annabelle is writing a literary analysis essay

A Short Analysis of Edgar Allan Poe’s ‘Annabel Lee’

After ‘ The Raven ’, which is undoubtedly Poe’s most popular poem, ‘Annabel Lee’ is perhaps his next best-known and admired. ‘Annabel Lee’ has been called ‘the simplest and sweetest of [Edgar Allan Poe’s] ballads’ (by Poe’s biographer, George Edward Woodberry), but how ‘simple’ the poem is remains to be seen.

Is it a ballad, or narrative poem, or is it a lyric? Before we grapple with some of these questions and offer some words of analysis, here’s a reminder of the text of the poem ‘Annabel Lee’.

Annabel Lee

It was many and many a year ago, In a kingdom by the sea, That a maiden there lived whom you may know By the name of Annabel Lee; And this maiden she lived with no other thought Than to love and be loved by me.

I was a child and she was a child, In this kingdom by the sea, But we loved with a love that was more than love— I and my Annabel Lee— With a love that the wingèd seraphs of Heaven Coveted her and me.

And this was the reason that, long ago, In this kingdom by the sea, A wind blew out of a cloud, chilling My beautiful Annabel Lee; So that her highborn kinsmen came And bore her away from me, To shut her up in a sepulchre In this kingdom by the sea.

The angels, not half so happy in Heaven, Went envying her and me— Yes!—that was the reason (as all men know, In this kingdom by the sea) That the wind came out of the cloud by night, Chilling and killing my Annabel Lee.

But our love it was stronger by far than the love Of those who were older than we— Of many far wiser than we— And neither the angels in Heaven above Nor the demons down under the sea Can ever dissever my soul from the soul Of the beautiful Annabel Lee;

For the moon never beams, without bringing me dreams Of the beautiful Annabel Lee; And the stars never rise, but I feel the bright eyes Of the beautiful Annabel Lee; And so, all the night-tide, I lie down by the side Of my darling—my darling—my life and my bride, In her sepulchre there by the sea— In her tomb by the sounding sea.

‘Annabel Lee’: summary

In summary, the narrator of the poem tells of his love for Annabel Lee, who lived in a kingdom by the sea. The two of them were childhood sweethearts, but Annabel Lee caught a chill one day and died. The narrator believes that the angels in heaven took Annabel Lee from him because they were jealous of the love he and Annabel Lee shared. Her relatives buried her in a sepulchre, which the narrator of the poem continues to visit, so that he can be ‘together’ with his dead beloved, Annabel Lee.

‘Annabel Lee’: analysis

‘Annabel Lee’ was the last poem Edgar Allan Poe completed before his untimely death in 1849. Precisely who the inspiration for the character of ‘Annabel Lee’ was remains a mystery, although Poe’s cousin, Virginia, whom he fell in love with when she was thirteen, is the leading candidate.

The narrator fell in love with Annabel Lee when they were both young and his love for her continues even after her death; however, the urge to offer a narrowly biographical analysis of ‘Annabel Lee’ should probably be resisted.

Poe was an extraordinarily imaginative writer (almost single-handedly perfecting the short-story form , and inventing detective fiction along the way); not everything he wrote stemmed from his own personal circumstances.

‘Annabel Lee’: style and mode

Poe’s poems are predominantly cast in the Romantic mode, meaning that he follows poets like John Keats in setting many of his narrative poems in enchanted or fairy-tale lands. ‘Annabel Lee’ is a prime example: the fact that Annabel Lee lives in ‘a kingdom by the sea’, and that the events the narrator outlines happened ‘many and many a year ago’ (the poet’s version of ‘once upon a time’).

He is looking back, nostalgically, at the young love he and Annabel Lee shared; but putting such distance between ‘now’ and ‘then’ also reinforces the strength of his love for her, since he continues to visit her grave years after her death.

Although ‘Annabel Lee’ is often described as a ballad, this is only half-true. The poem has the ring of a ballad that has been passed down through oral tradition (and that was designed to be sung and danced to, accompanied by music), but it doesn’t follow the strict ballad metre (quatrains of alternating iambic tetrameter and trimeter, rhymed abcb ).

Instead, the form of ‘Annabel Lee’ is actually a little more irregular: the poem begins with a stanza of alternating tetrameter and trimeter, true, but there are six lines rather than four, and the metre is more jaunty and lively than regular iambic metre: many of the feet are anapests (i.e. two unstressed syllables followed by a stressed) as opposed to iambs (i.e. one unstressed syllable followed by a stressed).

This keeps the metre of the poem on its toes (we might say it keeps the poem’s ‘feet’ on its toes), and reflects the sudden death of Annabel Lee as well as the ballad-like feel Poe is seeking to create, harking back to medieval ballads about true love and kingdoms by the sea.

Poe never lived to see ‘Annabel Lee’ published: it appeared posthumously in the Southern Literary Messenger in November 1849. Poe had died a month before, having been found delirious, and wearing somebody else’s clothes, on the streets of Baltimore.

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4 thoughts on “A Short Analysis of Edgar Allan Poe’s ‘Annabel Lee’”

Thank God nobody to my knowledge has tried to set this to music. Attempts by composers to set poems by Wilfred Owen and A.E.Housman to music have been dire. Only Parry’s (?) treatment of Blake’s “And did those feet…” enhances the original. Nabokov recreates Annabel Lee as Humbert Humbert’s first love, a girl with whom, as a young adolescent, he shared an idyllic, unconsummated, but far from innocent flirtation, a precursor to Lolita. The poem very much captures the beauty and idealism of young love.

The line “I was a child and she was a child” has always reminded me of anonymous poem I read as a child which began with the line “He was a rat and she was a rat” and I still wonder if Poe had come across it as well…

Does the appeal of the line, ” He was a rat and she was a rat” have anything to do with your being a ” Rath,” Tina?

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Annabel Lee Summary & Analysis by Edgar Allan Poe

• Line-by-Line Explanation & Analysis
• Poetic Devices
• Vocabulary & References
• Form, Meter, & Rhyme Scheme
• Line-by-Line Explanations

"Annabel Lee" is the last poem composed by Edgar Allan Poe, one of the foremost figures of American literature. It was written in 1849 and published not long after the author's death in the same year. It features a subject that appears frequently in Poe's writing: the death of a young, beautiful woman. The poem is narrated by Annabel Lee's lover, who forcefully rails against the people—and supernatural beings—who tried to get in the way of their love. Ultimately, the speaker claims that his bond with Annabel Lee was so strong that, even after her death, they are still together.

• Read the full text of “Annabel Lee”

The Full Text of “Annabel Lee”

1 It was many and many a year ago, 

2    In a kingdom by the sea, 

3 That a maiden there lived whom you may know 

4    By the name of Annabel Lee; 

5 And this maiden she lived with no other thought 

6    Than to love and be loved by me. 

7 I  was a child and  she  was a child, 

8    In this kingdom by the sea, 

9 But we loved with a love that was more than love— 

10    I and my Annabel Lee— 

11 With a love that the wingèd seraphs of Heaven 

12    Coveted her and me. 

13 And this was the reason that, long ago, 

14    In this kingdom by the sea, 

15 A wind blew out of a cloud, chilling 

16    My beautiful Annabel Lee; 

17 So that her highborn kinsmen came 

18    And bore her away from me, 

19 To shut her up in a sepulchre 

20    In this kingdom by the sea. 

21 The angels, not half so happy in Heaven, 

22    Went envying her and me— 

23 Yes!—that was the reason (as all men know, 

24    In this kingdom by the sea) 

25 That the wind came out of the cloud by night, 

26    Chilling and killing my Annabel Lee. 

27 But our love it was stronger by far than the love 

28    Of those who were older than we— 

29    Of many far wiser than we— 

30 And neither the angels in Heaven above 

31    Nor the demons down under the sea 

32 Can ever dissever my soul from the soul 

33    Of the beautiful Annabel Lee; 

34 For the moon never beams, without bringing me dreams 

35    Of the beautiful Annabel Lee; 

36 And the stars never rise, but I feel the bright eyes 

37    Of the beautiful Annabel Lee; 

38 And so, all the night-tide, I lie down by the side 

39    Of my darling—my darling—my life and my bride, 

40    In her sepulchre there by the sea— 

41    In her tomb by the sounding sea.

“Annabel Lee” Summary

“annabel lee” themes.

• See where this theme is active in the poem.

Death and Grief

Line-by-line explanation & analysis of “annabel lee”.

It was many and many a year ago,     In a kingdom by the sea,  That a maiden there lived whom you may know     By the name of Annabel Lee;

And this maiden she lived with no other thought     Than to love and be loved by me. 

I  was a child and  she  was a child,     In this kingdom by the sea,  But we loved with a love that was more than love—     I and my Annabel Lee—  With a love that the wingèd seraphs of Heaven     Coveted her and me.

Lines 13-20

And this was the reason that, long ago,     In this kingdom by the sea,  A wind blew out of a cloud, chilling     My beautiful Annabel Lee;  So that her highborn kinsmen came     And bore her away from me,  To shut her up in a sepulchre     In this kingdom by the sea.

Lines 21-26

The angels, not half so happy in Heaven,     Went envying her and me—  Yes!—that was the reason (as all men know,     In this kingdom by the sea)  That the wind came out of the cloud by night,     Chilling and killing my Annabel Lee.

Lines 27-33

But our love it was stronger by far than the love     Of those who were older than we—     Of many far wiser than we—  And neither the angels in Heaven above     Nor the demons down under the sea  Can ever dissever my soul from the soul     Of the beautiful Annabel Lee;

Lines 34-41

For the moon never beams, without bringing me dreams     Of the beautiful Annabel Lee;  And the stars never rise, but I feel the bright eyes     Of the beautiful Annabel Lee;  And so, all the night-tide, I lie down by the side     Of my darling—my darling—my life and my bride,     In her sepulchre there by the sea—     In her tomb by the sounding sea.

