Ulalume

In ‘Ulalume,’ the speaker embarks on a journey through a dark and mysterious landscape haunted by memories of lost love. The poem delves into themes of grief, memory, and the human psyche’s capacity to confront past traumas.

It explores the interplay between the external world and the inner emotional state, creating a haunting and introspective atmosphere. Through vivid imagery and poetic language, Edgar Allan Poe invites readers to contemplate the depths of sorrow and the enduring power of memory.

Ulalume
Edgar Allan Poe

The skies they were ashen and sober;      The leaves they were crispéd and sere—      The leaves they were withering and sere;It was night in the lonesome October      Of my most immemorial year;It was hard by the dim lake of Auber,      In the misty mid region of Weir—It was down by the dank tarn of Auber,      In the ghoul-haunted woodland of Weir.

Here once, through an alley Titanic,      Of cypress, I roamed with my Soul—      Of cypress, with Psyche, my Soul.These were days when my heart was volcanic      As the scoriac rivers that roll—      As the lavas that restlessly rollTheir sulphurous currents down Yaanek      In the ultimate climes of the pole—That groan as they roll down Mount Yaanek      In the realms of the boreal pole.

Our talk had been serious and sober,      But our thoughts they were palsied and sere—      Our memories were treacherous and sere—For we knew not the month was October,      And we marked not the night of the year—      (Ah, night of all nights in the year!)We noted not the dim lake of Auber—      (Though once we had journeyed down here)—We remembered not the dank tarn of Auber,      Nor the ghoul-haunted woodland of Weir.

And now, as the night was senescent      And star-dials pointed to morn—      As the star-dials hinted of morn—At the end of our path a liquescent      And nebulous lustre was born,Out of which a miraculous crescent      Arose with a duplicate horn—Astarte's bediamonded crescent      Distinct with its duplicate horn.

And I said—"She is warmer than Dian:      She rolls through an ether of sighs—      She revels in a region of sighs:She has seen that the tears are not dry on      These cheeks, where the worm never dies,And has come past the stars of the Lion      To point us the path to the skies—      To the Lethean peace of the skies—Come up, in despite of the Lion,      To shine on us with her bright eyes—Come up through the lair of the Lion,      With love in her luminous eyes."

But Psyche, uplifting her finger,      Said—"Sadly this star I mistrust—      Her pallor I strangely mistrust:—Oh, hasten! oh, let us not linger!      Oh, fly!—let us fly!—for we must."In terror she spoke, letting sink her      Wings till they trailed in the dust—In agony sobbed, letting sink her      Plumes till they trailed in the dust—      Till they sorrowfully trailed in the dust.

I replied—"This is nothing but dreaming:      Let us on by this tremulous light!      Let us bathe in this crystalline light!Its Sybilic splendor is beaming      With Hope and in Beauty to-night:—      See!—it flickers up the sky through the night!Ah, we safely may trust to its gleaming,      And be sure it will lead us aright—We safely may trust to a gleaming      That cannot but guide us aright,      Since it flickers up to Heaven through the night."

Thus I pacified Psyche and kissed her,      And tempted her out of her gloom—      And conquered her scruples and gloom:And we passed to the end of the vista,      But were stopped by the door of a tomb—      By the door of a legended tomb;And I said—"What is written, sweet sister,      On the door of this legended tomb?"      She replied—"Ulalume—Ulalume—      'Tis the vault of thy lost Ulalume!"

Then my heart it grew ashen and sober      As the leaves that were crispèd and sere—      As the leaves that were withering and sere,And I cried—"It was surely October      On this very night of last year      That I journeyed—I journeyed down here—      That I brought a dread burden down here—      On this night of all nights in the year,      Oh, what demon has tempted me here?Well I know, now, this dim lake of Auber—      This misty mid region of Weir—Well I know, now, this dank tarn of Auber—      In the ghoul-haunted woodland of Weir."

