Poem Analysis #2

"SHE WALKS IN BEAUTY" by Lord Byron

Lord Byron, whose full name was George Gordon Byron, was a prominent British poet and leading figure in the Romantic movement of the early 19th century. He was born on January 22, 1788, and died on April 19, 1824. Byron's works often explore themes of love, nature, beauty, and the complexities of human emotions.
Byron wrote "She Walks in Beauty" in 1814 when he was 26 years old. The poem was inspired by his admiration for Mrs. Anne Beatrix Wilmot, whom he saw at a ball in London. Mrs. Wilmot was dressed in black, which contrasted with her fair skin and dark hair, and Byron was struck by her beauty. The poem is essentially a lyrical expression of his awe and appreciation for her appearance.

She Walks in Beauty" by Lord Byron is a beautiful and famous lyric poem that reflects Byron's admiration for a woman's beauty and explores the theme of the contrast between light and darkness, inner and outer beauty.

The poem consists of three stanzas, each with six lines (a sestet), and follows an ABABAB rhyme scheme. Byron uses rich imagery and evocative language to convey his fascination with the woman's appearance.

In the first stanza, Byron sets the scene by describing the woman's physical appearance. He emphasizes her beauty by contrasting her dark hair and bright face, which together create a striking and harmonious effect ("She walks in beauty, like the night / Of cloudless climes and starry skies"). This comparison of light and darkness continues throughout the poem, reflecting the idea of a perfect balance and harmony in her appearance.

The second stanza delves deeper into the nature of her beauty. Byron focuses on her gentle and calm demeanor, suggesting that her outward appearance reflects her inner goodness and purity ("And all that's best of dark and bright / Meet in her aspect and her eyes"). The use of imagery related to light and darkness continues to highlight the woman's captivating presence.
In the final stanza, Byron describes how this woman's beauty affects those around her. He suggests that her beauty is not just skin deep but also reflects her virtues and grace ("Where thoughts serenely sweet express, / How pure, how dear their dwelling-place"). The poem concludes with a sense of admiration and awe for the woman's beauty and character.

"She Walks in Beauty" is a classic example of Romantic poetry, where the poet celebrates beauty as a manifestation of inner grace and virtue. Byron's use of imagery and symbolism creates a vivid picture of the woman's loveliness and leaves a lasting impression of her charm and elegance.