“Annabel Lee” Symbols

The Natural World

• See where this symbol appears in the poem.

“Annabel Lee” Poetic Devices & Figurative Language

Alliteration.

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Pathetic Fallacy

Parallelism, antimetabole, “annabel lee” vocabulary.

Select any word below to get its definition in the context of the poem. The words are listed in the order in which they appear in the poem.

• Wingéd seraphs
• Highborn kinsmen
• See where this vocabulary word appears in the poem.

Form, Meter, & Rhyme Scheme of “Annabel Lee”

Rhyme scheme, “annabel lee” speaker, “annabel lee” setting, literary and historical context of “annabel lee”, more “annabel lee” resources, external resources.

Poe's Letters — A collection of Poe's correspondence. 

Joan Baez — A musical setting of the poem by 60s legend Joan Baez.

Radio Documentary — A BBC documentary looking at Poe's life and work.

More poems and biography — Poetry Foundation resources on Poe.

A Reading — The poem read by Garrison Keillor.

LitCharts on Other Poems by Edgar Allan Poe

A Dream Within a Dream

Sonnet to Science

The Conqueror Worm

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Annabel Lee Analysis by Edgar Allan Poe

• Rachel R.N.
• July 24, 2024
• Essay Topics and Ideas , Literature Analysis

What You'll Learn

Annabel Lee: A Deep Dive into Edgar Allan Poe’s Haunting Love Poem

Hey there, poetry lovers! Today, we’re going to explore one of Edgar Allan Poe’s most famous poems, “Annabel Lee.” This beautiful and tragic piece has captured hearts for generations, and it’s not hard to see why.

In this post, we’ll break down the poem, look at its themes, and try to understand why it’s still so popular today. So, grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and let’s dive into the world of Annabel Lee!

A Quick Overview of the Poem

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s take a moment to refresh our memory. “Annabel Lee” was the last complete poem written by Edgar Allan Poe, published in 1849, shortly after his death. It tells the story of two young lovers whose perfect romance is cut short by Annabel Lee’s untimely death. Despite this tragedy, the narrator’s love for Annabel Lee continues even after her passing.

The poem is six stanzas long, with a sing-song rhythm that makes it easy to remember and recite. It’s no wonder that many people can still quote lines from it, even years after first reading it!

The Story Within the Poem

A fairy tale beginning.

The poem starts off like a fairy tale:

“It was many and many a year ago, In a kingdom by the sea, That a maiden there lived whom you may know By the name of Annabel Lee;”

Right from the get-go, Poe sets up a dreamy, almost magical atmosphere. It’s like he’s saying, “Once upon a time…” but in a more poetic way. This opening immediately grabs our attention and makes us want to know more about this mysterious Annabel Lee.

As the poem continues, we learn about the intense love between the narrator and Annabel Lee:

“And this maiden she lived with no other thought Than to love and be loved by me.”

These lines show us that their love was pure and all-consuming. It’s the kind of love that many people dream of – where two people are completely devoted to each other. The narrator emphasizes how young they were, which adds to the innocence and purity of their love:

“I was a child and she was a child, In this kingdom by the sea;”

Jealous Angels

But as with many great love stories, tragedy strikes. Poe introduces a unique twist by suggesting that the angels in heaven were jealous of their love:

“With a love that the wingèd seraphs of Heaven Coveted her and me.”

This is where the poem takes a dark turn. The idea that even heavenly beings could be jealous of human love adds a supernatural element to the story. It’s as if their love was so powerful that it disturbed the natural order of things.

The Death of Annabel Lee

The jealousy of the angels leads to Annabel Lee’s death:

“And this was the reason that, long ago, In this kingdom by the sea, A wind blew out of a cloud, chilling My beautiful Annabel Lee;”

Poe doesn’t give us the exact details of how Annabel Lee dies, but he suggests that it was due to some kind of illness brought on by the cold wind. This vagueness allows readers to fill in the blanks with their imagination, making the story even more haunting.

Undying Love

Despite Annabel Lee’s death, the narrator’s love for her doesn’t diminish. In fact, it seems to grow stronger:

“But our love it was stronger by far than the love Of those who were older than we— Of many far wiser than we—”

The narrator believes that their love is more powerful than that of older, wiser people. This could be seen as the naive belief of a young person, or as a testament to the strength of true love. Either way, it’s clear that the narrator’s feelings haven’t changed.

A Ghostly Reunion

In the final stanza, we see just how deep the narrator’s love and grief run:

“For the moon never beams, without bringing me dreams Of the beautiful Annabel Lee; And the stars never rise, but I feel the bright eyes Of the beautiful Annabel Lee;”

The narrator sees reminders of Annabel Lee everywhere in nature. But it doesn’t stop there:

“And so, all the night-tide, I lie down by the side Of my darling—my darling—my life and my bride, In her sepulchre there by the sea— In her tomb by the sounding sea.”

These final lines reveal that the narrator spends his nights lying next to Annabel Lee’s tomb. It’s a chilling and romantic image that perfectly captures the poem’s blend of love and death.

Themes in “Annabel Lee”

Now that we’ve gone through the story, let’s look at some of the big ideas or themes that Poe explores in this poem.

Love Beyond Death

The most obvious theme in “Annabel Lee” is the idea that love can survive even death. The narrator’s feelings for Annabel Lee don’t diminish after she dies. If anything, they seem to grow stronger. This theme taps into a very human desire – the hope that our connections with loved ones don’t end when they pass away.

Example: Think about how people often talk about deceased loved ones as if they’re still present. They might say things like, “Mom would have loved this,” or “I can feel Dad watching over me.” This poem captures that same feeling of an ongoing connection with someone who has died.

The Power of Memory

Closely related to the theme of enduring love is the power of memory. The narrator keeps Annabel Lee alive through his memories and his nightly vigils at her tomb. This shows how memories can be both a comfort and a source of pain for those left behind.

Example: Have you ever smelled a particular scent that instantly reminded you of a person or place from your past? That’s the power of memory at work. In the poem, natural elements like the moon and stars trigger memories of Annabel Lee for the narrator.

Youth and Innocence

Poe emphasizes the youth of the lovers several times in the poem. This adds to the tragedy of the story – Annabel Lee died before she had a chance to fully live her life. It also suggests that their love was pure and uncomplicated by the concerns of adult life.

Example: Think about your first crush or your first love. Remember how intense and all-consuming those feelings were? That’s the kind of pure, youthful love Poe is describing in this poem.

Nature as a Reflection of Emotions

Throughout the poem, Poe uses nature to mirror the emotions of the characters. The “kingdom by the sea” provides a romantic backdrop for their love. The chilling wind that leads to Annabel Lee’s death reflects the cruel fate that befalls her. Even after her death, the moon and stars serve as constant reminders of her.

Example: This use of nature is something we often see in literature and even in our daily lives. We talk about “gloomy” rainy days or “cheerful” sunshine. Poe takes this connection between nature and emotion to a poetic extreme in “Annabel Lee.”

The Supernatural

Poe introduces supernatural elements with the mention of jealous angels. This adds a mystical quality to the poem and suggests that the love between the narrator and Annabel Lee was so powerful that it affected even heavenly beings.

Example: This idea of supernatural forces interfering in human affairs is common in many cultures. Think of stories about gods and goddesses meddling in human lives, or the concept of “star-crossed lovers” whose fate is determined by forces beyond their control.

Poetic Techniques in “Annabel Lee”

Poe wasn’t just telling a story in “Annabel Lee” – he was crafting a work of art. Let’s look at some of the techniques he used to make this poem so memorable.

Rhythm and Repetition

One of the most noticeable features of “Annabel Lee” is its strong rhythm. Poe achieves this through a combination of meter (the pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables) and repetition.

The poem has a lilting, almost song-like quality to it. This is partly due to its anapestic meter, which means that every third syllable is stressed. You can hear it in lines like:

“It was MANY and MANY a YEAR ago”

Poe also uses a lot of repetition, both of individual words and of entire phrases. For example:

• “Of the beautiful Annabel Lee”
• “In this kingdom by the sea”
• “My darling—my darling—my life and my bride”

This repetition adds to the musical quality of the poem and helps to emphasize key ideas.

Example: Try reading the poem out loud. You’ll probably find yourself naturally falling into a rhythmic pattern, almost like you’re singing a sad song.

Alliteration and Assonance

Poe uses alliteration (repetition of consonant sounds) and assonance (repetition of vowel sounds) to add to the musical quality of the poem and to emphasize certain words.

Alliteration examples:

• “Chilling and killing”
• “Sounding sea”

Assonance examples:

• “A wind blew out of a cloud”
• “In her tomb by the sounding sea”

These techniques make the poem more pleasing to the ear and help certain phrases stick in our memory.

Example: Think about popular tongue twisters like “She sells seashells by the seashore.” They’re catchy and memorable because of alliteration. Poe uses the same technique, but in a more subtle way.

Poe creates vivid mental pictures through his use of imagery. He doesn’t give us a lot of specific details about what Annabel Lee looks like or exactly how she died, but he paints a clear picture of the setting and the emotions involved.

Some powerful images from the poem include:

• The “kingdom by the sea”
• The “chilling” wind that killed Annabel Lee
• The narrator lying down by Annabel Lee’s tomb

These images help us to visualize the story and connect with the emotions of the poem.

Example: Close your eyes and imagine a moonlit night by the sea, with waves crashing on the shore. Can you picture a solitary figure lying next to a tomb, gazing up at the stars? That’s the kind of vivid imagery Poe creates with his words.