Said we, then—the two, then—"Ah, can it      Have been that the woodlandish ghouls—      The pitiful, the merciful ghouls—To bar up our way and to ban it      From the secret that lies in these wolds—      From the thing that lies hidden in these wolds—Had drawn up the spectre of a planet      From the limbo of lunary souls—This sinfully scintillant planet      From the Hell of the planetary souls?"

Summary

‘Ulalume’ by Edgar Allan Poe is a poem that captures the eerie atmosphere of a lonesome October night.

The speaker describes the desolate surroundings, with ashen skies, crisp and withering leaves, and misty lakes and woodlands. The speaker reminisces about wandering with their soul and psyche through a cypress alley during a time when his heart was volatile like the scoriac rivers and lava flows.

Although engaged in serious conversation, their thoughts are withered and treacherous, and they fail to realize it is October, a significant night of the year. Suddenly, as the night approaches dawn, a mysterious light emerges, forming a crescent shape. The speaker believes it to be Astarte, a goddess warmer than the moon, guiding them to heavenly peace, shining with love in her eyes. However, Psyche expresses mistrust and urges them to flee, as terror overcomes her.

Trying to reassure Psyche, the speaker interprets the light as a sign of hope and beauty, flickering through the night, urging them to follow it. They manage to pacify Psyche, and they continue their journey until they reach a tomb with the word ‘Ulalume’ written on it. The speaker’s heart grows somber as they recall bringing a dreadful burden to this place on the same night of the previous year, blaming a tempting demon.

In fear, they contemplate whether woodland ghouls have barred their path to protect a secret hidden in the surrounding hills—a sinful planet brought from the depths of lunar souls. The poem ends with the lingering question of the origin and purpose of the mysterious tomb and the haunting presence of Ulalume, leaving a sense of darkness and unresolved mystery.

Structure and Form

‘Ulalume’ by Edgar Allan Poe is structured in ten stanzas, each consisting of eight lines. However, the number of lines per stanza varies throughout the poem, which contributes to its irregular form. The poem does not adhere to a consistent metrical pattern, and its lines vary in length and rhythm.

In terms of rhyme scheme, ‘Ulalume’ exhibits a complex and unique pattern. The first stanza sets the tone with its ABBABABAB rhyme scheme, but as the poem progresses, the rhyme scheme becomes more intricate. The second and third stanzas exhibit an ABBABBABAB rhyme scheme, while the fourth stanza reverts to the ABBABABAB rhyme pattern of the first stanza. These shifting rhyme schemes continue throughout the poem, with each stanza introducing a new variation.

This fluctuating rhyme scheme mirrors the disjointed and mysterious nature of the poem’s content. It adds to the sense of unease and uncertainty that permeates the narrative. The irregular structure and varying rhyme schemes enhance the poem’s overall atmosphere of disorientation and darkness.

Poe’s deliberate departure from a consistent form serves to create a sense of unpredictability and instability. The changing rhyme schemes and irregular stanza lengths contribute to the poem’s haunting and unsettling tone. By defying traditional poetic structures, Poe enhances the overall effect of the poem, immersing the reader in a disorienting and enigmatic experience.

Themes

In ‘Ulalume’ Edgar Allan Poe addresses several distinct themes that contribute to the overall tone and atmosphere of the poem. These themes include the passage of time, grief and loss, the power of memory, and the mysterious nature of the human psyche.

The theme of the passage of time is evident as the speaker reflects on the passing of a year since their previous visit to the haunted woodland. They lament the fact that they journeyed to the same location on the same night, haunted by a burden from the past.

Grief and loss are central themes in the poem, as the speaker mourns the loss of their beloved Ulalume. They describe their heart growing ashen and sober, mirroring the withered and sere leaves, symbolizing the decay and melancholy associated with loss.

Memory and its treacherous nature is another theme explored in ‘Ulalume.’ The speaker and Psyche have forgotten the significance of the night and the location, highlighting the fallibility of human memory and the inability to fully grasp past experiences.

The poem also delves into the mysterious depths of the human psyche. The speaker’s soul and Psyche are personified, engaging in serious and sober conversation while their thoughts remain withered and palsied. This dichotomy reflects the complexities and contradictions within the human mind.

