Stephen Crane

Mystic Shadow

Mystic Shadow - meaning Summary

Questioning an Enigmatic Presence

The speaker confronts an enigmatic presence called a mystic shadow, repeatedly demanding to know its origin and nature. The questions focus on whether the revelation it bears will be beautiful or painfully true, likened to "bitter as eaten fire." Despite urgency and fear, the speaker insists on courage and readiness to hear whatever truth the shadow offers. The poem centers on curiosity, dread, and a will to face reality.

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Mystic shadow, bending near me, Who art thou? Whence come ye? And -- tell me -- is it fair Or is the truth bitter as eaten fire? Tell me! Fear not that I should quaver. For I dare -- I dare. Then, tell me!

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