Analysis of “Annabel Lee”
The poem, “Annabel Lee,” written by Edgar Allen Poe, is a tragic love-story between a man and his wife, Annabel Lee. The man recalls the memory of his desirable love between himself and Annabel Lee, and how absurdly strong their bond was. It seemed to be such a monumental love, that the seraphs of heaven envied their affection and took Annabel Lee away from the man. Even with her agonizing death, the man would never dissever his connection to her, and would prove his devotion by lying by her side, in her tomb, every single day. This poem expresses immense passion and loyalty, displaying the true affects and sacrifices of love. This poem is significant because it shows the relation between two of such grand dedication, and its dazedly morbid consequences. This poem displays many forms of poetic devices throughout its content. One example is alliteration, which is present in “The angels, not half so happy in Heaven” (21). Another device present is assonance, which creates an auditory appeal in “Chilling and killing my Annabel Lee” (26). The most common device throughout this poem though, would have to be repetition, which creates a large emphasis on the phrases “kingdom by the sea” and “beautiful Annabel Lee”. There is also another form of repetition in the line “But we loved with a love that was more than love” (9). This creates a heavy emphasis on their everlasting love, which is a common theme throughout the poem.