Poe’s use of vivid imagery and symbolic language helps convey these themes. Examples include the ashen skies, withering leaves, and misty lakes that emphasize the passage of time and the somber atmosphere. The mention of the tomb and the word ‘Ulalume’ evokes the haunting presence of loss and grief.

These themes are conveyed through evocative imagery and symbolic language, reflecting the somber and enigmatic tone of the poem.

Poetic Techniques and Figurative Language

In ‘Ulalume’ Edgar Allan Poe employs a variety of poetic techniques and figurative language to convey his message and create a haunting atmosphere. These techniques include alliteration, imagery, personification, and symbolism.

• Alliteration: This is used to create a musical quality and enhance the poem’s rhythm. Examples include “skies they were ashen and sober” and “groan as they roll down Mount Yaanek.” These repeated sounds add emphasis and contribute to the overall tone.
• Imagery: This technique plays a crucial role in painting vivid pictures in the reader’s mind. Poe’s descriptions of the ashen skies, withering leaves, misty lakes, and ghoul-haunted woodlands create a sense of desolation and unease.
• Personification: Allan Poe employs this technique to give human qualities to abstract entities. The speaker’s soul and Psyche are personified, engaging in serious conversation while their thoughts are described as palsied and treacherous. This personification highlights the inner turmoil and conflict within the human psyche.
• Symbolism: This is prevalent throughout the poem, enriching its meaning. The cypress trees symbolize mourning and grief, while the dim lake of Auber and the dank tarn of Auber represent mysterious and foreboding settings. The word ‘Ulalume’ written on the tomb symbolizes loss and remembrance.
• Repetition: Poe also uses repetition to emphasize certain words and phrases, such as “It was night in the lonesome October” and “Oh, what demon has tempted me here?” These repetitions create a sense of obsession and reinforce the poem’s themes.

Detailed Analysis

Stanza One

The skies they were ashen and sober;

      The leaves they were crispéd and sere—

      The leaves they were withering and sere;

It was night in the lonesome October

      Of my most immemorial year;

It was hard by the dim lake of Auber,

      In the misty mid region of Weir—

It was down by the dank tarn of Auber,

      In the ghoul-haunted woodland of Weir.

In the first stanza of ‘Ulalume,’ Edgar Allan Poe sets the stage for the eerie and melancholic tone that permeates the entire poem. Through vivid descriptions and careful word choices, Poe creates a haunting atmosphere that mirrors the speaker’s state of mind.

The stanza begins with the imagery of ashen and sober skies, suggesting a somber and desolate setting. The use of the word “ashen” evokes a sense of lifelessness and decay, while “sober” implies a lack of vibrancy or joy. This description immediately establishes a melancholic mood.

Poe continues to paint a picture of autumnal decay by focusing on the leaves. They are described as “crispéd and sere,” emphasizing their withered and dried state. The repetition of the word “sere” reinforces the idea of lifelessness and hints at the approaching end of the natural cycle.

The mention of “night in the lonesome October” intensifies the sense of isolation and loneliness. The choice of the word “lonesome” evokes a feeling of emptiness and solitude, setting the stage for a solitary journey or reflection.

The specific mention of “my most immemorial year” suggests a personal significance to this particular October night. It implies a profound connection to the past, perhaps hinting at memories or events associated with this time of year that have left a lasting impact on the speaker.

The stanza also introduces specific locations: the dim lake of Auber and the misty mid region of Weir, down by the dank tarn of Auber in the ghoul-haunted woodland of Weir. These settings contribute to the eerie and supernatural ambiance of the poem. The choice of words like “dim,” “misty,” and “dank” adds to the atmosphere of mystery and foreboding.

Stanza Two

Here once, through an alley Titanic,

      Of cypress, I roamed with my Soul—

      Of cypress, with Psyche, my Soul.              

