The Beggar Maid
The Beggar Maid - meaning Summary
Royal Love Across Class
Tennyson’s poem relates a brief, dramatic encounter in which King Cophetua sees a barefoot beggar maid and is instantly captivated by her beauty and grace. Her humble appearance contrasts with courtly admiration, prompting the king to defy social expectation and swear to make her his queen. The poem presents an idealized, romanticized overturning of class boundaries, focusing on sudden passion and the transformative power of love.
Read Complete AnalysesHer arms across her breast she laid; She was more fair than words can say: Bare-footed came the beggar maid Before the king Cophetua. In robe and crown the king stept down, To meet and greet her on her way; “It is no wonder,” said the lords, “She is more beautiful than day”. As shines the moon in clouded skies, She in her poor attire was seen: One praised her ancles, one her eyes, One her dark hair and lovesome mien: So sweet a face, such angel grace, In all that land had never been: Cophetua sware a royal oath: “This beggar maid shall be my queen!”
Feel free to be first to leave comment.