Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

“Aurora" was written by William Alexander, who was a Scottish poet and essayist, in the 17th century. William Alexander had several titles throughout his life. He was a Scottish courtier, poet, and statesman, and served as Secretary of State for Scotland under King James VI and I. He was also created Earl of Stirling by King Charles I in 1633.The poem was first published in 1637 as part of a collection of his works titled "Aurora, with the Prince's Oration to his Lady".

The poem is an allegory that describes the dawn of a new day and the awakening of the natural world, using the figure of Aurora, the Roman goddess of dawn, as a symbol. It is considered one of Alexander's most famous and influential works. The poem explores themes of longing, desire, and the pain of separation. The speaker expresses envy for Tithon's eternal life and desires a similar state of happiness. The poem incorporates references to Greek mythology, mentioning Jove, Tithon, and Memnon, to enhance the imagery and evoke a sense of timeless beauty and longing.

The poem consists of four rhymed couplets with the rhyme scheme AABBCCDD. The meter of the poem is primarily iambic, with alternating lines of tetrameter (four feet) and trimeter (three feet)..

The poem explores themes of longing, desire, and the pain of separation. The speaker expresses envy for Tithon's eternal life and desires a similar state of happiness. The poem incorporates references to Greek mythology, mentioning Jove, Tithon, and Memnon, to enhance the imagery and evoke a sense of timeless beauty and longing.

Overall, "Aurora" is a contemplative poem that explores themes of desire, longing, and the complexities of human emotions in the context of mythological imagery and nature's beauty.