These were days when my heart was volcanic

      As the scoriac rivers that roll—

      As the lavas that restlessly roll

Their sulphurous currents down Yaanek

      In the ultimate climes of the pole—

That groan as they roll down Mount Yaanek

      In the realms of the boreal pole.

In the second stanza of ‘Ulalume,’ Edgar Allan Poe delves into the speaker’s past and describes a significant journey they undertook with their soul and Psyche. Through vivid imagery and comparisons, Poe conveys the intense emotions and turbulent state of the speaker’s heart during this particular period of time.

The stanza begins with a reference to an “alley Titanic” made of cypress trees. The use of the word “Titanic” suggests grandeur and magnificence, while the presence of cypress trees adds an element of mourning and melancholy. This setting serves as a backdrop for the speaker’s introspective journey.

The speaker reflects on a time when their heart was described as volcanic, evoking images of intense passion and emotional upheaval. Poe compares their heart to “scoriac rivers” and “lavas” that roll and restlessly flow. These comparisons emphasize the uncontrollable and fiery nature of the speaker’s emotions, highlighting their inner turmoil.

The mention of “Yaanek” and “the ultimate climes of the pole” adds a sense of remoteness and inaccessibility to the scene. It conjures an image of a faraway and desolate place, enhancing the feeling of isolation and intensity experienced by the speaker.

The stanza ends with the mention of Mount Yaanek and the realms of the boreal pole. This imagery further emphasizes the speaker’s intense emotions, describing them as groaning like the rolling rivers down the mountain. The boreal pole, associated with coldness and darkness, suggests a juxtaposition between the speaker’s inner turmoil and the external world.

This second stanza explores the speaker’s past experiences and the profound emotional state they once inhabited. Through vivid comparisons and descriptions, Poe conveys the magnitude of the speaker’s feelings, painting a picture of intense passion and inner struggle. This stanza sets the stage for the contrast between the speaker’s present somber mood and the turbulent emotions of their past, further enhancing the atmosphere of melancholy and introspection in the poem.

Stanza Three

Our talk had been serious and sober,

      But our thoughts they were palsied and sere—

      Our memories were treacherous and sere—

For we knew not the month was October,

      And we marked not the night of the year—

      (Ah, night of all nights in the year!)

We noted not the dim lake of Auber—

      (Though once we had journeyed down here)—

We remembered not the dank tarn of Auber,

      Nor the ghoul-haunted woodland of Weir. 

In the third stanza of ‘Ulalume,’ Edgar Allan Poe delves into the disconnect between the speaker’s outward demeanor and their internal state. The stanza explores themes of memory, perception, and the fragility of the human mind.

The stanza begins by contrasting the serious and sober nature of the speaker’s conversation with the palsied and sere state of their thoughts. This contrast reveals a dissonance between the external appearance and the internal reality. While the conversation may have been serious, the speaker’s thoughts are described as withered and lifeless, indicating a lack of vibrancy and vitality within their minds.

The mention of treacherous and sere memories further emphasizes the theme of fragility and unreliability. The speaker’s memories are portrayed as untrustworthy, suggesting a potential distortion of past events. This introduces an element of uncertainty and hints at the malleability of human recollection.

The stanza then highlights the speaker’s lack of awareness regarding the significance of the month being October and the particular night of the year. The repetition of the phrase “Ah, night of all nights in the year!” emphasizes the importance of this particular night and the speaker’s obliviousness to its significance. This lack of awareness contributes to the overall sense of disconnection and confusion.

Additionally, the speaker and their companion fail to take note of the dim lake of Auber and the dank tarn of Auber, despite having journeyed to this place before. This inability to remember or recognize the familiar surroundings reinforces the theme of memory’s treachery and the notion that the speaker’s perception may be distorted or compromised.

The third stanza aims at exploring the fragility of memory, the disconnect between internal and external states, and the lack of awareness or recognition. Through these themes, Edgar Allan Poe invites readers to contemplate the reliability of their own perceptions and the potential distortions that can occur within the human mind.

