This poem describes a woman’s beauty and elegance that is comparable to the serenity and brightness of the night sky. The contrast of “dark and bright” elements in her appearance, perfectly harmonize to create a flawless beauty.
The poet also mentions that even a slight change in her features would diminish her beauty, which is so perfect and unexplainable that it cannot be fully captured in words.Byron further admires the woman’s sweet and serene nature, which reflects in her expression, as well as her calm and peaceful disposition. He highlights that her beauty is not just external but comes from within – a heart full of love and innocence.
LINE BY LINE ANALYSIS
She walks in beauty, like the night – The poet compares the beauty of a woman to the serene and charming beauty of the night.
Of cloudless climes and starry skies; – The poet uses the imagery of the clear sky with shining stars to describe the woman’s beauty.
And all that’s best of dark and bright – The woman’s beauty is composed of the best elements of light and dark, creating a beautiful contrast that adds to her overall charm.
Meet in her aspect and her eyes; – The combination of dark and bright elements is perfectly reflected in the woman’s appearance and her eyes.
Thus mellowed to that tender light – The woman’s beauty is gentle, delicate and soothing, like the soft light of a moonlit night.
Which heaven to gaudy day denies. – The poet believes that the woman’s beauty is far superior to the bright and gaudy beauty of the day.
One shade the more, one ray the less, – Even a small change in the woman’s features would have an impact on her beauty, which is so perfect that it cannot be improved.
Had half impaired the nameless grace – Any slight change in the woman’s appearance would diminish the unexplainable and incomparable beauty that she possesses.
Which waves in every raven tress, – The woman’s long, black hair has an enchanting wave that adds to her grace and charm.
Or softly lightens o’er her face; – The light that touches her face adds to the soft and delicate nature of her beauty.
Where thoughts serenely sweet express, – The woman’s expression reflects her peaceful and serene nature, which is gentle and sweet.
How pure, how dear their dwelling-place. – The woman’s thoughts and feelings are pure and valuable, like a precious dwelling place.
And on that cheek, and o’er that brow, – The poet admires the woman’s facial features, her cheeks, and her forehead.
So soft, so calm, yet eloquent, – The woman’s beauty is not just gentle and calm but also speaks volumes through her eloquent features.
The smiles that win, the tints that glow, – Her charming smile and the glowing colors of her face add to her beauty.
But tell of days in goodness spent, – The woman’s beauty reflects her good nature, her kindness, and her purity of heart.
A mind at peace with all below, – The woman’s inner peace is reflected in her outer appearance and demeanor, as she is at peace with the world around her.
A heart whose love is innocent! – The woman’s love is pure and innocent, which adds to the serenity of her beauty.
FORM AND STRUCTURE
This is a lyric poem consisting of three stanzas, each containing six lines.The poem’s structure is simple and consistent, which creates a musical quality and a rhythm that enhances the beauty and serenity of the poem’s language. The consistent rhyme scheme help to create a sense of balance and harmony throughout the poem.
The poem’s title is also significant, as it sets the tone and establishes the central theme of the poem, which is the celebration of a woman’s beauty. The poem’s title is repeated in the first line of the poem, which emphasizes the importance of the woman’s beauty and creates a strong opening that captures the reader’s attention.
Overall, the form and structure of “She Walks in Beauty” serve to create a musical and harmonious quality that enhances the poem’s celebration of the beauty of a woman.
THEME AND SUBJECT MATTER
The theme of “She Walks In Beauty” is an admiration of women beauty and the combination of light and dark elements that make her uniquely beautiful. The poem explores the idea that beauty is not just physical but is also a reflection of a person’s inner nature, as expressed through their thoughts, feelings, and actions.
The subject matter of the poem is a woman’s beauty and the poet’s admiration for her. The woman’s beauty is described using imagery drawn from nature, such as the clear sky with shining stars, which creates a serene and charming atmosphere. The poet also uses imagery of light and dark to describe the woman’s appearance, highlighting the contrast between the two elements that make her uniquely beautiful.
Literary Devices
- Simile:
- Line 1: “She walks in beauty, like the night” – The use of “like” in the line.
- Metaphor:
- Line 2: “Of cloudless climes and starry skies” – The woman’s beauty is compared to a clear night sky without any clouds and filled with stars. This creates a vivid image in the reader’s mind and enhances the idea of her beauty.
- Personification:
- Line 5: “Which heaven to gaudy day denies” – The idea of heaven denying the beauty of daytime is personified, making it seem like heaven has a conscious decision-making power to deny beauty during the day.
- Antithesis:
- Line 3: “And all that’s best of dark and bright” – The use of “dark and bright” creates an antithesis, highlighting the contrasting elements of the woman’s beauty and how they come together to create something unique and captivating.
- Hyperbole:
- Line 6: “Thus mellowed to that tender light” – The use of “mellowed” and “tender light” exaggerates the beauty of the woman’s appearance, making it seem even more enchanting and captivating.
