Poem Analysis - Of Nicolette

A Dreamy Escape into Romance

E.E. Cummings' "Of Nicolette" paints a picture of ethereal beauty and romantic escape. The poem unfolds like a dream, filled with images of moonlight, blossoming towers, and a mysterious maiden. Its tone is initially hushed and reverent, almost otherworldly, before shifting to a more active and suspenseful mood as Nicolette makes her escape. The poem's rich imagery and sensual language create a captivating experience for the reader.

The Allure of Hidden Beauty and Freedom

One prominent theme is the allure of hidden beauty. The poem celebrates Nicolette's subtle grace and her movement into the darkness. The phrase "shunning the sudden moonbeam's treacherous snare" demonstrates a preference for the veiled, the mysterious, over the obvious and exposed. The poem suggests that true beauty thrives in the shadows, away from prying eyes, where it can remain authentic and untainted. In addition, the poem highlights the theme of freedom. Nicolette's act of leaving the castle symbolizes a yearning for independence and self-discovery. She defies the rigid structure of the castle, choosing to embrace the uncertainty and potential dangers of the outside world.

Symbolism: Light, Dark, and Transformation

Several key symbols contribute to the poem's layered meaning. The contrast between light and dark is particularly significant. The moon, the "snowy fire," and the radiant Nicolette represent purity and enlightenment. The darkness, however, is not depicted as evil but as a sanctuary, a place of comfort and safety for Nicolette. This suggests a rejection of conventional morality, where light is always good and dark is always bad. The "castle," with its "marble" structure, can be interpreted as a symbol of confinement and societal expectations. Nicolette's escape from the castle represents a transformation, a journey from a state of rigid control to one of unbounded possibility. The "thread of lustre" she lets fall from the wall could symbolize a lingering connection to her past or the knowledge and experiences she takes with her as she embarks on her new life.

A Garden of Sensory Delights

Cummings uses incredibly vivid sensory imagery to bring the poem to life. The reader can almost feel the "passionate darkness," hear the "tune of tiny troubadours," and smell the "unearthly sweetness of a rose." The description of Nicolette's journey through the dew-kissed grass is particularly evocative, with phrases like "shining feet" and "daisy-cup" creating a sense of delicate beauty. This emphasis on sensory detail immerses the reader in Nicolette's experience, making her escape feel immediate and emotionally resonant.

The Enduring Power of Romance and Escape

In conclusion, "Of Nicolette" is a captivating poem that explores themes of hidden beauty, freedom, and transformation through rich symbolism and sensory language. The poem invites us to embrace the allure of the unknown and to appreciate the beauty that can be found in the shadows. Ultimately, the poem celebrates the enduring power of romance and the human desire for escape, leaving us with a sense of wonder and possibility.