Analysis of the Poem Eldorado by Edgar Allan Poe Essay

In the poem Eldorado, the poet conveys the romantic attitude of following ones passions to the very end, even throughout all circumstances. From a realists point of view, when times become challenging or success is unlikely, it is wiser to give up and stop wasting time. A romantic, however, views the pursuit of passions and human nature as the only goal every worry or concern that lies in the way of emotional thought is only arbitrary. This poem is written in an AABCCB rhyme scheme and consists of four main stanzas, each with the repeating symbol of shadows and the legendary city of gold, Eldorado. The knight in the poem begins his journey with much enthusiasm, becomes discouraged later in life, and is then finally encouraged by his solitary inspiration his romantic desire for finding Eldorado. The introductory line, Gayly bedight, shows the knights original enthusiasm and splendor in dress. Throughout the first stanza, the knight retains his motivation in sunshine and in shadow, or in the bad times as well as the good times. Although he has already made a long journey, he is still singing a song to show his lack of discouragement. The poet uses alliteration to emphasize an s sound in the words sunshine, singing, song, and search. This creates a general feeling of an upbeat rhythm. The reader almost wants to sing the poem, rather than read it. At the end of the stanza, the phrase In search of Eldorado shows the knights continual pursuit for his vision of paradise. The second stanza continues with the ideas of shadows and Eldorado, but each of those terms take on a new twist. The first two lines state the knights progressed age in comparison with his original boldness. The third line of the stanza, And oer his heart a shadow shows depression falling upon the knight. The shadow, rather than a symbol of general ups and downs, now stands as a deep...