Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The New Helen" is an extended, passionate plea to Helen of Troy, one of the most famous figures in Greek mythology, whose beauty was said to have caused the Trojan War. Oscar Wilde, known for his wit, humor, and brilliance as a writer and poet, is also known for his beautifully ornate, intense, and evocative verse.

In this poem, Wilde gives Helen a renewed life beyond the war and beyond the story of her ancient fame. He explores her potential journeys and whereabouts after the fall of Troy, speculating whether she went to the enchanted land where Calypso dwelled, or hidden within a hill with the "discrowned" Erycine. Throughout this speculation, Wilde imbues the poem with lush, vivid, and beautiful imagery characteristic of his writing.

The speaker of the poem, seemingly stricken by love and reverence for Helen, expresses a deep longing for her to stay. Despite the pain that love has caused him (making him "bowed and broken on Love's terrible wheel"), he is still willing to endure it if he could be in her temple, her presence. He pleads to Helen to stay, until the dawn comes and the shadows flee.

Toward the end of the poem, the speaker praises Helen as not being born like ordinary women. Rather, she's seen as a divine creature, born from the sea and hailed by the rise of an "immortal star." The speaker does not fear her potential to bring destruction (as she did in the Trojan War) because her beauty and presence bring light to their "darkness."

Structure: "The New Helen" by Oscar Wilde is an extended lyric poem written in iambic pentameter. It consists of 13 stanzas, each containing varying lines. The poem does not follow a strict rhyme scheme, but it does have a rhythmic flow and incorporates instances of internal rhymes and half rhymes.Throughout the poem, Wilde uses ornate and elaborate language, as well as mythological allusions and imagery, to construct a grand and passionate tribute to Helen. The poem is not structured as a typical sonnet or other forms with a strict pattern but instead relies on Wilde's vibrant language and evocative images to carry the narrative and its emotional impact.

Overall, "The New Helen" is a lavish and romantic reinterpretation of the figure of Helen of Troy, showing the profound power of beauty and love in a person's life