Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Endymion" is a poem by Oscar Wilde that uses classical allusions and pastoral imagery to explore themes of love, longing, and disappointment. The poem's title is a reference to a character from Greek mythology: Endymion was a handsome shepherd or hunter who attracted the attention of Selene, the moon goddess, who cast him into eternal sleep so she could kiss him without his knowledge.

In the poem, Wilde beautifully captures the Arcadian setting using rich pastoral imagery. Arcadia is a region in Greece, often idealized in literature as a place associated with pastoral simplicity and happiness. The speaker sets the scene with a golden apple orchard, loud birds, bleating sheep, and a wild goat, presenting an idyllic setting.

The speaker's love interest is a shepherd, symbolizing innocence and simplicity. The speaker pines for their love, trusting that he will return to them. This sense of longing and anticipation is poignantly conveyed in the repeated phrase, "I know he will come back to me."

Wilde's use of the moon as a symbol in this poem is particularly noteworthy. The speaker first appeals to the rising moon to act as a "sentinel" for their lover. In many cultures, the moon is associated with femininity, intuition, and love, making it a fitting object of the speaker's plea.

In the second stanza, the speaker gives a more detailed description of the lover - his "purple shoon" (shoes), shepherd's crook, softness, and "brown and curly" hair. These details give a sense of immediacy and intimacy, heightening the speaker's sense of longing.

As the poem progresses, the tone shifts from hopeful to one of disappointment and despair. The speaker's environment begins to reflect their internal state, with the vibrant imagery of the first stanzas giving way to the darkening landscape. The speaker's appeal to the moon becomes more desperate, asking it to stand on "the top of Helice" (another reference to Greek mythology) to find their lover.

In the final stanza, the speaker's despair becomes palpable. The once vibrant Arcadia has grown silent and still, and the speaker's lover still has not returned. The moon, once addressed as a hopeful sentinel, is now accused of being false. The concluding lines reveal the speaker's realization: the moon has kept Endymion (the speaker's lover) for itself. The moon, therefore, symbolizes a rival in love, and Endymion's unfaithfulness is suggested through his involvement with the moon.

Wilde's use of poetic devices such as alliteration, repetition, imagery, and symbol enhances the themes of the poem, conveying the speaker's emotions effectively. The poem's structure and meter also contribute to the rhythm and musicality of the piece.

In conclusion, "Endymion" is a deeply evocative poem that explores themes of love, longing, and unfulfilled desires. Wilde masterfully uses mythological and pastoral imagery to capture the speaker's emotional journey from hopeful anticipation to despair and accusation, offering a poignant exploration of unrequited love.

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