Stanza Four

And now, as the night was senescent 

      And star-dials pointed to morn—

      As the star-dials hinted of morn—

At the end of our path a liquescent

      And nebulous lustre was born,

Out of which a miraculous crescent

      Arose with a duplicate horn—

Astarte’s bediamonded crescent

      Distinct with its duplicate horn.

In the fourth stanza of ‘Ulalume’ Edgar Allan Poe introduces a mystical and celestial element to the poem. Through vivid imagery and symbolic language, Poe conveys a sense of transformation and the emergence of a mysterious presence.

The stanza begins with the description of the night being “senescent,” indicating that it is nearing its end and transitioning toward the dawn. The use of the word “senescent” suggests an aging or decaying quality, adding to the overall melancholic atmosphere of the poem.

Poe introduces the concept of “star-dials” that point to the approaching morning. This phrase creates a sense of time and celestial alignment as if the stars themselves are indicating the passing of the night. The repetition of the phrase “star-dials hinted of morn” emphasizes the imminent arrival of a new day.

At the end of the speaker’s path, a “liquescent and nebulous lustre” emerges. The use of “liquescent” suggests a liquid or fluid quality, while “nebulous” refers to something hazy or indistinct. This description conveys a sense of ethereality and mystery, as if something otherworldly is materializing.

Out of this mysterious glow, a “miraculous crescent” appears, adorned with a “duplicate horn.” The image of a crescent moon with a duplicate horn is symbolic and carries mythical connotations. It references the goddess Astarte, an ancient deity associated with love and fertility. The bediamonded crescent represents a celestial symbol of power and beauty.

This stanza introduces a shift in the narrative, as the emergence of the crescent moon signals a turning point in the speaker’s journey. The celestial imagery and symbolism suggest a beckoning towards a higher realm or a moment of revelation.

The gist of this stanza is to introduce a mystical element, representing a transformative moment in the poem. Through the depiction of the senescent night, the arrival of the miraculous crescent, and the symbolism of Astarte, Poe invites readers to contemplate themes of transcendence, divine intervention, and the potential for spiritual awakening within the narrative.

Stanza Five

And I said—”She is warmer than Dian:

      She rolls through an ether of sighs—

      She revels in a region of sighs:

She has seen that the tears are not dry on

      These cheeks, where the worm never dies,

And has come past the stars of the Lion

      To point us the path to the skies—

      To the Lethean peace of the skies—

Come up, in despite of the Lion,

      To shine on us with her bright eyes—

Come up through the lair of the Lion,

      With love in her luminous eyes.”

In the fifth stanza of “Ulalume,” Edgar Allan Poe presents a vivid and romanticized description of the celestial presence that has emerged. Through rich imagery and evocative language, Poe conveys a sense of longing for solace and guidance.

The stanza begins with the speaker proclaiming that the celestial entity they encounter is “warmer than Dian.” This comparison to the Roman goddess Diana, associated with the moon, suggests that this presence possesses a radiant and comforting warmth. The speaker describes how this celestial being “rolls through an ether of sighs” and “revels in a region of sighs,” indicating a connection to deep emotions and profound experiences.

The speaker believes that this celestial presence has witnessed their tears, which continue to flow without drying. This imagery emphasizes the speaker’s profound grief and the enduring pain they experience. The mention of “cheeks, where the worm never dies” adds a macabre element, suggesting a haunting and eternal sorrow.

According to the speaker, this celestial entity has come from beyond the stars of the Lion, referring to the constellation Leo. It is seen as a guiding force, pointing the way to the skies and the Lethean peace, which alludes to a state of forgetfulness and release from earthly troubles. The speaker yearns for this celestial being to rise above the obstacles represented by the Lion and shine upon them with its bright and loving eyes.

The imagery in this stanza carries a sense of yearning, hope, and a longing for solace. The celestial entity represents a source of guidance and transcendence, promising relief from the speaker’s grief and suffering. The use of romanticized language, such as “love in her luminous eyes,” adds an ethereal and enchanting quality to the portrayal of this celestial being.

