Author: Edgar Allan Poe

---

There are some qualities, some incorporate things,
 That have a double life, which thus is made
 A type of that twin entity which springs
 From matter and light, evinced in solid and shade.
 There is a two-fold Silence, sea and shore,
 Body and soul. One dwells in lonely places,
 Newly with grass o'ergrown; some solemn graces,
 Some human memories and tearful lore,
 Render him terrorless: his name's "No More."
 He is the corporate Silence: dread him not!
 No power hath he of evil in himself;
 But should some urgent fate (untimely lot!)
 Bring thee to meet his shadow (nameless elf,
 That haunteth the lone regions where hath trod
 No foot of man,) commend thyself to God!

---

Type of Poem: Sonnet

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem explores the theme of duality and dichotomy, playing with the ideas of light and dark, silence and sound, body and soul. It begins with an abstract statement on the duality of existence, setting the tone for the rest of the poem. The use of "double life" and "twin entity" suggests that the poet is trying to reconcile the physical and metaphysical aspects of life.

The use of "two-fold Silence" further deepens this exploration, with the capitalization of 'Silence' personifying it as a character in its own right, one that dwells in lonely, grass-overgrown places. The poem strikes a balance between fear and comfort, with the 'silence' being portrayed as simultaneously "terrorless" and haunting.

The poet's use of language and structure helps to convey this complex relationship. The poem, despite its exploration of heavy themes, carries an almost lyrical tone due to its rhythmic structure and the use of alliteration. The poem ends with a somber note, urging the reader to "commend thyself to God" when meeting the shadow of silence, signifying a surrender in the face of those dualities we cannot reconcile.

Overall, the poem is a thought-provoking exploration of existence and the tension between opposites, presented through the poet's skillful manipulation of language and structure, and the incorporation of powerful, contrasting imagery.