Personification

Poe gives human qualities to non-human things in this poem. The most notable example is the personification of the angels, who are described as being jealous of the lovers’ happiness.

Another example is how the moon and stars seem to take on human qualities:

Here, the moon and stars almost seem to be actively participating in the narrator’s nightly remembrance of Annabel Lee.

Example: We use personification in everyday language all the time. We might say that the wind howls, that the sun smiles down on us, or that time flies. Poe takes this common technique and uses it to add depth and emotion to his poem.

The Impact and Legacy of “Annabel Lee”

“Annabel Lee” has remained popular since its publication over 170 years ago. But why? What is it about this poem that continues to resonate with readers?

Universal Themes

One reason for the poem’s enduring popularity is its exploration of universal themes. Love, death, and memory are experiences that every human can relate to. The intensity of the narrator’s feelings speaks to anyone who has ever been in love or lost someone they cared about.

Example: Think about popular songs today. Many of them deal with these same themes of love and loss. Poe’s poem taps into these timeless human experiences in a way that still feels relevant today.

Memorable Language

The rhythm and repetition in “Annabel Lee” make it easy to remember. Many people can recall lines from this poem even years after first reading it. The musical quality of the verses almost begs to be read aloud or set to music.

Example: In fact, “Annabel Lee” has been set to music many times. Artists from Joan Baez to Stevie Nicks have created songs based on or inspired by this poem. Its lyrical quality lends itself well to musical adaptation.

Influence on Popular Culture

“Annabel Lee” has left its mark on popular culture in various ways. It’s been referenced in books, movies, and TV shows. The name “Annabel Lee” has become synonymous with tragic, undying love.

Example: Vladimir Nabokov’s controversial novel “Lolita” contains several references to “Annabel Lee,” using the poem to explore themes of young love and loss. This shows how Poe’s work continues to inspire and influence other artists.

A Window into Poe’s Life

Some readers find “Annabel Lee” particularly poignant because they see it as a reflection of Poe’s own life. Poe married his cousin Virginia when she was only 13 years old, and she died of tuberculosis at the age of 24. Some interpret “Annabel Lee” as Poe’s way of processing his grief over Virginia’s death.

Example: While we should be careful about assuming that all poetry is autobiographical, knowing about Poe’s life can add an extra layer of meaning to the poem. It reminds us that behind every work of art is a real person with real experiences and emotions.

Interpreting “Annabel Lee”

One of the great things about poetry is that it can be interpreted in different ways. Here are a few possible ways to understand “Annabel Lee”:

A Celebration of Undying Love

On one level, “Annabel Lee” can be seen as a celebration of a love so strong that it survives even death. The narrator’s devotion to Annabel Lee, even years after her death, could be seen as romantic and inspiring.

Example: This interpretation might resonate with someone who has lost a loved one but still feels a strong connection to them. It suggests that love can be a form of immortality.

A Cautionary Tale About Obsession

On the other hand, the narrator’s behavior could be seen as unhealthy. Spending every night by Annabel Lee’s tomb suggests that he hasn’t been able to move on with his life. From this perspective, the poem could be a warning about the dangers of letting grief consume you.

Example: Think about how we encourage people who are grieving to eventually return to their normal activities. The narrator in “Annabel Lee” seems unable to do this, which could be seen as troubling rather than romantic.

A Critique of Idealized Love

Some readers see “Annabel Lee” as a critique of the idea of perfect, idealized love. The narrator describes their love in such exaggerated terms that it seems almost unreal. The supernatural elements (like the jealous angels) add to this sense of unreality.

Example: This interpretation might appeal to readers who are skeptical of overly sentimental depictions of love. It suggests that Poe might be poking fun at or criticizing the idea of “perfect” love.

A Meditation on Memory and Loss

Another way to read “Annabel Lee” is as a exploration of how memory works in the face of loss. The narrator keeps Annabel Lee alive through his memories and his nightly vigils. This could be seen as a reflection on how we all grapple with the loss of loved ones.

Example: This interpretation might resonate with anyone who has experienced loss and found themselves constantly reminded of the person they’ve lost. It suggests that our memories can be both a comfort and a source of ongoing pain.

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Annabel Lee Summary & Analysis

A Short Analysis of Edgar Allan Poe’s ‘Annabel Lee’

FAQs About “Annabel Lee”

• Who was Annabel Lee based on? While we can’t say for sure, many scholars believe that Annabel Lee may have been inspired by Poe’s wife, Virginia. However, it’s important to remember that poetry isn’t always autobiographical, and Poe may have drawn inspiration from multiple sources or pure imagination.
• What does “kingdom by the sea” mean? The “kingdom by the sea” is the setting of the poem. It’s not a specific real place, but rather a romantic, fairy-tale-like location that adds to the dreamy atmosphere of the poem.
• Why do the angels kill Annabel Lee? In the poem, the angels are described as being jealous of the love between the narrator and Annabel Lee. This jealousy leads them to “kill” Annabel Lee by sending a cold wind that makes her ill. This supernatural element adds to the tragic and mythic quality of the story.
• Is “Annabel Lee” a true story? No, “Annabel Lee” is not a true story in the literal sense. It’s a work of fiction created by Poe. However, like all great literature, it may contain emotional truths that resonate with readers.
• What grade level is “Annabel Lee” typically taught at? “Annabel Lee” is often introduced in middle school or high school English classes, typically around 8th to 10th grade. However, it can be appreciated by readers of all ages.
• How long is “Annabel Lee”? The poem consists of six stanzas of varying lengths, totaling 41 lines.
• What type of poem is “Annabel Lee”? “Annabel Lee” is often classified as a ballad. It has a strong rhythmic structure and tells a story, which are key features of ballads. However, it also has elements of an elegy (a poem of mourning) and a lyric poem (expressing personal feelings).
• What does the last stanza of “Annabel Lee” mean? The last stanza describes how the narrator lies down by Annabel Lee’s tomb every night. This shows his undying devotion to her, even after her death. It’s both romantic and eerie, capturing the poem’s blend of love and Gothic elements.
• Why is “Annabel Lee” considered a Romantic poem? “Annabel Lee” is considered Romantic (with a capital R) because it embodies many characteristics of Romantic poetry: it focuses on intense emotions, idealizes nature, includes supernatural elements, and emphasizes individual experience.
• How old were Annabel Lee and the narrator? The poem describes them as children: “I was a child and she was a child.” This emphasizes the innocence and purity of their love. However, their exact ages aren’t specified.
• What does “sepulchre” mean? A sepulchre is a tomb or burial chamber. In the poem, it refers to where Annabel Lee is buried.
• Has “Annabel Lee” been set to music? Yes, many times! Various artists have created musical versions of the poem, from classical compositions to rock songs. Some notable versions include those by Joan Baez, Stevie Nicks, and the band Radio Futura.

Conclusion: Why “Annabel Lee” Still Matters

As we wrap up our deep dive into “Annabel Lee,” let’s take a moment to reflect on why this poem continues to captivate readers more than 170 years after it was written.

Timeless Emotions

At its core, “Annabel Lee” is about love and loss – experiences that are fundamental to the human condition. While the specific circumstances of the poem might be fantastical, the emotions it explores are very real and relatable. Who hasn’t felt the pain of losing someone they love? Who hasn’t wished that love could transcend death?

The intensity of the narrator’s feelings resonates with anyone who has experienced deep love or profound loss. It’s this emotional core that allows the poem to speak to readers across generations and cultures.

Artistic Craftsmanship

Poe’s skill as a poet is on full display in “Annabel Lee.” The musical quality of the verses, the vivid imagery, and the careful balance of repetition and variation all contribute to making this poem a joy to read and hear. It’s a masterclass in how sound and meaning can work together in poetry.

The poem’s memorability is a testament to Poe’s craftsmanship. The rhythmic lines and repeated phrases stick in our minds, making “Annabel Lee” one of those rare poems that many people can recite, at least in part, even years after first encountering it.

Blend of Romance and Gothic Elements

“Annabel Lee” perfectly encapsulates Poe’s ability to blend romantic love with Gothic eeriness. The poem starts as a fairy tale romance but transforms into something darker and more complex. This combination of the beautiful and the unsettling is quintessential Poe, and it’s a big part of what makes his work so distinctive and memorable.

Interpretive Richness

One of the reasons “Annabel Lee” continues to be studied and discussed is its interpretive richness. As we’ve seen, the poem can be read in multiple ways – as a celebration of undying love, a cautionary tale about obsession, a critique of idealized romance, or a meditation on memory and loss. This ambiguity invites readers to engage deeply with the text and find their own meaning in it.

A Window into Poe’s World

For those interested in literary history, “Annabel Lee” offers a glimpse into the mind of one of America’s most famous writers. Whether or not we see the poem as autobiographical, it certainly reflects themes and style elements that were important in Poe’s work and in the broader literary context of his time.

The enduring popularity of “Annabel Lee” is also evident in its ongoing influence on popular culture. From inspiring musical adaptations to being referenced in novels, films, and TV shows, the poem has left an indelible mark on our cultural landscape.

An Invitation to Poetry

For many people, “Annabel Lee” serves as an entry point into the world of poetry. Its strong rhythm, clear narrative, and emotional power make it accessible even to those who might usually find poetry challenging. In this way, it continues to invite new generations to explore the rich world of poetic expression.

In conclusion, “Annabel Lee” endures because it speaks to something fundamental in the human experience. It captures the bittersweet nature of love and loss in a way that continues to move readers. Its artistic merit, emotional depth, and interpretive richness ensure that it remains not just a beloved poem, but a subject of ongoing discussion and discovery.