The stanza highlights the speaker’s desire for transcendence and solace. It presents a celestial entity as a symbol of hope and guidance, offering a pathway toward emotional healing and peace. Through vivid imagery and poetic language, Edgar Allan Poe conveys the speaker’s yearning for a transformative experience that can elevate them from their earthly sorrow.

Stanza Six

But Psyche, uplifting her finger,

      Said—”Sadly this star I mistrust—

      Her pallor I strangely mistrust:—

Oh, hasten! oh, let us not linger!

      Oh, fly!—let us fly!—for we must.”

In terror she spoke, letting sink her

      Wings till they trailed in the dust—

In agony sobbed, letting sink her

      Plumes till they trailed in the dust—

      Till they sorrowfully trailed in the dust.

In the sixth stanza of “Ulalume,” Edgar Allan Poe introduces a sense of foreboding and fear through the dialogue between the speaker and Psyche. This stanza explores themes of intuition, fear, and the instinctual response to danger.

The stanza begins with Psyche raising her finger and expressing mistrust toward the star that has appeared. She specifically mentions mistrusting the star’s pallor, implying a sense of unease or suspicion towards its appearance. This moment highlights Psyche’s intuition, as she senses something amiss despite the initial allure of the celestial entity.

Psyche urgently implores the speaker to hasten and not linger, urging them to fly away. Her fear is evident in her desperate pleas and the repetition of the word “fly.” This sense of urgency indicates that she perceives a threat or danger associated with the celestial presence.

The physical actions described further emphasize Psyche’s terror. Her wings, once lifted in flight, now sink and trail in the dust. This image suggests a loss of power and a relinquishing of her ability to escape. Her agonized sobs intensify the emotional distress and reinforce the gravity of the situation.

The repeated mention of Psyche’s wings and plumes trailing in the dust evokes a sense of defeat and vulnerability. It symbolizes the loss of freedom as if her ability to soar and transcend the earthly realm has been compromised.

This stanza highlights the theme of instinctual response to danger. Psyche’s mistrust and fear serve as a contrast to the speaker’s earlier romanticized description of the celestial entity. It emphasizes the importance of heeding one’s intuition and recognizing potential threats, even when faced with seemingly appealing or enchanting circumstances.

This sixth stanza explores the theme of intuition and the instinctual response to danger. Through Psyche’s mistrust, fear, and desperate pleas, Edgar Allan Poe conveys a sense of impending doom and the consequences of ignoring intuitive warnings. This stanza adds a sense of suspense and heightens the overall tension in the poem, leading the reader to question the true nature of the celestial presence.

Stanza Seven

I replied—”This is nothing but dreaming:

      Let us on by this tremulous light!

      Let us bathe in this crystalline light!

Its Sybilic splendor is beaming

      With Hope and in Beauty to-night:—

      See!—it flickers up the sky through the night!

Ah, we safely may trust to its gleaming,

      And be sure it will lead us aright—

We safely may trust to a gleaming

      That cannot but guide us aright,

      Since it flickers up to Heaven through the night.”

In the seventh stanza of “Ulalume,” Edgar Allan Poe explores themes of illusion, perception, and the human capacity for self-deception. Through the dialogue between the speaker and Psyche, Poe presents contrasting perspectives on the nature of the celestial light.

The stanza begins with the speaker dismissing Psyche’s fear and skepticism. The speaker declares that what they are experiencing is nothing but a dream, suggesting a sense of detachment from reality. This perspective highlights the potential for self-deception and the human inclination to rationalize and deny unsettling truths.

The speaker encourages Psyche to continue following the “tremulous light” and to immerse themselves in its “crystalline” beauty. The choice of words such as “splendor,” “beaming,” and “flickers up” creates an alluring and enchanting description of the celestial light. The speaker attributes qualities of hope and beauty to the light, emphasizing its apparent positive nature.

The repetition of phrases like “See!—it flickers up the sky through the night!” and “We safely may trust to its gleaming” reinforces the speaker’s conviction that the light will guide them correctly. The use of emphatic language and appeals to sight (“See!”) and trust create a persuasive tone that attempts to quell Psyche’s fears and doubts.

