Edward Gray

By Alfred Lord Tennyson

Narrative Poem
Sweet Emma Moreland of yonder town Met me walking on yonder way; And have you lost your heart? she said; And are you married yet, Edward Gray? Sweet Emma Moreland spoke to me; Bitterly weeping I turnd away: Sweet Emma Moreland, love no more Can touch the heart of Edward Gray. Ellen Adair she loved me well, Against her fathers and mothers will; To-day I sat for an hour and wept By Ellens grave, on the windy hill. Shy she was, and I thought her cold, Thought her proud, and fled over the sea; Filld I was with folly and spite, When Ellen Adair was dying for me. Cruel, cruel the words I said! Cruelly came they back to-day: Youre too slight and fickle, I said, To trouble the heart of Edward Gray. There I put my face in the grass Whisperd, Listen to my despair; I repent me of all I did; Speak a little, Ellen Adair! Then I took a pencil, and wrote On the mossy stone, as I lay, Here lies the body of Ellen Adair; And here the heart of Edward Gray! Love may come, and love may go, And fly, like a bird, from tree to tree; But I will love no more, no more, Till Ellen Adair come back to me. Bitterly wept I over the stone; Bitterly weeping I turnd away. There lies the body of Ellen Adair! And there the heart of Edward Gray!

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poignant and melancholic poem speaks volumes about love, loss, regret, and the impact of cruel words. The primary themes revolve around unrequited love, the impermanence of emotional connection, and the enduring impact of regret. The character of Edward Gray is haunted by his past actions, particularly his harsh words to his lover, Ellen Adair, which add a layer of emotional complexity to the narrative.

The poem is structured as a dialogue intertwined with Gray's introspection, which enhances the dramatic effect. The consistent use of the phrase "Edward Gray" is a powerful literary device that reinforces the protagonist's identity, framing him as a man burdened by his past. The tone is mournful and evocative, with the repetition of "bitterly weeping" amplifying the sense of despair. The imagery of the windy hill, the mossy stone, and the weeping figure is potent, creating a vivid and somber landscape that mirrors Gray's inner turmoil. The final stanza resonates with the theme of unending grief and lost love, as Gray declares he will love no more until Ellen returns. This adds a haunting quality to the poem, illustrating the enduring power of love and the lasting effects of remorse.

Exploring Narrative Poetry

Narrative poetry is a form of poetry that tells a story, often making use of the voices of a narrator and characters as well. Unlike lyric poetry, which focuses on emotions and thoughts, narrative poetry is dedicated to storytelling, weaving tales that captivate readers through plot and character development.

Narrative poems are unique in their ability to combine the depth of storytelling with the expressive qualities of poetry. Here are some defining characteristics:

  • Structured Plot: Narrative poems typically have a clear beginning, middle, and end, following a plot that might involve conflict, climax, and resolution, much like a short story or novel.
  • Character Development: Characters in narrative poems are often well-developed, with distinct voices and personalities that drive the story forward.
  • Descriptive Language: The language used in narrative poetry is vivid and descriptive, painting a clear picture of the scenes and events, while also conveying the emotions and atmosphere of the story.

From ancient epics like "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey" to more modern narrative poems, this form continues to engage readers by blending the art of storytelling with the beauty and rhythm of poetry.