As we close our exploration of this haunting ballad, I encourage you to revisit the poem with fresh eyes. Read it aloud, let its rhythm wash over you, and see what new insights you might discover. After all, that’s the magic of great poetry – it reveals new facets of itself and of our own experiences each time we encounter it.

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Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Poetry — Analysis of Annabel Lee by Edgar Allan Poe

Analysis of Annabel Lee by Edgar Allan Poe

• Categories: Literary Criticism Poetry

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Published: Feb 12, 2024

Words: 734 | Pages: 2 | 4 min read

• Dumas, Jacky W. “The “Annabel Lee” Blues.” The Comparatist, vol. 43, 2019, pp. 313-323. Web.
• Hasanah, Uswatun, et al. “Figurative Language in Poe’s Annabel Lee.” Jurnal Ilmu Budaya, vol. 9, no. 1, 2021, pp. 54-61. Web.
• Mulhall, Brenna. “The Romanticization of the Dead Female Body in Victorian and Contemporary Culture.” Aisthesis: Honors Student Journal, vol. 8, no. 2, 2017, pp. 1-8.
• Poe, Edgar Allan. “Annabel Lee.” Poetry Foundation. n.d. Web.
• Rădulescu, Laura Monica. “The Alienation of the Female Figure: Denial of Subjectivity in The Fall of The House of Usher by Edgar Allan Poe.” Explorations of Identity and Communication, edited by Carmen Popescu, Editura Universitaria Craiova, Presa Universitară Clujeană Cluj-Napoca, 2018, pp. 121-128.
• Romić, Iva. “ Female Characters in Selected Works of Edgar Allan Poe.” KICK, vol. 2, 2019, pp. 61-66.
• Savoye, Jeffrey A. “The Capital Warning of “Annabel Lee”.” The Edgar Allan Poe Review, vol. 19, no. 2, 2018, pp. 287-289. Web.
• Sharma, Lok Raj. “Exploring Basic Modes of Expression in English Poetry.” International Journal of Recent Advances in Multidisciplinary Research, vol. 06, iss. 11, 2019, pp. 5317-5320.
• Syafitri, Dewi, and Melisa Marlinton. “An Analysis of Figurative Language Used in Edgar Allan Poe’s Poems.” Linguistic, English Education and Art (LEEA) Journal, vol. 2, no.1, 2018, pp. 43-59. Web.
• Yin, Jiaqi. “An Analysis of “Beauty of Death” in Edgar Allen Poe’s Poetry.” English Language, Literature & Culture, vol. 3, no. 1, 2018, pp. 20-24. Web.

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Annabel Lee

It was many and many a year ago, In a kingdom by the sea, That a maiden there lived whom you may know By the name of Annabel Lee; And this maiden she lived with no other thought Than to love and be loved by me. I was a child and she was a child, In this kingdom by the sea: But we loved with a love that was more than love– I and my Annabel Lee; With a love that the winged seraphs of heaven Coveted her and me. And this was the reason that, long ago, In this kingdom by the sea, A wind blew out of a cloud, chilling My beautiful Annabel Lee; So that her highborn kinsman came And bore her away from me, To shut her up in a sepulchre In this kingdom by the sea. The Angels , not half so happy in heaven, Went envying her and me– Yes!–that was the reason (as all men know, In this kingdom by the sea) That the wind came out of the cloud by night , Chilling and killing my Annabel Lee. But our love it was stronger by far than the love Of those who were older than we– Of many far wiser than we– And neither the angels in heaven above, Nor the demons down under the sea, Can ever dissever my soul from the soul Of the beautiful Annabel Lee: For the moon never beams, without bringing me dreams Of the beautiful Annabel Lee; And the stars never rise, but I feel the bright eyes Of the beautiful Annabel Lee; And so, all the night-tide, I lie down by the side Of my darling–my darling–my life and my bride, In her sepulchre there by the sea, In her tomb by the sounding sea.

Summary of  Annabel Lee

Analysis of literary devices in “annabel lee”, analysis of poetic devices in “annabel lee”, quotes to be used.

“It was many and many a year ago, In a kingdom by the sea, That a maiden there lived whom you may know By the name of Annabel Lee; And this maiden she lived with no other thought Than to love and be loved by me.”

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June 1, 2024

In-Depth Annabel Lee Analysis: Themes, Symbolism, and Literary Devices

by Harper Martinez

This article explores the various elements present in Edgar Allan Poe’s haunting poem “Annabel Lee,” including themes, symbolism, and literary devices that contribute to its status as a literary masterpiece.

The influence of Poe’s personal life on the creation of this tragic tale of love and loss is also analyzed within the context of the poem.

Through a range of interpretations, deeper meanings of “Annabel Lee” are uncovered and compared to other iconic works by Poe.

This analysis seeks to highlight the enduring relevance of this timeless poem in the contemporary world.

Annabel Lee Analysis and its Summary

Edgar Allan Poe’s poem ‘ Annabel Lee ‘ presents a poignant depiction of young love tragically interrupted by death, unfolding within a mystical realm situated beside the sea. The speaker, profoundly enamored with Annabel Lee, delineates the intensity of their love, asserting that even celestial beings harbored jealousy towards them. Despite their profound bond, their felicity is marred by the malicious sentiments of those in their vicinity.

The poem delves into profound themes of affection, bereavement, and lamentation, imbuing the narrative with a pervasive aura of melancholy and sorrow. Through the masterful use of vivid imagery and a melodic cadence, Poe adeptly crafts a poignant portrayal of the enduring love shared by the youthful protagonists, underscoring a bond that transcends the confines of mortality.

Analysis of “Annabel Lee”

A comprehensive examination of Edgar Allan Poe’s “Annabel Lee” uncovers a complex array of themes, symbolism, and literary devices that emphasize the eternal essence of love and the inexorable reality of death .

The poem ‘Annabel Lee’ delves into profound themes such as the transcendence of love, the sorrow of loss and grief, and the jealousy of heavenly beings.

Through the poignant verses, Poe intricately examines the concept of everlasting love that surpasses the physical realm. The narrator’s profound yearning and unwavering dedication to Annabel Lee, even in death, underscore the enduring strength of love. The deep sorrow and grief conveyed by the narrator following the loss of his beloved emphasize the depth of his emotions. Poe’s depiction of celestial beings experiencing jealousy towards the affection shared by the narrator and Annabel Lee introduces a supernatural aspect, intensifying the emotional resonance of the poem.

2. Symbolism

Symbolism within the poem “Annabel Lee” is intricately intertwined through various elements such as the ocean , the sepulchre , angels , and celestial bodies including the moon and stars .

The ocean depicted in the poem serves as a symbol of vastness and eternal love, reflecting the enduring connection shared between the speaker and Annabel Lee. The sepulchre, on the other hand, represents themes of death and the physical separation experienced by the lovers, thereby underscoring the overarching themes of loss and grief within the narrative.

Moreover, the presence of angels within the poem conveys the notion of divine intervention or protection overseeing the love shared between the couple, introducing a spiritual dimension to their relationship. Lastly, the mention of the moon and stars in the poem evokes feelings of timelessness and beauty, emphasizing the perpetual nature of genuine love that transcends earthly existence.

3. Literary Devices

Edgar Allan Poe utilizes a variety of literary devices in “Annabel Lee,” including a melancholic narrator , repetition , rhyme schemes , and vivid imagery to augment the poem’s impact.

The melancholic narrator, as he laments his lost love, Annabel Lee, evokes a profound sense of sorrow and yearning that permeates the entirety of the poem. Through the repetition of key phrases like ‘ kingdom by the sea ‘ and ‘Annabel Lee,’ the narrator’s all-consuming love and grief are underscored.

The rhyme schemes employed, particularly the utilization of internal rhyme within lines, imbue the poem with a melodic quality, enriching its lyrical cadence. Furthermore, the vivid imagery depicted, such as the angels desiring Annabel Lee’s soul and the interment of the narrator’s beloved at sea, vividly convey themes of love, loss, and mortality.

4. Structure and Form

The poetic composition “Annabel Lee” is structured with six stanzas that maintain a consistent meter and musical rhyme scheme reminiscent of a ballad.

The poet’s deliberate decision to adhere to a regular meter and rhyme scheme contributes to the creation of a sense of musicality and coherence throughout the poem. Each stanza, whether in quatrain or quintain form, facilitates a gradual unfolding of the narrative, establishing a rhythmic cadence that captivates readers. The utilization of end rhymes such as ‘ Lee ‘ and ‘ sea ‘ not only enriches the melodic flow but also reinforces the emotional gravity of the poem. The repetition of sounds establishes a haunting and melancholic ambiance that resonates with the themes of love and loss .

The Life of Edgar Allan Poe and Its Influence on “Annabel Lee”

Edgar Allan Poe’s writing was deeply impacted by the tumultuous events in his life, characterized by personal tragedies and profound losses. Within his body of work, the poem ‘Annabel Lee’ stands as a poignant reflection of Poe’s encounters with love and mortality.

The themes of ‘Annabel Lee’, particularly the idea of love surpassing death and the lingering presence of a departed beloved, mirrored Poe’s own romantic relationships, notably with his late wife Virginia Clemm . Their ill-fated love mirrored the sentiments conveyed in the poem, portraying a love story cut short by premature death. These themes of enduring love and the haunting memory of a lost partner permeated Poe’s literary repertoire, rooted in his emotional depth and profound grief.

Poe’s affinity for the macabre and gothic elements, evident in his works, was closely intertwined with his personal tragedies. The dark and melancholic tone prevalent in his writing reflected the amalgamation of his personal traumas and his fascination with themes of death and despair.

Interpretations of “Annabel Lee”

The diverse interpretations of “Annabel Lee” underscore its intricate examination of themes such as love, loss, and the afterlife , showcasing varying viewpoints on Edgar Allan Poe’s culminating poetic work.

