A Lover's Complaint by William Shakespeare
A young woman laments her lost innocence and the betrayal she experienced from a charming suitor. She recounts her initial attraction to him, describing his physical beauty and captivating demeanor that enchanted many. Despite her initial resistance, she ultimately succumbed to his advances, believing in his professed love. As their relationship progressed, she became aware of his deceitful nature, realizing that he had manipulated her affections while remaining unfaithful. She reflects on the gifts and tokens of love he presented, which now serve as painful reminders of her disillusionment. The woman grapples with her feelings of shame and regret, recognizing that her trust was misplaced. An older man, observing her distress, approaches her to understand the source of her sorrow. She confides in him, explaining how her youthful naivety led her to fall for the suitor's false promises. The narrative unfolds as she details the emotional turmoil caused by his betrayal, contrasting her initial hopes with the harsh reality of her situation. The woman expresses a deep sense of loss, not only for the love she thought she had but also for her own dignity and self-worth. She acknowledges the societal pressures and expectations that contributed to her vulnerability. Ultimately, she is left to confront the consequences of her choices, reflecting on the nature of love, trust, and the painful lessons learned through her experience.
By William Shakespeare · First published 1609 · Genre: Poetry, Drama, Romance · 3,928 words
First lines
From off a hill whose concave womb reworded / A plaintful story from a sistering vale, / My spirits to attend this double voice accorded, / And down I laid to list the sad-tuned tale; / Ere long espied a fickle maid full pale, / Tearing of papers, breaking rings a-twain, / Storming her world with sorrow's wind and rain.
Upon her head a platted hive of straw, / Which fortified her visage from the sun, / Whereon the thought might think sometime it saw / The carcass of a beauty spent and done: / Time had not scythed all that youth begun, / Nor youth all quit; but, spite of heaven's fell rage, / Some beauty peep'd through lattice of sear'd age.
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A Lover's Complaint is listed on Textopian as a poem by William Shakespeare, dated 1609 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: William Shakespeare
- Date: 1609 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Drama, Romance, Tragedy, Narrative
- Length: 3,928 words
- Structure: 1 section, 67 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse and employs poetic devices such as meter, rhyme, and imagery.
- Drama — The narrative structure and dialogue suggest elements typical of dramatic literature, focusing on character emotions and conflicts.
- Romance — The central theme revolves around love, desire, and betrayal, characteristic of romantic literature.
- Tragedy — The themes of sorrow, betrayal, and emotional turmoil align with tragic elements, highlighting the protagonist's suffering.
Tags
Poem · Narrative Poem · Monologue · Female Narrator · Love · Heartbreak · Loss · Regret · Memory · Longing · Pain · Sorrow