Forlorn

By Alfred Lord Tennyson

Narrative Poem
I. He is fledI wish him dead He that wrought my ruin O the flattery and the craft Which were my undoing . . . In the night, in the night, When the storms are blowing. II. Who was witness of the crime? Who shall now reveal it? He is fled, or he is dead, Marriage will conceal it . . . In the night, in the night, While the gloom is growing. III. Catherine, Catherine, in the night, What is this youre dreaming? There is laughter down in Hell At your simple scheming . . . In the night, in the night, When the ghosts are fleeting. IV. You to place a hand in his Like an honest womans, You that lie with wasted lungs Waiting for your summons . . . In the night, O the night! O the deathwatch beating! V. There will come a witness soon Hard to be confuted, All the world will hear a voice Scream you are polluted . . . In the night! O the night, When the owls are wailing! VI. Shame and marriage, Shame and marriage, Fright and foul dissembling, Bantering bridesman, reddening priest, Tower and altar trembling . . . In the night, O the night, When the mind is failing! VII. Mother, dare you kill your child? How your hand is shaking! Daughter of the seed of Cain, What is this youre taking? . . . In the night, O the night, While the house is sleeping. VIII. Dreadful! has it come to this, O unhappy creature? You that would not tread on a worm For your gentle nature . . . In the night, O the night, O the night of weeping! IX. Murder would not veil your sin, Marriage will not hide it, Earth and Hell will brand your name, Wretch you must abide it . . . In the night, O the night, Long before the dawning. X. Up, get up, and tell him all, Tell him you were lying! Do not die with a lie in your mouth, You that know youre dying . . . In the night, O the night, While the grave is yawning. XI. Noyou will not die before, Tho youll neer be stronger; You will live till that is born, Then a little longer . . . In the night, O the night, While the Fiend is prowling. XII. Death and marriage, Death and marriage! Funeral hearses rolling! Black with bridal favours mixt! Bridal bells with tolling! . . . In the night, O the night, When the wolves are howling. XIII. Up, get up, the time is short, Tell him now or never! Tell him all before you die, Lest you die for ever . . . In the night, O the night, Where theres no forgetting. XIV. Up she got, and wrote him all, All her tale of sadness, Blisterd every word with tears, And eased her heart of madness . . . In the night, and nigh the dawn, And while the moon was setting.

Share & Analyze This Poem

Spread the beauty of poetry or dive deeper into analysis

Analyze This Poem

Discover the literary devices, structure, and deeper meaning

Create Image

Transform this poem into a beautiful shareable image

Copy to Clipboard

Save this poem for personal use or sharing offline

Share the Love of Poetry
More Poems
More Narrative Poems
Daily Poem

Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is an intense exploration of guilt, shame, and redemption, narrating the emotional journey of a character named Catherine. The tone is tragic and ominous, with a touch of desperation, as Catherine grapples with her transgressions. The poem employs repetition, particularly in the refrain "In the night," and the repeated motifs of marriage and death, which evoke a sense of dread, guilt, and urgency. These refrains serve to instill a rhythmic, chant-like structure to the poem, reinforcing the themes of remorse and impending doom.

The poem’s narrative is characterized by darkness and guilt, with allusions to crime, sin, and death. The voice of the narrator is accusatory and foreboding, heightening the sense of guilt experienced by Catherine. The use of direct speech and questions imbue the poem with a dramatic quality, making the reader feel as though they are witnessing an intimate confession or confrontation. Themes of deceit and impending punishment are introduced through phrases like "Marriage will not hide it," and "Wretch you must abide it," and are reinforced by vivid imagery of Catherine's tormented conscience. The poem concludes with Catherine's act of confession, offering a glimmer of catharsis and possible redemption, yet the tone remains somber, suggesting that relief may be temporary or illusory. Overall, the poem skillfully uses structure, repetition, and vivid language to explore themes of guilt, shame, and the struggle for redemption.

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.