1. Love and Loss

The theme of love and loss in ‘Annabel Lee’ is effectively captured through the narrator’s unyielding devotion to the beautiful Annabel Lee and their profound love that transcended conventional boundaries.

The poem eloquently illustrates how the narrator’s affection for Annabel Lee persists even beyond death, as he continues to venerate her in her sepulcher by the sea. This enduring commitment underscores the profound depth of his emotions, portraying a love that surpasses mortal limitations.

The intense feeling of loss is palpable in the narrator’s sorrow over their separation, mourning the sudden termination of their shared existence. Through vivid imagery and a melancholic tone, Poe adeptly conveys the eternal connection between the narrator and Annabel Lee, emphasizing the enduring strength of genuine love.

2. Death and the Afterlife

Death and the afterlife play a central role in ‘Annabel Lee’ , where the sepulchre and tomb situated by the resounding sea serve as symbols of the perpetual resting place and the narrator’s yearning for a celestial reunion.

Poe skillfully depicts this yearning for an eternal connection through the metaphorical imagery of the sea, which conveys the vastness of death’s embrace and the cycle of life and rebirth. The recurring mention of the ‘kingdom by the sea’ reinforces the notion of a divine realm awaiting the narrator and his departed beloved, underscoring the indelibility of their bond.

The chilling winds and celestial beings depicted as angels further emphasize the eerie beauty and enigmatic nature of death, illustrating how Poe adeptly intertwines the physical and metaphysical realms.

3. Obsession and Jealousy

Obsession and jealousy emerge as recurring themes in “Annabel Lee,” evident in the narrator’s intense preoccupation with his departed love and the envious angels and seraphs who coveted their happiness. These motifs serve to emphasize the profound emotional distress experienced by the narrator and the enduring influence of love and bereavement.

Through the thematic exploration of obsession , Edgar Allan Poe delves into the all-consuming nature of grief, illustrating how it can propel individuals to extremes in their yearning for what has been lost. The theme of jealousy , embodied by the angels and seraphs, accentuates the malevolent forces that can encroach upon even the most genuine and profound relationships, imbuing the narrative with a sense of tragic inevitability.

Comparison to Other Poe Works

The analysis of “Annabel Lee” in relation to other works by Edgar Allan Poe, such as “ The Raven ” and “ The Tell-Tale Heart ,” illustrates recurring themes of love, death, and psychological torment that are prevalent throughout his literary works.

1. “The Raven”

In both “Annabel Lee” and “The Raven,” Poe delves into profound themes of loss and grief . However, while “Annabel Lee” conveys a sense of eternal love , “The Raven” explores psychological despair .

The emotional tone of “Annabel Lee” resonates with melancholic devotion as the speaker expresses unwavering affection for his departed love, Annabel Lee. In contrast, “The Raven” evokes a haunting and ominous sense of despair through the repeated refrain of ‘ Nevermore .’

Symbolism plays a crucial role in both poems to convey deeper meanings. The sea, for instance, symbolizes eternal love in “Annabel Lee,” while the raven represents the speaker’s descent into madness and isolation in “The Raven.”

Moreover, the narrative style differs between the two works. “Annabel Lee” adopts a mournful reminiscence , whereas “The Raven” presents a more immediate and intense confrontation with grief.

2. “The Tell-Tale Heart”

While both ‘Annabel Lee’ and ‘The Tell-Tale Heart’ explore themes of obsession and feature a compelling narrator, the former concentrates on the theme of lost love , while the latter delves into themes of guilt and madness.

In ‘Annabel Lee,’ the protagonist fixates on his deceased lover, Annabel Lee, leading him to seek ways to preserve their love, even beyond the boundaries of death. Conversely, ‘The Tell-Tale Heart’ presents a different perspective on obsession, centering on the narrator’s profound remorse following the murder he committed and his subsequent descent into madness, as he becomes convinced that he can hear the beating heart of his victim.

These distinct expressions of obsession provide valuable insights into the characters’ motivations and the profound psychological ramifications of their obsessions.

Relevance of “Annabel Lee” Today

The timeless themes of love, loss, and grief portrayed in ‘Annabel Lee’ continue to resonate with contemporary audiences, illustrating the enduring relevance of Poe’s poetic masterpiece.

The poignant depiction of a love that surpasses death within the poem resonates with present-day readers, underscoring the significance of genuine and everlasting love. Through his evocative imagery and haunting rhythm, Poe adeptly captures the essence of human emotions that remain consistent over time. The universal themes of love and loss conveyed in ‘Annabel Lee’ prompt readers to contemplate their own encounters and relationships, elevating Poe’s work beyond mere literature to a profound exploration of the human condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the meaning behind the title “annabel lee” in the poem analysis.

The title “Annabel Lee” refers to the name of the main character and love interest in the poem , representing the theme of love and loss that is central to the analysis.

Who is the author of “Annabel Lee” and what inspired the poem?

Edgar Allan Poe is the author of “Annabel Lee and the poem is believed to be inspired by the death of his wife, Virginia Clemm.

What is the overall theme of the poem “Annabel Lee” in the analysis?

The overall theme of the poem is love and loss, as the speaker mourns the death of his beloved Annabel Lee and the enduring power of their love.

How does the speaker’s tone change throughout the analysis of “Annabel Lee”?

The speaker’s tone starts off as mournful and sorrowful, but gradually becomes more bitter and resentful as he blames others for the death of Annabel Lee.

What is the significance of the repeated refrain “in this kingdom by the sea” in the analysis of “Annabel Lee”?

The repeated refrain serves to emphasize the setting of the poem and the speaker’s longing for his lost love in their idyllic kingdom by the sea.

How does the use of imagery contribute to the analysis of “Annabel Lee”?

The vivid imagery used in the poem helps to create a haunting and melancholic atmosphere, evoking the speaker’s intense emotions and memories of Annabel Lee.

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“Annabel Lee” by Edgar Allan Poe

• It was many and many a year ago,
• In a kingdom by the sea,
• That a maiden there lived whom you may know
• By the name of Annabel Lee;
• And this maiden she lived with no other thought
• Than to love and be loved by me.
• I was a child and she was a child,
• In this kingdom by the sea,
• But we loved with a love that was more than love—
• I and my Annabel Lee—
• With a love that the wingèd seraphs of Heaven
• Coveted her and me.
• And this was the reason that, long ago,
• A wind blew out of a cloud, chilling
• My beautiful Annabel Lee;
• So that her highborn kinsmen came
• And bore her away from me,
• To shut her up in a sepulchre
• In this kingdom by the sea.
• The angels, not half so happy in Heaven,
• Went envying her and me—
• Yes!—that was the reason (as all men know,
• In this kingdom by the sea)
• That the wind came out of the cloud by night,
• Chilling and killing my Annabel Lee.
• But our love it was stronger by far than the love
• Of those who were older than we—
• Of many far wiser than we—
• And neither the angels in Heaven above
• Nor the demons down under the sea
• Can ever dissever my soul from the soul
• Of the beautiful Annabel Lee;
• For the moon never beams, without bringing me dreams
• And the stars never rise, but I feel the bright eyes
• And so, all the night-tide, I lie down by the side
• Of my darling—my darling—my life and my bride,
• In her sepulchre there by the sea—
• In her tomb by the sounding sea.

Introduction

Table of Contents

A hauntingly beautiful poem “Annabel Lee” by Edgar Allan Poe has transcended time and space in its popularity. It still remains a celebrated literary work even after more than a century since its first publication in 1849. Interestingly, it is the same year when Poe breathed his last. However, the enduring popularity of the poem lies not just in its theme but also its musicality, evocative language, and terrifying setting. Through the use of intricate sentence structures, Poe skillfully creates a foreboding and melancholic atmosphere that pervades the entire poem as well as the readers alike.

Annotations of “Annabel Lee” by Edgar Allan Poe

Literary in “Annabel Lee” by Edgar Allan Poe

Poetic and Sound Devices in “Annabel Lee” by Edgar Allan Poe

Functions of Literary Devices in “Annabel Lee” by Edgar Allan Poe

Function 1: Imagery : Imagery in “Annabel Lee” creates a beautifully haunting picture of the setting and the characters involved in the storyline. For example, the opening lines of the poem create an image of a distant kingdom situated somewhere by the sea where the protagonist lived with Annabel Lee. Poe’s use of imagery helps readers to better picture the setting and realize the emotions and situations presented in the poem.

Function 2: Repetition: Repetition intends to emphasize key phrases and ideas in the poem. For example, the phrase “kingdom by the sea” occurs three times in the first six lines of the poem, highlighting the importance of the setting. The repetition of the name “Annabel Lee” throughout the poem reinforces the importance of the protagonist’s love for her. This shows how repetition stresses upon the situation, characters, and feelings to make the readers understand reality.

Function 3: Symbolism: Symbolism in the poem conveys deeper meanings beyond the literal text. The wind blowing out of the cloud that chills Annabel Lee is a symbolic representation of death, and her sepulchre symbolizes the finality of death. The moon and stars that the protagonist dreams of symbolize his enduring love for Annabel Lee. Several other things that are generally associated with horror symbolize death, fear, and terror haunting the storyline of the poem.

Function 4: Rhyme and Rhythm : The poem’s rhyme and rhythm create a musical quality that enhances the emotional impact of the poem. Poe uses internal and end rhymes to create a consistent pattern, giving the poem a lyrical quality. This musical quality is exemplified by the repetition of the phrase “Annabel Lee” throughout the poem. The rhythm also contributes to the poem’s dreamlike quality, emphasizing the protagonist’s longing for his lost love.

