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Poetry Analysis of Byron's 'When We Two Parted'

Jun 17, 2025

Overview

This lecture covers four key aspects of Lord Byron's poem "When We Two Parted," focusing on how the poem's structure and language convey the suffering caused by separation from a loved one.

Poetic Structure and Rhyme Scheme

  • The poem starts with a Shakespearean sonnet rhyme scheme (ABAB CDCD EFEF), signaling a once-positive relationship.
  • The expected sonnet ending (GG rhyme) is replaced with a GH rhyme at "thy vows are all broken," highlighting emotional collapse.
  • The deviation from traditional form mirrors the speaker's emotional breakdown during separation.

Use of Accentual Verse

  • The poem uses accentual verse, with each line having the same number of stressed syllables initially.
  • Disruption in accentual verse occurs at lines 5 and 7, paralleling the speaker’s realization of the lover's indifference.
  • Irregularity in rhythm symbolizes the speaker’s emotional instability and shock from rejection.

Imagery of Death and Mourning

  • Byron uses death-related imagery, like "knell in mine ear," to liken the end of the relationship to a funeral.
  • The speaker treats the end of love as a metaphorical death, mourning as if at a funeral.
  • The imagery emphasizes the depth of loss and devastation caused by the separation.

Cyclical Structure and Enduring Grief

  • The poem’s cyclical structure is shown by repeating the line "with silence and tears" at the end and beginning.
  • This repetition reflects the speaker's inability to escape grief, creating a sense of emotional entrapment.
  • The structure reinforces the poem’s central message: the suffering from the loss of love is unending.

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Shakespearean Sonnet — A 14-line poem with a specific rhyme scheme, often associated with love.
  • Accentual Verse — Poetry where each line contains the same number of stressed syllables.
  • Knell — The sound of a bell rung slowly, especially for a funeral.
  • Cyclical Structure — A literary device where the end of a text echoes its beginning, creating a loop.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Review the poem and identify examples of structural deviation and imagery.
  • Prepare notes on how the poem's form reflects its themes for class discussion.

Full transcript