Why is Oenone in a Sad Mood?
Oenone is a notable literary work by Alfred Lord Tennyson. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, to various questions of Oenone.
Answer
Why is Oenone in a sad mood?
“Oenone” (1829) by Alfred Lord Tennyson (1809-1892) is a heart-touching poem. The poem is about a nymph named Oenone. She is heartbroken and sad. She mourns the loss of her love, Paris. He has betrayed her. Tennyson beautifully captures her sorrow and despair in this emotional poem. Here are the main reasons why Oenone is so sad:
Paris’s Betrayal: Oenone is heartbroken because Paris, whom she deeply loved, abandoned her. Paris was once her close companion and lover. He left her for another woman, Helen of Sparta. Paris is convinced by the Goddess Aphrodite. Oenone remembers Paris’s betrayal with great pain. She expresses her grief in such a way,
Beautiful Paris, evil-hearted Paris.
Unfulfilled Love: Oenone’s love for Paris remains unfulfilled. This causes her immense grief. She expresses her sorrow. She hopes for the love they once shared, now lost forever. Her heart is breaking from the pain of loving someone who no longer loves her back:
My eyes are full of tears, my heart of love,
My heart is breaking, and my eyes are dim.
Feelings of Rejection: Oenone feels deeply rejected. She questions her own worth. She compares herself to Helen. She wonders why Paris found Helen more desirable and beautiful than her. This sense of inadequacy adds to her sadness:
Yet, mother Ida, harken ere I die.
Fairest—why fairest wife? am I not fair?
Oenone’s sadness in Tennyson’s poem is a significant portrayal of the pain of betrayal, unfulfilled love, and rejection. Her heartache is a timeless reflection of the deep emotional wounds that love and loss can impose. Thus, Tennyson beautifully captures her sorrow.