Themes in “Annabel Lee” by Edgar Allan Poe

• Love and Death: “Annabel Lee” revolves around the central theme of love and death. Poe portrays the power of love, which transcends the boundaries of death, as the narrator’s love for Annabel Lee persists even after her demise. The poem conveys the idea that love is a force that can overcome death and that true love never dies. The narrator’s memories of Annabel Lee serve as a testament to the enduring nature of love. As he remarks in lines 34-35, “For the moon never beams, without bringing me dreams / Of the beautiful Annabel Lee.” It shows how he recalls his beloved even when he dreams. The same happens during his waking hours. Therefore, the poem shows love and death intertwined.
• Jealousy and Envy: The theme of jealousy and envy is also present in the poem “Annabel Lee.” It happens that even the angels in heaven are envious of the love between the narrator and Annabel Lee, leading to her untimely death. Poe suggests that jealousy can lead to destructive outcomes, and in this case, it results in the tragic end of Annabel Lee’s life. This theme is evident in lines 21-22, where the narrator states, “The angels, not half so happy in Heaven, / Went envying her and me.” Yet, the poet does not clarify whether the beloved of the speaker dies naturally or the angels cause her death.
• Memory and Remembrance: “Annabel Lee” also explores the theme of memory and remembrance. The narrator’s love for Annabel Lee seems alive through his memories of her, and he continues to honor her memory by visiting her tomb. The poem highlights the significance of memories in preserving the essence of loved ones who have passed away. This theme is evident in lines 38-40, where the narrator declares, “And so, all the night-tide, I lie down by the side / Of my darling—my darling—my life and my bride, / In her sepulchre there by the sea.” This also shows that memory and rememberance play an important role in bringing love, death, and terror to the limelight.
• Life and Death as a Cycle: The final theme in “Annabel Lee” is the cyclical nature of life and death. Poe presents the concept that death is not the end, but a continuation of life, and that the love between the narrator and Annabel Lee will transcend death. The poem suggests that death is a part of the natural cycle of life and that those we love will always be a part of us. This theme is evident in lines 32-33, where the narrator affirms, “Can ever dissever my soul from the soul / Of the beautiful Annabel Lee.”

Literary Theories and Interpretations of “Annabel Lee” by Edgar Allan Poe

• Psychoanalytic Theory : A psychoanalytic interpretation of “Annabel Lee” would focus on the psychological motivations behind the narrator’s behavior and emotions. The poem suggests that the narrator is deeply attached to Annabel Lee to the point that her death causes him intense grief and leads him to seek comfort in her memory. This could be seen as a manifestation of the narrator’s desire for a mother figure, as Annabel Lee is described as being childlike and innocent (lines 7-8). It is also that the narrator’s persistent attachment to Annabel Lee’s memory could be interpreted as a form of denial or refusal to accept her death (lines 34-41).
• Historical Theory: From a historical perspective, the poem could be seen as a reflection of the societal values and beliefs of the time in which it was written. The theme of the supernatural, with the angels and demons mentioned, could be interpreted as a reflection of the spiritualism popular in the mid-19th century. The portrayal of Annabel Lee as a passive and innocent figure, and the narrator as a heroic lover, could be seen as reflecting traditional gender roles and societal expectations regarding romantic relationships (lines 3-6, 9-12).
• Reader-Response Theory: Reader-response theory focuses on the role of the reader in interpreting a text. From this perspective, “Annabel Lee” can be seen as a highly personal and emotional poem that invites readers to connect with the narrator’s grief and longing. The use of repetition, such as the repeated phrases “Annabel Lee” and “kingdom by the sea,” creates a sense of rhythm and musicality that draws the reader into the narrative (lines 2, 4, 5, 9, 34). The themes of love, death, and memory are universal and relatable, allowing readers to interpret the poem in a way that is meaningful to them personally.
• New Criticism Theory : New Criticism is an approach to literary criticism that focuses on the text itself rather than its historical or cultural context. A New Critical interpretation of “Annabel Lee” would focus on the poem’s language and imagery , as well as its use of symbolism and metaphor . For example, the repeated mention of the sea could be seen as a symbol of both the narrator’s love and his grief, as the sea is both beautiful and dangerous (lines 2, 19, 40-41). Also, the use of personification, such as when the wind seems “chilling and killing” Annabel Lee, creating a sense of foreboding and suspense (lines 15, 25).

Essay Topics, Questions, and Thesis Statements about “Annabel Lee” by Edgar Allan Poe

• Topic: Love and Loss in “Annabel Lee” by Edgar Allan Poe

Question: How does Poe explore the themes of love and loss in “Annabel Lee”?

Thesis Statement: Through the portrayal of the intense and enduring love between the narrator and Annabel Lee, as well as the tragic loss of Annabel Lee, Poe demonstrates the powerful and destructive effects of love and loss on the human psyche.

• Topic: Death and Immortality in “Annabel Lee” by Edgar Allan Poe

Question: How does Poe use the theme of death and immortality in “Annabel Lee”?

Thesis Statement : By exploring the concepts of death and immortality through the narrator’s undying love for Annabel Lee and the imagery of the sea and the moon, Poe demonstrates the enduring nature of love and the idea that love can transcend death.

• Topic: Gothic Elements in “Annabel Lee” by Edgar Allan Poe

Question: How does Poe use gothic elements in “Annabel Lee”?

Thesis Statement: Through the use of dark and supernatural elements such as death, loss, and haunting imagery, Poe creates a gothic atmosphere that underscores the narrator’s sense of loss, despair, and madness.

• Topic: Imagery and Symbolism in “Annabel Lee” by Edgar Allan Poe

Question: How does Poe use imagery and symbolism in “Annabel Lee”?

Thesis Statement : Through the use of vivid and haunting imagery such as the sea, the moon, and the angels, as well as symbolic elements such as the sepulchre and the seraphs of Heaven, Poe creates a powerful and haunting poem that explores the themes of love, loss, and mortality.

Short Questions-Answers about “Annabel Lee” by Edgar Allan Poe

• Question: How does the theme of love and loss shape the narrative of “Annabel Lee” by Edgar Allan Poe, and what techniques does the poet use to convey the depth of emotion?

Answer: “Annabel Lee” shows the theme of love and loss shaping the narrative by presenting the speaker’s intense emotional attachment to the titular character as well as his profound grief at her death. The poem employs various poetic techniques to convey the depth of these emotions, including repetition, imagery, and metaphor . For example, the refrain of “the kingdom by the sea” emphasizes the speaker’s yearning for the lost love. Similarly, the image of the angels envying the couple’s love conveys the idea of a love transcendental and eternal. Through these techniques, the poet creates a hauntingly beautiful and poignant portrait of love and loss that resonates with readers.

• Question: In “Annabel Lee,” Poe explores the idea of the supernatural and the afterlife. How does he use language and imagery to convey the otherworldly nature of the poem?

Answer: Poe uses language and imagery in “Annabel Lee” to create a sense of the supernatural and extra-terrestrial. For instance, he describes the couple’s love as “seraphs in Heaven” and “winged seraphs of Heaven,” suggesting a divine or heavenly quality to their relationship. Additionally, the image of the moon as a “demon” and the “sea” as a “tomb” create a sense of darkness and foreboding. The repetition of the refrain “the kingdom by the sea” also adds to the otherworldly nature of the poem, suggesting a place that is both magical and mysterious. Through these techniques, Poe creates a hauntingly beautiful and mystical world that is both unsettling and enchanting.

• Question: The character of Annabel Lee is central to the poem, but the reader is given little information about her beyond her name. How does this lack of detail contribute to the emotional power of the poem?

Answer: The lack of detail about Annabel Lee in the poem serves to heighten the emotional power of the poem by emphasizing the universality of the speaker’s experience. By withholding specific details about Annabel Lee’s appearance or personality, Poe invites readers to project their own experiences of love and loss onto the character. This creates a sense of empathy and universality that connects the poem with the readers at the emotional level. Moreover, the simplicity of the poem’s language and structure becomes easy for the readers to perceive meanings and understand signs and symbols.

• Question: What is the role of repetition and refrain in “Annabel Lee,” and how does it contribute to the overall effect of the poem?

Answer: The repetition of the refrain “the kingdom by the sea” in “Annabel Lee” serves to emphasize the central importance of the setting and the speaker’s longing for his lost love. The refrain creates a sense of familiarity and comfort, drawing the reader into the speaker’s emotional landscape. Additionally, the repetition of phrases such as “in this kingdom by the sea” and “the angels, not half so happy in Heaven” creates a hypnotic effect that contributes to the dreamlike quality of the poem. Using these literary devices , Poe creates a sense of nostalgia and longing that permeates the entire poem, drawing readers to experience emotions akin to the poem.

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The Poem “Annabel Lee” by Edgar Allan Poe Essay

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Edgar Allan Poe’s “Annabel Lee” was published two days after the author’s death. Because of its special mood, created by the moving speech, and its profound theme of everlasting love that never ends, the poem, describing the unfortunate demise of Annabel Lee, is considered as one of the author’s most popular works.

The beginning of the poem reveals the narrator’s feelings toward Annabel Lee, determining the theme and the mood of the verse: “a maiden there lived whom you may know by the name of Annabel Lee; and this maiden she lived with no other thought than to love and be loved by me” (Poe, 2000, l. 5). Here one can view that this is the love of the narrator’s life, and, of course, nothing else in the entire world matters to him.

With the view to describe the death of his young bride Annabel Lee that he loved so much, the speaker uses the melodious narrative form which creates a measured, but at the same time perturbing mood. Such a loss makes him conclude in lines eleven and twelve that the envious angels were jealous of their happiness: “the winged seraphs of heaven coveted her and me”, and caused the death of his beloved Annabel Lee to “dissever” the happy young couple (Poe, 2000, l. 11).