However, this stanza also raises questions about the reliability of the speaker’s perspective. The speaker’s certainty in the light’s guidance and their dismissal of Psyche’s concerns hint at the potential for delusion or the dangers of placing blind faith in appearances.

The seventh stanza of this poem delves into the themes of illusion, perception, and self-deception. It presents a contrast between the speaker’s belief in the benevolent nature of the celestial light and Psyche’s skepticism. Edgar Allan Poe prompts readers to consider the limitations of perception and the potential pitfalls of trusting solely in surface appearances.

Stanza Eight

Thus I pacified Psyche and kissed her,

      And tempted her out of her gloom—

      And conquered her scruples and gloom:

And we passed to the end of the vista,

      But were stopped by the door of a tomb—

      By the door of a legended tomb;

And I said—”What is written, sweet sister,

      On the door of this legended tomb?”

      She replied—”Ulalume—Ulalume—

      ‘Tis the vault of thy lost Ulalume!”

In the eighth stanza of ‘Ulalume,’ Edgar Allan Poe delves into the themes of loss, grief, and the confrontation with mortality. The stanza presents a pivotal moment in the poem as the speaker and Psyche encounter the door of a tomb, leading to a confrontation with the speaker’s past and the memory of Ulalume.

The stanza begins with the speaker pacifying Psyche, kissing her, and tempting her out of her gloom. This gesture suggests an attempt to provide comfort and reassurance in the face of their shared apprehension. The speaker conquers Psyche’s scruples and gloom, implying that they overcome her doubts and fears, fostering a sense of unity and resolve.

As the speaker and Psyche proceed to the end of the vista, they are confronted by the door of a tomb. The repetition of the phrase “the door of a legended tomb” emphasizes the weight and significance of this encounter. The use of the word “legended” suggests a story or legend associated with the tomb, adding to its mystique and intrigue.

The speaker poses a question to Psyche about what is written on the door of the tomb, referring to her as “sweet sister.” This question indicates that the tomb holds personal significance for the speaker and carries the potential for a profound revelation. The use of the phrase “legended tomb” further heightens the anticipation surrounding the inscription.

Psyche’s response reveals that the tomb is the final resting place of the lost Ulalume. The repetition of her name, “Ulalume—Ulalume,” adds to the mournful and haunting quality of the revelation. This moment of recognition evokes a surge of emotions associated with loss and remembrance.

The eighth stanza emphasizes themes of grief, mortality, and the lasting impact of loss. It highlights the speaker’s confrontation with their own past and the enduring memory of Ulalume. This encounter with the tomb and the mention of Ulalume serves as a reminder of the speaker’s sorrow and introduces a note of melancholy and reflection into the narrative.

This eighth stanza of the poem deepens the exploration of themes related to loss and memory. It highlights the confrontation with mortality and the enduring pain associated with the remembrance of lost loved ones. Edgar Allan Poe prompts readers to reflect on the impact of grief and the significance of confronting the past in the journey toward emotional healing.

Stanza Nine

Then my heart it grew ashen and sober

      As the leaves that were crispèd and sere—

      As the leaves that were withering and sere,

And I cried—”It was surely October

      On this very night of last year

      That I journeyed—I journeyed down here—

      That I brought a dread burden down here—

      On this night of all nights in the year,

      Oh, what demon has tempted me here?

Well I know, now, this dim lake of Auber—

      This misty mid region of Weir—

Well I know, now, this dank tarn of Auber—

      In the ghoul-haunted woodland of Weir.”

In the ninth stanza of ‘Ulalume,’ Edgar Allan Poe further explores the themes of grief, memory, and the inescapable burden of the past. The stanza depicts the speaker’s realization of their previous journey to the same location, deepening their anguish and heightening their sense of despair.

The stanza begins with the speaker’s heart growing ashen and sober, mirroring the withered and sere leaves mentioned earlier in the poem. The use of this imagery underscores the speaker’s emotional state as their heart becomes weighed down with the weight of past sorrow and regret.

