This work is the archetypical poem of adoration. Every line of the poem is an accolade laid upon an unnamed woman by the speaker.
She walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that’s best of dark and bright;
Meet in her aspect and her eyes;
Thus mellow’d to that tender light
Which heaven to gaudy day denies. (Byron 358)
The speaker depicts both the woman’s mannerisms as well as her appearance. Saying that she walks in beauty implies that merely the way that she moves is admirable to the speaker. ”All that’s best of dark and bright; meet in her aspect and her eyes” is a reference to her physical beauty.
A mind at peace with all below,
A heart whose love is innocent!
The speaker expresses admiration for the woman beyond what is visible. He says he is in love with her mind and intentions. It is my personal belief that this is the most rational and lasting of romances; when the attraction goes beyond the physical to the reverence of the other’s thoughts and ideals, the relationship is meaningful.
Ross,
I just noticed that all of these posts were put up after the deadline of midnight on June 27. I had already responded to the first four before I noticed the problem, so I will accept them and give you a grade for them. I cannot give you credit for any more, though, that come in later. With this post, you will have a total of five for the assignment.
I think this poem is the best expression of love. When you love someone, you love everything about them. You love their thoughts and ambitions, the things they do, the way they look , and even the good the bad. Whoever she is, Byron definitely loves her.
Debbie I agree with you her that when you love someone you love everything about them. The speaker does a good job explaining how her physical beauty mirrors her inner beauty.