Poe reveals his feelings to the reader by illustrating the girl’s funeral and entombment, as he tells, “in her sepulchre … by the sea” (Poe, 2000, l.18). Developing the theme of eternal love in the given verse, the author depicts the situation, where separation is not acceptable for the narrator and he comes to her tomb every single night. Here Poe tries to bring the message to the reader about the immortality of young love. The narrator, overwhelmed with love for this girl, forgets about everything, he does not care how the spirits, angels, and demons see him; he stays faithful to her and their love: “And neither the angels in Heaven above, nor the demons down under the sea, can ever dissever my soul from the soul of the beautiful Annabel Lee” (Poe, 200, l. 30).

To create the perturbing, but at the same time measured, the mood of the poem the author uses a different meter. The meter used by him in the poem is a felicitous mixture of iambic and anapestic feet, which alter between trimeter and tetrameter. Permitting the world “chilling” both in the lines fifteen and twenty–five, Poe retains its sharp trochaic meter with the view to use the provoking effect of this meter to describe his inner feelings. Thus, it is possible to conclude that the death of the speaker’s beloved Annabel Lee disrupts the rhythm of the verse, and therefore, startles the reader.

Another feature that determines the mood and the theme of the verse is the “Annabel Lee’s” diction, which drags the reader into the author’s fantasy-like kingdom of love shared with his young bride, “It was many and many a year ago, / In a kingdom by the sea,” and they “loved with a love that was more than love” (Poe, 2000, l.1). To express his feelings and create a perturbing mood, Poe makes the internal rhyme more deep and full.

For example, the rhyme from line twenty-five – “chilling and killing” accentuates the sudden death of his beloved bride. Another rhyme from line thirty -on – “ever dissever” (Poe, 2000) stresses the durability of their feelings and affections determining the theme of the verse. Therefore, one may strongly assert, defining one’s point of view that the key image represented in this poem by Poe is enduring love.

To prove one’s viewpoint, one can provide the evidence which can be seen at the end of the verse: “And so, all the night-tide, I lie down by the side / Of my darling-my darling-my life and my bride, / In the sepulchre there by the sea, / In her tomb by the sounding sea” (Poe, 2000, l. 40). Therefore, one may conclude that, regardless of Annabel Lee’s demise, the narrator reveals his love for her by caressing, holding, and loving her in his imagination near the place where she will stay for eternity, determining the theme of eternal love. One may firmly assert that both in life and in death, the author of “Annabel Lee” – Edgar Allan Poe evokes a feeling of sympathy and understanding in the reader’s heart.

Poe, E. A. (2000). Annabel Lee. Complete Poems: Edgar Allen Poe . Chicago: University of Illinois Press.

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Poe's Poetry

By edgar allan poe, poe's poetry summary and analysis of "annabel lee".

Long ago, "in a kingdom by the sea," lived Annabel Lee , who loved the narrator. Both she and the narrator were children but knew love more powerful than that of the angels, who envied them. A wind chilled and killed Annabel, but their love was too strong to be defeated by angels or demons. The narrator is reminded of Annabel Lee by everything, including the moon and the stars, and at night, he lies by her tomb by the sea.

Edgar Allan Poe wrote "Annabel Lee" in May 1849, a few months before his death, and it first appeared in The Southern Literary Messenger posthumously in November 1849. Although the poem may refer to a number of women in Poe's life, most acknowledge it to be in memory of Virginia Clemm, Poe's wife who married him at the age of thirteen and who died in 1847 before she turned twenty-five. The work returns to Poe's frequent fixation with the Romantic image of a beautiful woman who has died too suddenly in the flush of youth. As indicated more thoroughly in his short story "The Oval Portrait," Poe often associated death with the freezing and capturing of beauty, and many of his heroines reach the pinnacle of loveliness on their deathbed, as with Ligeia of the eponymous story.

The poem specifically mentions the youth of the unnamed narrator and especially of Annabel Lee, and it celebrates child-like emotions in a way consistent with the ideals of the Romantic era. Many Romantics from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries viewed adulthood as a corruption of the purer instincts of childhood, and they preferred nature to society because they considered it to be a better and more instinctive state. Accordingly, Poe treats the narrator's childhood love for Annabel Lee as fuller and more eternal than the love of adults. Annabel Lee is gentle and persistent in her love, and she has no complex emotions that may darken or complicate her love.

The poem's setting has several Gothic elements, as the kingdom by the sea is lonely and in an undefined but mysterious location. Poe does not describe the setting with any specificity, and he weaves a hazy, romantic atmosphere around the kingdom until he ends by offering the stark and horrific image of a "sepulchre there by the sea." The location by the sea recalls the city of "The City in the Sea," which is also located by the sea and which is conceptually connected to death and decay. At the same time, the nostalgic tone and the Gothic background serve to inculcate the image of a love that outlasts all opposition, from the spiritual jealousy of the angels to the physical barrier of death. Although Annabel Lee has died, the narrator can still see her "bright eyes," an image of her soul and of the spark of life that gives a promise of a future meeting between the two lovers.

As in the case of a number of Poe's male protagonists who mourn the premature death of beloved women, the love of narrator of "Annabel Lee" goes beyond simple adoration to a more bizarre attachment. Whereas Annabel Lee seems to have loved him in a straightforward, if nonsexual, manner, the protagonist has mentally deified her. He blames everyone but himself for her death, pointing at the conspiracy of angels with nature and at the show of paternalism inherent in her "highborn kinsmen" who "came and bore her away," and he remains dependent upon her memory. While the narrator of the poem "Ulalume" suffers from an unconscious need to grieve and to return to Ulalume's grave, the narrator of "Annabel Lee" chooses ironically to lie down and sleep next to a woman who is herself lying down by the sea.

The name "Annabel Lee" continues the pattern of a number of Poe's names for his dead women in that it contains the lulling but melancholy "L" sound. Furthermore, "Annabel Lee" has a peaceful, musical rhythm which reflects the overall musicality of the poem, which makes heavy use of the refrain phrases "in this kingdom by the sea" and "of the beautiful Annabel Lee," as well as of the repetition of other words. In particular, although the poem's stanzas have a somewhat irregular length and structure, the rhyme scheme continually emphasizes the three words "me," "Lee," and "sea," enforcing the linked nature of these concepts within the poem while giving the poem a song-like sound.

Poe’s Poetry Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for Poe’s Poetry is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

1. In the context of this poem, can we control our fate? What does the narrator in the poem think about his fate and life in general? Is this a valid perspective? Cite evidence from this text, your own experience, and other literature, art, or history in

Poem title, please?

What is the narrator doing?

The unnamed narrator is wearily perusing an old book one bleak December night when he hears a tapping at the door to his room.

in line 4, science is seen as a vulture because ....... A) it hunts diana in the skies B) it preys on the Hamadryad C) it preys on the poet's creative imagination D) it hunts down scientific facts

C) it preys on the poet's creative imagination

Study Guide for Poe’s Poetry

Poe's Poetry study guide contains a biography of Edgar Poe, literature essays, a complete e-text, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• About Poe's Poetry
• Poe's Poetry Summary
• The Raven Video
• Character List

Essays for Poe’s Poetry

Poe's Poetry essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of Poe's Poetry by Edgar Allan Poe.

• The Role of Confession in Poe's Poetry
• Two Poets, One Poetic Vision: The Edgar Allan Poe/Thomas Hardy Alliance
• Poe's Pointers for Perfection
• Death and Creation in Poe's "Ligeia"
• Lost in a Dream

Lesson Plan for Poe’s Poetry

• About the Author
• Study Objectives
• Common Core Standards
• Introduction to Poe's Poetry
• Relationship to Other Books
• Bringing in Technology
• Notes to the Teacher
• Related Links
• Poe's Poetry Bibliography

E-Text of Poe’s Poetry

Poe's Poetry e-text contains the full texts of select works of Poe's Poetry.

• Table of Contents
• Poems of Later Life: The Raven
• Poems of Later Life: The Bells

Wikipedia Entries for Poe’s Poetry

• Introduction

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• How to write a literary analysis essay | A step-by-step guide

How to Write a Literary Analysis Essay | A Step-by-Step Guide

Published on January 30, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on August 14, 2023.

Literary analysis means closely studying a text, interpreting its meanings, and exploring why the author made certain choices. It can be applied to novels, short stories, plays, poems, or any other form of literary writing.

A literary analysis essay is not a rhetorical analysis , nor is it just a summary of the plot or a book review. Instead, it is a type of argumentative essay where you need to analyze elements such as the language, perspective, and structure of the text, and explain how the author uses literary devices to create effects and convey ideas.

Before beginning a literary analysis essay, it’s essential to carefully read the text and c ome up with a thesis statement to keep your essay focused. As you write, follow the standard structure of an academic essay :

• An introduction that tells the reader what your essay will focus on.
• A main body, divided into paragraphs , that builds an argument using evidence from the text.
• A conclusion that clearly states the main point that you have shown with your analysis.

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Table of contents

Step 1: reading the text and identifying literary devices, step 2: coming up with a thesis, step 3: writing a title and introduction, step 4: writing the body of the essay, step 5: writing a conclusion, other interesting articles.

The first step is to carefully read the text(s) and take initial notes. As you read, pay attention to the things that are most intriguing, surprising, or even confusing in the writing—these are things you can dig into in your analysis.

Your goal in literary analysis is not simply to explain the events described in the text, but to analyze the writing itself and discuss how the text works on a deeper level. Primarily, you’re looking out for literary devices —textual elements that writers use to convey meaning and create effects. If you’re comparing and contrasting multiple texts, you can also look for connections between different texts.

