Eldorado
In the poem "Eldorado," the poet conveys the romantic attitude of following one's passions to the very end, even throughout all circumstances. From a realist's 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 knight's 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 l
The shadow, rather than a symbol of general ups and downs, now stands as a deep discouragement and a depressed spirit. Assonance is used with an "o" sound in the words old, bold, o'er, shadow, found, ground, looked, and Eldorado to create an atmosphere of age and depression. The last stanza shows a response from "the shade. In this case, the knight doubts the very existence of Eldorado, or paradise. The first two lines state the knight's progressed age in comparison with his original boldness. The third line of the stanza, "And o'er his heart a shadow" shows depression falling upon the knight. In reality, the shadow is symbolized with personification but also represents a reflection of the knight's own spirit and thoughts. " This allusion is especially apparent due to capitalization. The third line, "Down the Valley of the Shadow," is a direct allusion to the biblical reference, Psalms 23:4, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. The last two lines, "No spot of ground that looked like Eldorado," convey an emotion of doubt. This is emphasized through capitalization. The poet uses alliteration to emphasize an "s" sound in the words sunshine, singing, song, and search. The shade replies, "If you seek for Eldorado," telling the knight to get back to his mission. The next stanza progresses the knight's dismay to an extended level. This creates a general feeling of an upbeat rhythm.
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