Odelet by Théophile Gautier (1852)
The poem explores themes of beauty, love, and the delicate nature of desire. It begins with a call to the poet to temper his ardor, likening the beloved's passion to a frightened dove, suggesting that boldness may scare away the object of affection. The imagery of doves and the serene presence of Hermes symbolize purity and the idealization of love. As the poem progresses, the poet reflects on the transformative power of love, where the beloved's beauty is compared to divine elements, evoking a sense of ethereal grace. The poet expresses a longing for intimacy, portraying a vision of tenderness where the beloved's presence brings a sense of calm and sweetness. The metaphor of the dove returning to the poet's shoulder signifies a hopeful connection, suggesting that patience and gentleness can lead to a deeper bond. The work captures the essence of romantic longing, emphasizing the importance of subtlety and the fear of overwhelming the beloved. The poet's desire is portrayed as both passionate and respectful, highlighting the tension between yearning and restraint. The imagery throughout evokes a dreamlike quality, reinforcing the idea that love is both a beautiful and fragile experience. Ultimately, the poem serves as a meditation on the nature of love, illustrating the balance between desire and the need for gentleness, while celebrating the beauty of the beloved and the transformative power of affection.
By Théophile Gautier · First published 1852 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Symbolism · 174 words
First lines
AFTER ANACREON
Poet of her face divine, Curb this over-zeal of thine! Doves wing frighted from the ground At a step's too sudden sound, And her passion is a dove, Frighted by too bold a love. Mute as marble Hermes wait By the blooming hawthorn-gate. Thou shalt see her wings expand, She shall flutter to thy hand. On thy forehead thou shalt know Something like a breath of snow, Or of pinions pure that beat In a whirl of whiteness sweet. And the dove, grown venturesome, Shall upon thy shoulder come, And its rosy beak shall sip From the nectar of thy lip.
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Odelet is listed on Textopian as a poem by Théophile Gautier, dated 1852 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Théophile Gautier
- Date: 1852 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Symbolism, Elegy, Pastoral
- Length: 174 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for Odelet by Théophile Gautier
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Odelet?
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Similar titles
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- Song by Charles Pierre Baudelaire
Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work is characterized by its emotional expression and personal reflection, typical of lyric poetry.
- Romanticism — The themes of beauty, nature, and intense emotion align with the Romantic movement.
- Symbolism — The use of symbols, such as the dove and references to divine beauty, reflects Symbolist tendencies.
- Elegy — The contemplative tone and focus on beauty and loss suggest elements of elegiac poetry.
Tags
romanticism · poetry · lyricism · nature · beauty · imagination · art · emotion · symbolism · melancholy · love · transcendence