing for what once was.

By Sara Teasdale · First published 1917 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Imagism · 162 words

First lines

I turned the key and opened wide the door To enter my deserted room again, Where thro' the long hot months the dust had lain. Was it not lonely when across the floor No step was heard, no sudden song that bore My whole heart upward with a joyous pain? Were not the pictures and the volumes fain To have me with them always as before? But Giorgione's Venus did not deign To lift her lids, nor did the subtle smile Of Mona Lisa deepen. Madeleine Still wept against the glory of her hair, Nor did the lovers part their lips the while, But kissed unheeding that I watched them there.

What this Textopian page supports

The Return is listed on Textopian as a poem by Sara Teasdale, dated 1917 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: Sara Teasdale
Date: 1917 CE
Language: English
Genres: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Imagism, Modernism, Narrative Poetry
Length: 162 words
Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Genres

Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal emotions and reflections, characteristic of lyric poetry.
Romanticism — Themes of nostalgia, beauty, and emotional depth align with Romantic ideals.
Imagism — The vivid imagery and focus on specific moments reflect Imagist principles.
Modernism — The introspective nature and exploration of isolation suggest Modernist influences.