Henry and Emma Poem Analysis
"Henry and Emma" is a narrative poem written by the English poet Matthew Prior in 1709. The poem is based on the medieval ballad "The Nut-Brown Maid," which was published in Richard Arnold's "Chronicle" around 1502. In "Henry and Emma," Prior expands upon the original story, adding depth to the characters and engaging in themes of love, loyalty, and faithfulness.
The poem is composed of 700 lines in rhyming couplets and tells the story of the eponymous lovers, Henry and Emma. At the beginning of the poem, Henry tests Emma's love by disguising himself as a poor man and claiming that her lover, Henry, is dead. He then proposes that Emma should marry him, the poor man, in order to prove her love and devotion.
Emma, stricken with grief at the news of Henry's death, remains steadfast in her love for him, even in the face of adversity. She declares her loyalty to Henry and her willingness to endure hardship for his sake. Emma's devotion and unwavering love eventually lead to the revelation that the poor man is indeed Henry in disguise.
Having successfully tested Emma's love, Henry reveals his true identity, and the couple is reunited. The poem ends with the celebration of their love and the importance of constancy and faithfulness in romantic relationships.
In "Henry and Emma," Prior effectively combines elements of romance, drama, and morality, exploring the complexities of love and devotion in the face of adversity. The poem showcases Prior's wit and talent for storytelling, as well as his ability to engage with deeper themes while maintaining a light and engaging tone.