Mariana in the South Poem Analysis
Glimpses of Desolation: An Analysis of "Mariana in the South"Introduction
"Mariana in the South" is a captivating poem by Alfred, Lord Tennyson, published in his 1832 collection, "Poems." This piece is a companion to Tennyson's earlier poem, "Mariana," which was inspired by a character from William Shakespeare's play "Measure for Measure." In "Mariana in the South," Tennyson transports the character of Mariana to a desolate Southern landscape, where she continues to pine for her lost love. The poem delves into themes of isolation, despair, and the passage of time, employing vivid imagery and symbolism to convey Mariana's emotional state.
Themes
Isolation and Despair: The overarching theme of "Mariana in the South" is the profound sense of isolation and despair experienced by the protagonist, Mariana. The poem portrays Mariana's suffering as she yearns for her lost love, Angelo, who has abandoned her. The stark Southern landscape, which serves as the backdrop for the poem, mirrors Mariana's desolation and intensifies her feelings of loneliness and despair.
The Passage of Time: "Mariana in the South" also contemplates the passage of time and the unrelenting nature of grief. The poem's repeated refrain, "He cometh not," underscores the relentlessness of Mariana's sorrow and the passage of time, which brings no relief from her anguish.
The Burden of Memory: The poem explores the weight of memory and the power it holds over Mariana. She is haunted by her past and the memories of her lost love, which serve to exacerbate her feelings of isolation and despair.
Imagery and Symbolism
The Southern Landscape: The desolate Southern landscape is a prominent symbol in the poem, reflecting Mariana's emotional state. The barren surroundings, with "blackest moss" and "parching leas," evoke a sense of lifelessness and decay, mirroring Mariana's feelings of hopelessness and despair.
The Poplar Tree: The poplar tree in the poem serves as a symbol of the passage of time and Mariana's unending grief. The tree's constant motion, with its leaves "shivering" and "quivering," reflects the perpetual nature of Mariana's sorrow, which continues to haunt her without respite.
The Bat and the Owl: The bat and the owl that appear in the poem represent the encroaching darkness and the weight of Mariana's despair. These creatures of the night emphasize Mariana's isolation and her inability to escape the darkness that has enveloped her life.
Structure
"Mariana in the South" is composed of seven stanzas, each containing twelve lines. The poem features a regular rhyme scheme (ABABABCCDEDE) and employs a mix of iambic tetrameter and trimeter. The structure lends the poem a sense of rhythm and flow, which contrasts with Mariana's stagnant emotional state.
The poem also utilizes a refrain that is repeated at the end of each stanza: "He cometh not, she said." This refrain serves to emphasize Mariana's despair and the unrelenting nature of her grief, as she continues to wait in vain for her lost love.
Conclusion
"Mariana in the South" is a poignant exploration of the themes of isolation, despair, and the passage of time. Through evocative imagery, powerful symbolism, and a carefully crafted structure, Tennyson captures the desolation of Mariana's existence as she languishes in her grief. The poem serves as a reminder of the power of memory and the unrelenting nature of sorrow