The speaker cries out, realizing that it was indeed October on the same night of the previous year when they journeyed to this location. They acknowledge the burden they carried with them during that fateful journey, expressing a deep sense of remorse and questioning what demon has led them back to this haunting place.

The repetition of phrases like “On this night of all nights in the year” emphasizes the significance of the occasion and the anguish it evokes in the speaker. The repetition also amplifies the speaker’s sense of being trapped in a cycle of despair, unable to escape the haunting memories associated with this particular night.

The stanza concludes with the speaker’s realization and recognition of the dim lake of Auber, the misty mid region of Weir, and the dank tarn of Auber in the ghoul-haunted woodland of Weir. The speaker’s familiarity with these locations serves as a reminder of their past experiences and the lingering presence of grief in their life.

This ninth stanza of ‘Ulalume’ delves into the themes of grief, remorse, and the haunting power of memory. It depicts the speaker’s profound realization of their past actions and the weight of their previous journey to this place. Edgar Allan Poe captures the inescapable nature of the past and the enduring burden it places upon the human psyche, contributing to the poem’s overall atmosphere of melancholy and introspection.

Stanza Ten

Said we, then—the two, then—”Ah, can it

      Have been that the woodlandish ghouls—

      The pitiful, the merciful ghouls—

To bar up our way and to ban it

      From the secret that lies in these wolds—

      From the thing that lies hidden in these wolds—

Had drawn up the spectre of a planet

      From the limbo of lunary souls—

This sinfully scintillant planet

      From the Hell of the planetary souls?”

In the tenth and final stanza of “Ulalume,” Edgar Allan Poe delves into the themes of mystery, the supernatural, and the human inclination to seek answers to the enigmatic aspects of life. The stanza showcases the speaker’s contemplation and speculation regarding the existence of otherworldly forces and their role in obstructing their path.

The stanza begins with the speaker and Psyche engaging in a dialogue, expressing their astonishment and questioning whether it could be possible that woodlandish ghouls—the pitiful and merciful ghouls—have intentionally blocked their way and prohibited access to the secret hidden within these wolds, or hills.

The use of the words “woodlandish ghouls” creates an eerie and macabre atmosphere, suggesting the presence of supernatural beings. The adjectives “pitiful” and “merciful” evoke a sense of sympathy or compassion from these ghouls, challenging traditional perceptions of them as purely malevolent entities.

The speaker ponders the idea that these ghouls have conjured a spectre, or ghostly apparition, of a planet. This celestial object is described as “sinfully scintillant,” implying its wicked or morally corrupt nature. The mention of the “Hell of the planetary souls” further adds to the otherworldly and sinister connotations associated with this celestial presence.

This stanza delves into the mysteries of the universe and the human desire to uncover hidden truths. The speaker contemplates whether supernatural forces are deliberately obstructing their path and concealing the secret within the wolds. It raises questions about the nature of knowledge, the role of supernatural entities, and the limits of human understanding.

The tenth stanza of ‘Ulalume’ invites readers to consider the existence of supernatural forces and the enigmatic aspects of the world. Through the speaker’s contemplation and speculation, Edgar Allan Poe highlights the human fascination with the unknown and the eternal quest for answers. The stanza adds an air of intrigue and unresolved mystery to the poem, leaving readers with a sense of lingering curiosity and the awareness of the vastness of the unexplored.

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Similar Poetry

Those who enjoyed this poem by Edgar Allan Poe may also like to explore the following other poems:

• ‘A Frosty Night‘ by Robert Graves – uses simple ideas and complex language to create a meaningful poem.
• ‘A Night Thought’ by William Wordsworth – describes a speaker’s displeasure at those among the human race who do not appreciate what fortune has given them.
• ‘A Limb Just Moved’ by Mirabai – a poem by a Hindu mystic and Bhakti saint who lived in the sixteenth century and was well-known for her incredible devotion to Krishna and to her faith.