An Incident

By Madison Julius Cawein

Narrative Poem
    Here is a tale for men and women teachers:     There was a girl who'd ceased to be a maiden;     Who walked by night with heart like Lilith's laden;     A child of sin anathemaed of preachers.     She had been lovely once; but dye and scarlet,     On hair and face, had ravaged all her beauty;     Only her eyes still did her girl-soul duty,     Showing the hell that hounded her poor harlot!     One day a fisherman from out the river     Fished her pale body, (like a branch of willlow,     Or golden weed) self-murdered, drowned and broken:     The sight of it had made a strong man shiver;     And on her poor breast, as upon a pillow,     A picture smiled, a baby's, like some token

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem is a poignant narrative that delves into themes of societal judgement, loss, and the destructive power of shame. The tale of the fallen woman, a recurring figure in literature, is used to explore the harsh reality of a society that is quick to condemn and slow to empathize. The tone is tragic and somber, reflecting the woman’s desperate plight and painful end.

The structure is traditional, with a clear rhythmic pattern aiding the narrative flow. The poet effectively employs vivid imagery, such as "heart like Lilith's laden" and "her eyes still did her girl-soul duty", to create a stark picture of the woman's unfortunate state. The use of similes and metaphors, such as her body being likened to "a branch of willow, or golden weed," powerfully convey her frailty and vulnerability. The final image of the baby's picture, serving as a poignant token of her lost innocence and unfulfilled motherhood, underscores the tragedy. This poem does not shy away from exposing the harsh realities of societal judgment and the devastating results of such prejudice.

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.