Poem Analysis - Endymion

Initial Impression and Tone

Oscar Wilde's "Endymion" presents a vivid and emotional narrative of a woman's longing for her lover, Endymion. The poem begins with a serene and hopeful tone, describing a lush, idyllic landscape. However, as the poem progresses, the mood shifts to one of despair and frustration, reflecting the speaker's growing anxiety and disappointment. The use of natural imagery and mythological references adds depth to the speaker's emotional journey, making the poem both lyrical and poignant.

Themes of Love and Longing

The central theme of "Endymion" is the intense and unrequited love the speaker feels for her lover. The poem opens with a sense of anticipation and hope, as the speaker believes her lover will return to her. This hope is evident in lines like "I know he will come back to me." However, as the poem progresses, the speaker's hope turns to despair, highlighting the theme of longing. The repetition of the phrase "O rising moon! O Lady moon!" emphasizes the speaker's desperate plea for the moon to guide her lover back to her, underscoring her deep longing.

Nature and the Passage of Time

Another significant theme is the passage of time and the changing of nature, which parallels the speaker's emotional state. The poem begins with a vibrant, lively landscape, with "apple trees hung with gold" and "birds loud in Arcady." As the night falls, the landscape becomes darker and more somber, mirroring the speaker's growing despair. The "falling dew is cold and chill," and "no bird sings in Arcady," reflecting the speaker's loneliness and frustration. This use of natural imagery to reflect the speaker's emotions is a powerful way to convey the theme of the passage of time and its impact on love.

Symbolism of the Moon and Endymion

The moon is a recurring symbol in the poem, representing both hope and betrayal. Initially, the speaker appeals to the moon to act as a sentinel for her lover, hoping it will guide him back to her. However, by the end of the poem, the moon is portrayed as false and untrustworthy, having "young Endymion" and the lips that should be kissed. This shift in the moon's symbolism reflects the speaker's growing disillusionment and despair. The figure of Endymion himself is a mythological reference, adding a layer of timelessness and universality to the speaker's experience of love and longing.

Conclusion

"Endymion" is a poignant exploration of love, longing, and the passage of time. Through vivid natural imagery and mythological references, Wilde crafts a narrative that is both personal and universal. The shifting mood and tone of the poem reflect the speaker's emotional journey, from hope to despair, highlighting the complexities of love and the pain of unrequited affection. The poem's use of symbolism, particularly the moon and the figure of Endymion, adds depth to the speaker's experience, making "Endymion" a timeless meditation on the human condition.