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The Chapel of the Thorn: A Dramatic Poem by Edwin Arlington Robinson

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The Chapel of the Thorn: A Dramatic Poem

by Sørina Higgins

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2955 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	368 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

The Chapel of the Thorn is a dramatic poem by Edwin Arlington Robinson that tells the story of a young woman named Mary who is in love with a priest named John. The poem is set in the Middle Ages, and it explores the themes of love, religion, and sacrifice.

The poem begins with Mary and John meeting in the forest. Mary is immediately smitten with John, and she confesses her love to him. However, John is a priest, and he cannot return her love. He tells her that he must remain celibate, and he urges her to forget about him.

Mary is heartbroken, but she cannot forget about John. She follows him to his chapel, and she begs him to reconsider his decision. However, John is adamant, and he tells Mary that he cannot break his vows. Mary is forced to leave, and she returns to her home.

Mary is unable to forget about John, and she eventually dies of a broken heart. John is devastated by Mary's death, and he builds a chapel in her memory. The chapel is called the Chapel of the Thorn, and it is a place where people can come to pray for forgiveness and redemption.

The Chapel of the Thorn is a powerful and moving poem that explores the themes of love, religion, and sacrifice. The poem is a reminder that love is not always easy, and that sometimes we must make sacrifices in order to follow our hearts.

The Setting

The Chapel of the Thorn is set in the Middle Ages, a time of great religious fervor and social upheaval. The poem is set in a small village, and the chapel is located in the forest just outside the village. The chapel is a simple building, but it is a place of great beauty and peace.

The Characters

The main characters in the poem are Mary and John. Mary is a young woman who is in love with John, a priest. Mary is a strong and independent woman, but she is also very vulnerable. John is a priest who is devoted to his faith. He is a kind and compassionate man, but he is also bound by his vows of celibacy.

The Themes

The main themes of the poem are love, religion, and sacrifice. The poem explores the conflict between love and religion, and the sacrifices that we must sometimes make in order to follow our hearts. The poem also explores the power of love to heal and redeem.

The Style

The Chapel of the Thorn is written in iambic pentameter, a type of poetic meter that is often used in dramatic poetry. The poem is written in a clear and concise style, and the language is both beautiful and evocative.

The Impact

The Chapel of the Thorn has been praised by critics for its beauty, its power, and its insight into the human condition. The poem has been translated into many languages, and it is still widely read and studied today.

The Chapel of the Thorn: A Dramatic Poem

by Sørina Higgins

4.6 out of 5