Writing Prompt 1 (Informative)
In the first two stanzas of Edgar Allan Poe's poem “Annabel Lee,” the speaker establishes the profound love he shared with Annabel Lee, suggesting a connection that transcends the boundaries of life and death. The opening stanza introduces the setting of a “kingdom by the sea,” evoking an idyllic and fairy-tale-like atmosphere. The phrase “in her kingdom by the sea” indicates both a physical and emotional distance, hinting at an old, mystical backdrop where their love flourished. Furthermore, the speaker asserts that their love was so intense that “the wind came out of the cloud by night,” suggesting that even the elements were envious of their bond.
In the second stanza, the speaker describes their love as a “love that was more than love,” emphasizing its extraordinary strength and purity. This phrase implies that their relationship transcended ordinary affection; it was an idealized love that reached towards the divine or eternal. The mention of “the angels, not half so happy in Heaven” subtly insinuates that the otherworldly beings envy the lovers, which foreshadows the tragedy to come. Through these stanzas, Poe suggests that while the lovers shared a powerful and unique love, this very intensity sets the stage for inevitable sorrow, hinting that such passionate connections may attract misfortune or loss, as seen later in the poem.
Writing Prompt 2 (Argumentative)
When comparing the tone toward love in Edgar Allan Poe's “Annabel Lee” and in the prologue of William Shakespeare's “Romeo and Juliet,” we can observe notable contrasts in how love is portrayed. In “Annabel Lee,” the tone is ultimately mournful and tragic, reflecting the loss of the beloved. The speaker reminisces about their pure love, stating it was “the love that was more than love,” and conveys a sense of profound longing and sorrow after Annabel Lee's death. Additionally, phrases such as “kingdom by the sea” evoke a bittersweet nostalgia, amplifying the sense that while their love was beautiful, it culminated in tragedy. The loss is palpable, suggesting that love leads not only to joy but also to deep heartache.
Conversely, the prologue of “Romeo and Juliet” presents love as a tumultuous force filled with both joy and despair. Here, love is described as “star-cross'd,” indicating that, while love can be enchanting, it is also fraught with fate and destiny’s cruel twists. This phrase suggests that the lovers are doomed, setting an ominous tone from the outset. Furthermore, the prologue states that the story unfolds in “fair Verona,” a place where love flourishes but is overshadowed by the feud between their families. The overall tone suggests that love is a powerful and transformative experience, capable of causing pain and strife along with happiness.
In conclusion, both passages depict love as a complex and often painful event. While “Annabel Lee” emphasizes the sorrow following the death of a beloved, suggesting that love can lead to deep heartache, the prologue of “Romeo and Juliet” captures love’s duality, encompassing both its joys and its innate risks, ultimately portraying it as a force that can lead to conflict and tragedy.
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