To get started with your analysis, there are several key areas that you can focus on. As you analyze each aspect of the text, try to think about how they all relate to each other. You can use highlights or notes to keep track of important passages and quotes.

Language choices

Consider what style of language the author uses. Are the sentences short and simple or more complex and poetic?

What word choices stand out as interesting or unusual? Are words used figuratively to mean something other than their literal definition? Figurative language includes things like metaphor (e.g. “her eyes were oceans”) and simile (e.g. “her eyes were like oceans”).

Also keep an eye out for imagery in the text—recurring images that create a certain atmosphere or symbolize something important. Remember that language is used in literary texts to say more than it means on the surface.

Narrative voice

Ask yourself:

• Who is telling the story?
• How are they telling it?

Is it a first-person narrator (“I”) who is personally involved in the story, or a third-person narrator who tells us about the characters from a distance?

Consider the narrator’s perspective . Is the narrator omniscient (where they know everything about all the characters and events), or do they only have partial knowledge? Are they an unreliable narrator who we are not supposed to take at face value? Authors often hint that their narrator might be giving us a distorted or dishonest version of events.

The tone of the text is also worth considering. Is the story intended to be comic, tragic, or something else? Are usually serious topics treated as funny, or vice versa ? Is the story realistic or fantastical (or somewhere in between)?

Consider how the text is structured, and how the structure relates to the story being told.

• Novels are often divided into chapters and parts.
• Poems are divided into lines, stanzas, and sometime cantos.
• Plays are divided into scenes and acts.

Think about why the author chose to divide the different parts of the text in the way they did.

There are also less formal structural elements to take into account. Does the story unfold in chronological order, or does it jump back and forth in time? Does it begin in medias res —in the middle of the action? Does the plot advance towards a clearly defined climax?

With poetry, consider how the rhyme and meter shape your understanding of the text and your impression of the tone. Try reading the poem aloud to get a sense of this.

In a play, you might consider how relationships between characters are built up through different scenes, and how the setting relates to the action. Watch out for  dramatic irony , where the audience knows some detail that the characters don’t, creating a double meaning in their words, thoughts, or actions.

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Your thesis in a literary analysis essay is the point you want to make about the text. It’s the core argument that gives your essay direction and prevents it from just being a collection of random observations about a text.

If you’re given a prompt for your essay, your thesis must answer or relate to the prompt. For example:

Essay question example

Is Franz Kafka’s “Before the Law” a religious parable?

Your thesis statement should be an answer to this question—not a simple yes or no, but a statement of why this is or isn’t the case:

Thesis statement example

Franz Kafka’s “Before the Law” is not a religious parable, but a story about bureaucratic alienation.

Sometimes you’ll be given freedom to choose your own topic; in this case, you’ll have to come up with an original thesis. Consider what stood out to you in the text; ask yourself questions about the elements that interested you, and consider how you might answer them.

Your thesis should be something arguable—that is, something that you think is true about the text, but which is not a simple matter of fact. It must be complex enough to develop through evidence and arguments across the course of your essay.

Say you’re analyzing the novel Frankenstein . You could start by asking yourself:

Your initial answer might be a surface-level description:

The character Frankenstein is portrayed negatively in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein .

However, this statement is too simple to be an interesting thesis. After reading the text and analyzing its narrative voice and structure, you can develop the answer into a more nuanced and arguable thesis statement:

Mary Shelley uses shifting narrative perspectives to portray Frankenstein in an increasingly negative light as the novel goes on. While he initially appears to be a naive but sympathetic idealist, after the creature’s narrative Frankenstein begins to resemble—even in his own telling—the thoughtlessly cruel figure the creature represents him as.

Remember that you can revise your thesis statement throughout the writing process , so it doesn’t need to be perfectly formulated at this stage. The aim is to keep you focused as you analyze the text.

Finding textual evidence

To support your thesis statement, your essay will build an argument using textual evidence —specific parts of the text that demonstrate your point. This evidence is quoted and analyzed throughout your essay to explain your argument to the reader.

It can be useful to comb through the text in search of relevant quotations before you start writing. You might not end up using everything you find, and you may have to return to the text for more evidence as you write, but collecting textual evidence from the beginning will help you to structure your arguments and assess whether they’re convincing.

To start your literary analysis paper, you’ll need two things: a good title, and an introduction.

Your title should clearly indicate what your analysis will focus on. It usually contains the name of the author and text(s) you’re analyzing. Keep it as concise and engaging as possible.

A common approach to the title is to use a relevant quote from the text, followed by a colon and then the rest of your title.

If you struggle to come up with a good title at first, don’t worry—this will be easier once you’ve begun writing the essay and have a better sense of your arguments.

“Fearful symmetry” : The violence of creation in William Blake’s “The Tyger”

The introduction

The essay introduction provides a quick overview of where your argument is going. It should include your thesis statement and a summary of the essay’s structure.

A typical structure for an introduction is to begin with a general statement about the text and author, using this to lead into your thesis statement. You might refer to a commonly held idea about the text and show how your thesis will contradict it, or zoom in on a particular device you intend to focus on.

Then you can end with a brief indication of what’s coming up in the main body of the essay. This is called signposting. It will be more elaborate in longer essays, but in a short five-paragraph essay structure, it shouldn’t be more than one sentence.

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is often read as a crude cautionary tale about the dangers of scientific advancement unrestrained by ethical considerations. In this reading, protagonist Victor Frankenstein is a stable representation of the callous ambition of modern science throughout the novel. This essay, however, argues that far from providing a stable image of the character, Shelley uses shifting narrative perspectives to portray Frankenstein in an increasingly negative light as the novel goes on. While he initially appears to be a naive but sympathetic idealist, after the creature’s narrative Frankenstein begins to resemble—even in his own telling—the thoughtlessly cruel figure the creature represents him as. This essay begins by exploring the positive portrayal of Frankenstein in the first volume, then moves on to the creature’s perception of him, and finally discusses the third volume’s narrative shift toward viewing Frankenstein as the creature views him.

Some students prefer to write the introduction later in the process, and it’s not a bad idea. After all, you’ll have a clearer idea of the overall shape of your arguments once you’ve begun writing them!

If you do write the introduction first, you should still return to it later to make sure it lines up with what you ended up writing, and edit as necessary.

The body of your essay is everything between the introduction and conclusion. It contains your arguments and the textual evidence that supports them.

Paragraph structure

A typical structure for a high school literary analysis essay consists of five paragraphs : the three paragraphs of the body, plus the introduction and conclusion.

Each paragraph in the main body should focus on one topic. In the five-paragraph model, try to divide your argument into three main areas of analysis, all linked to your thesis. Don’t try to include everything you can think of to say about the text—only analysis that drives your argument.

In longer essays, the same principle applies on a broader scale. For example, you might have two or three sections in your main body, each with multiple paragraphs. Within these sections, you still want to begin new paragraphs at logical moments—a turn in the argument or the introduction of a new idea.

Robert’s first encounter with Gil-Martin suggests something of his sinister power. Robert feels “a sort of invisible power that drew me towards him.” He identifies the moment of their meeting as “the beginning of a series of adventures which has puzzled myself, and will puzzle the world when I am no more in it” (p. 89). Gil-Martin’s “invisible power” seems to be at work even at this distance from the moment described; before continuing the story, Robert feels compelled to anticipate at length what readers will make of his narrative after his approaching death. With this interjection, Hogg emphasizes the fatal influence Gil-Martin exercises from his first appearance.

Topic sentences

To keep your points focused, it’s important to use a topic sentence at the beginning of each paragraph.

A good topic sentence allows a reader to see at a glance what the paragraph is about. It can introduce a new line of argument and connect or contrast it with the previous paragraph. Transition words like “however” or “moreover” are useful for creating smooth transitions:

… The story’s focus, therefore, is not upon the divine revelation that may be waiting beyond the door, but upon the mundane process of aging undergone by the man as he waits.

Nevertheless, the “radiance” that appears to stream from the door is typically treated as religious symbolism.

This topic sentence signals that the paragraph will address the question of religious symbolism, while the linking word “nevertheless” points out a contrast with the previous paragraph’s conclusion.

Using textual evidence

A key part of literary analysis is backing up your arguments with relevant evidence from the text. This involves introducing quotes from the text and explaining their significance to your point.

It’s important to contextualize quotes and explain why you’re using them; they should be properly introduced and analyzed, not treated as self-explanatory:

It isn’t always necessary to use a quote. Quoting is useful when you’re discussing the author’s language, but sometimes you’ll have to refer to plot points or structural elements that can’t be captured in a short quote.

In these cases, it’s more appropriate to paraphrase or summarize parts of the text—that is, to describe the relevant part in your own words:

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The conclusion of your analysis shouldn’t introduce any new quotations or arguments. Instead, it’s about wrapping up the essay. Here, you summarize your key points and try to emphasize their significance to the reader.

A good way to approach this is to briefly summarize your key arguments, and then stress the conclusion they’ve led you to, highlighting the new perspective your thesis provides on the text as a whole:

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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By tracing the depiction of Frankenstein through the novel’s three volumes, I have demonstrated how the narrative structure shifts our perception of the character. While the Frankenstein of the first volume is depicted as having innocent intentions, the second and third volumes—first in the creature’s accusatory voice, and then in his own voice—increasingly undermine him, causing him to appear alternately ridiculous and vindictive. Far from the one-dimensional villain he is often taken to be, the character of Frankenstein is compelling because of the dynamic narrative frame in which he is placed. In this frame, Frankenstein’s narrative self-presentation responds to the images of him we see from others’ perspectives. This conclusion sheds new light on the novel, foregrounding Shelley’s unique layering of narrative perspectives and its importance for the depiction of character.

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