She Walks In Beauty (lord Byron) Flashcards
“She walks in beauty, like the night” b
simile - like the night - compares subject’s beauty to calmness & mystery of the night
juxtapsition ‘walk’ ‘night’ - efferotleds grace & ethereal quality
(Harmonious beauty, physical and spiritual, admiration is immediate and reverent)
“Of cloudless climes and starry skies” b
imagery evokes purity and perfection
alliteration (sibilance & consonance) - balance & clarity of her beauty, linking to natural world
[flawless beauty, appearance is harmonious and vast as universe)
“best of dark and bright/meet in her aspect and her eyes:”b
contrast of “dark and bright”- balance and duality, Beauty transcends traditional ideals
superlative ‘best’ - exceptional qualities
best of both worlds, makes the dark bright
Trochee (meet, aspect, and , eyes) - disruption of stresses emphasises importance of her presence in the world
“One shade the more, one ray the less” m
precise balance ‘shade’ ‘balance’ -underscores perfection of her appearance
parallel structure reflects harmony of physical and spiritual attributes
(even the slightest change would disrupt her ideal beauty, uniquely flawless)
“Had half impaired the nameless grace” m
“nameless grace” - sense of ineffable beauty, transcends description, unfathomable, divine
“Half impaired” - fragile perfection, beauty is delicate yet complete
(singular, indescribable charm, divine status)
“Which waves in every raven trees” m
Metaphor - raven trees - challenges traditional ideals of fair haired beauty, celebrate uniqueness
verb waves - sense of movement, physical grace, effortless elegance
contrast between raven darkness to previous lines, duality and balance
“The smiles that win, the tints that glow” e
verbs win and glow (personification) - captivating charm and natural vitality. beauty not overpowering but inviting & radiant
(Reinforces balance and allure of appearance, admiration & reverence)
“A mind at peace with all below” e
Indicates her true beauty comes from within, serene mind, untroubled by conflict or turmoil
Aura of calm
vivid imagery - harmonious, not only physical attractiveness but also intellectual tranquility
“A heart whose love is innocent!” E
imagery of “a heart” - purity and sincerity
innocence - moral virtue that complements her outward beauty
(Ends poem with confirmation that beauty is both external and internal, sense of admiration)
What is the context of “She Walks in Beauty”?
Written based of real life, his cousins wife
Byron known for passionate often scandalous poetry, more restrained and reverential tone here
‘Mad bad and dangerous to know’
Involved in many sex scandals
Romantic poet - believes in beauty in all, inside and out
How do structure and form contribute to “She Walks in Beauty”?
Structure - three sestets, regular ABABAB rhyme scheme, mirroring harmony and balance and continuous beauty
form - lyrical quality, admiration, typical in romantic poetry
What does the title “She Walks in Beauty” signify?
emphasises action and grace, subject as dynamic rather than static
‘beauty’ word is central, poems focus on admiration and perfection
beauty is inherent, effortless quality, as natural as walking
What are some possible exam questions and themes for “She Walks in Beauty”?
Harmony and balance in beauty
physical and spiritual relationship
nature as metaphor of perfection
duality and balance
