2. "She Walks in Beauty" by George Gordon Byron I. She walks in beauty, like the night Of cloudless climes and starry skies; And all that's best of dark and bright Meet in her aspect and her eyes: Thus mellowed to that tender light 5 Which heaven to gaudy day denies. II. One shade the more, one ray the less, Had half impaired the nameless grace Which waves in every raven tress, Or softly lightens o'er her face; 10 Where thoughts serenely sweet express How pure, how dear their dwelling place. III. And on that cheek, and o'er that brow, So soft, so calm, yet eloquent, The smiles that win, the tints that glow, 15 But tell of days in goodness spent, A mind at peace with all below, A heart whose love is innocent!
Use the poem to answer the question. Write an well-organized essay in which you discuss how the poem's meter reveals the speaker's tone toward his subject. Include textual evidence and at least three claims to support your thesis about what the meter reveals about the speaker's tone. make the essay five paragraphs in length.
In George Gordon Byron's poem "She Walks in Beauty," the speaker's tone towards his subject is revealed through the meter of the poem. The poem's meter, which is iambic tetrameter, reflects the speaker's admiration and reverence for the woman he is describing. The consistent rhythm and flow of the poem suggest a sense of stability and harmony in the speaker's emotions towards the subject.
Firstly, the use of iambic tetrameter in the poem contributes to a sense of balance and symmetry, mirroring the speaker's admiration for the woman's beauty. The regularity of the meter creates a sense of order and control, reflecting the speaker's composed and collected emotions towards the subject. For example, in lines 1-2, the iambic meter reflects the speaker's awe and wonder at the woman's beauty: "She walks in beauty, like the night / Of cloudless climes and starry skies." The steady rhythm of the meter conveys the speaker's sense of calm and serenity in the presence of the woman.
Secondly, the meter of the poem also helps emphasize the speaker's appreciation for the woman's beauty. The consistent flow of the iambic tetrameter echoes the beauty and grace of the woman being described. The gentle rhythm of the poem reflects the soft and tender light that emanates from the woman, as seen in lines 5-6: "Thus mellowed to that tender light / Which heaven to gaudy day denies." The smooth and fluid meter conveys the speaker's admiration for the woman's beauty.
Additionally, the meter of the poem contributes to the speaker's reverent and respectful tone towards the subject. The iambic tetrameter creates a sense of reverence and admiration, reflecting the speaker's deep admiration for the woman's beauty and character. The regular rhythm of the poem conveys the speaker's sincere and genuine feelings towards the woman, as seen in lines 13-15: "But tell of days in goodness spent, / A mind at peace with all below, / A heart whose love is innocent." The steady beat of the meter conveys the speaker's heartfelt appreciation for the woman's inner beauty and innocence.
In conclusion, the meter of George Gordon Byron's poem "She Walks in Beauty" reveals the speaker's tone towards his subject. The iambic tetrameter reflects the speaker's admiration, reverence, and respect for the woman's beauty and character. The rhythm and flow of the poem convey a sense of balance, harmony, and sincerity in the speaker's emotions towards the woman. Through the use of meter, the speaker's tone is revealed as one of awe, admiration, and reverence towards the subject of the poem.