Poem Analysis - Ballade De Marguerite

Overall Impression and Tone

Ballade De Marguerite by Oscar Wilde is a poignant narrative poem that explores themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. The poem begins with a melancholic tone, reflecting the speaker's longing and weariness. There are shifts in mood, moving from the speaker's romantic aspirations to the stark reality of death, culminating in a sense of resignation and acceptance. The poem's form, a ballade, supports its narrative structure and emotional depth, with a refrain that underscores the speaker's persistent longing.

Themes of Love and Longing

The poem delves deeply into the theme of love and longing. The speaker's desire to be with his lady is evident from the opening lines, where he expresses his weariness of being apart from her. The imagery of knights and the market-place suggests a world of chivalry and romance, contrasting with the speaker's humble status as a forester's son. This contrast highlights the speaker's longing to be with his lady, despite the social barriers. The repeated phrase "Perchance she is" followed by various activities she might be engaged in, shows the speaker's imaginative longing to be part of her life, regardless of her activities. This theme is further emphasized by the speaker's willingness to serve her in any capacity, from working on tapestries to swinging the censer in a chapel.

Mortality and the Inevitability of Loss

Another prominent theme is mortality and the inevitability of loss. The poem shifts from the speaker's romantic longing to the harsh reality of death. The arrival of the King of England and the tolling of the curfew create a somber atmosphere, leading to the revelation of Marguerite's death. The speaker's repeated questions about the identity of the deceased underscore his denial and disbelief. The final lines, where the speaker asks if there is room for two in one grave, poignantly capture his acceptance of his own mortality and his desire to be united with Marguerite in death. This theme is reinforced by the imagery of death and mourning, such as the white lilies and the mourners walking in a row.

Symbolism of the Forester's Son

The forester's son serves as a powerful symbol in the poem. He represents the humble, the outsider, and the one who longs for something beyond his reach. His status as a forester's son contrasts sharply with the world of knights, kings, and ladies, highlighting the social and economic barriers that separate him from his beloved. The forester's son's willingness to serve in any capacity, from working on tapestries to swinging the censer, underscores his devotion and longing. His final question about the grave room for two symbolizes his acceptance of his own mortality and his desire to be united with Marguerite in death. This symbolism adds depth to the poem's exploration of love, loss, and the passage of time.

Conclusion

Ballade De Marguerite is a deeply moving exploration of love, loss, and the passage of time. Through vivid imagery, a melancholic tone, and powerful symbolism, Wilde crafts a narrative that resonates with universal human experiences. The poem's themes of longing, mortality, and acceptance are woven together to create a poignant reflection on the human condition. The forester's son's journey from romantic longing to acceptance of loss offers a profound insight into the nature of love and the inevitability of loss. The poem's final lines, with the speaker's question about the grave room for two, leave a lasting impression of the speaker's enduring love and his acceptance of his own mortality.