Edgar Allan Poe- A Dream

For this analysis of a poem written by Edgar Allan Poe, I chose to read the poem A Dream.  There are many ways in which this poem can be used as an example for the Dark Romanticism period.  Before I further explain, I will analyze what Poe's A Dream is literally saying.  I will include the stanza, followed by my interpretation of the literal meaning.

"In visions of the dark night
        I have dreamed of joy departed-
      But a waking dream of life and light
        Hath left me broken-hearted." (Poe)



Ainsley's version: When it is dark outside, I think about happiness that has left.  I look at real life that is filled with light and makes me "broken-hearted." ...I'm honestly not sure if that is supposed to be a good thing or a bad thing based on the rest of the poem.  Edgar Allan Poe is a complicated man.  This passage shows good Dark Romanticism characteristics because of the feeling it has.  It talks about emotion, which may be good or bad, and how these emotions are effecting the author.  It also talks about dreams, and the supernatural and imagined things played a very big part in the Romanticism period.

"Ah! what is not a dream by day
        To him whose eyes are cast
      On things around him with a ray
        Turned back upon the past?" (Poe)

Ainsley's version: This is not a dream; it is real life to the man, and his eyes show that he is sorrowful(?) or some dark emotion because of something that happened to him in the past.  My guess is as good as anyones.  So far in the poem, I am getting the feeling that this is telling a story about a man who is depressed or very sad, and tends to look in the past.  Maybe there were better times then.

"That holy dream- that holy dream,
        While all the world were chiding,
      Hath cheered me as a lovely beam
        A lonely spirit guiding." (Poe)

Ainsley's version: This dream made him, a lonely, depressed being, feel happier and shed a light on him while the rest of the world was angry and scolding.  This dream must have been very important to Edgar Allan Poe.  This man was going through what the reader can assume as dreary times, but his dreams took him away from that into a much happier place. The reoccurring theme of the dream helps support the Dark Romanticism style of writing.

"What though that light, thro' storm and night,
        So trembled from afar-
      What could there be more purely bright
        In Truth's day-star?" (Poe)

Ainsley's version:  No mater how far away or dark it became, the light (shed from the dream) still shone brightly.  This could also be talking about the sun, and how the sun burns through the darkness and seems to make everything happier.  This dream or light may represent hope in this man's life when the times seemed to be at their worst.


"Edgar Allan Poe: A Dream." Poetry Lovers' Page. Web. 17 Jan. 2012.