The Angel
The Angel - meaning Summary
Loss of Innocence and Change
A dream-vision shows a maiden comforted by a gentle angel who wipes her tears, then leaves. Her grief turns to defensive self-arming as morning and time pass. When the angel returns, she is changed by age and experience, and his presence is no longer needed or possible. The poem sketches loss of innocence, the passage of time, and how consolation can be transformed by growth and separation.
Read Complete AnalysesI dreamt a dream! What can it mean? And that I was a maiden Queen Guarded by an Angel mild: Witless woe was ne'er beguiled! And I wept both night and day, And he wiped my tears away; And I wept both day and night, And hid from him my heart's delight. So he took his wings, and fled; Then the morn blushed rosy red. I dried my tears, and armed my fears With ten-thousand shields and spears. Soon my Angel came again; I was armed, he came in vain; For the time of youth was fled, And grey hairs were on my head.
Feel free to be first to leave comment.