The poem “To Helen” is a famous poem from Edgar Allan Poe. He was born on January 19, 1809, he was an American writer, poet, editor and literary critic, considered part of the American Romantic Movement. Best known for his tales of mystery. Considered the inventor of the detective-fiction genre. He was orphaned young when his mother died shortly after his father abandoned the family. Poe was adopted by John and Frances Allan, but they never formally adopted him. After the dead of Mrs. Allan his dad refused to help him, Edgar never had the success he wanted, he never got job opportunities as a poet. He married Virginia Clemm, his 13-year-old cousin. Later Edgar Allan Poe published his poem “The Raven” to instant success. His wife died of tuberculosis two years after its publication. His talent were recognized until his dead. Poe wrote a poem named “ to Helen” , his inspiration was a classmate’s mother , when he one met her in the school. Her name was Jane Stith Stanard .
She was 27 years old and she inspired Edgar to write. “ To helen” is good to read because of the (1) collection of images and (2) symbolisms he used to compare things. Some critics have a good experience in analyzing poems, and try to find a meaning for it, for example, why the author write it or who inspired them. As well, looking for the reason the poem was written. Michael Cummings, stated that in the simile “beauty is to me like, those Nicean barks of yore. ” Poe compared Helen’s beauty ( Mrs. Stanard) , to a beautiful city in the ancient time, and to small sailing vessels. Mrs. Stanard is compared to “Helen”, Poe is referring to Helen of Troy, because she was the most beautiful woman in the world. Mrs. Stanard’s beauty inspired Edgar Allan Poe to compare her beauty to beautiful things with a tone of romanticism. Cummings conclude that Poe’s has a fondness for the ancient history, because all of the knowledge and meanings he used in this writing. Symbolism is one the greatest elements in poetry.
The poem “To Helen” is full of symbols in his phrases ,this critic can read between lines, it means, he can understand part or all of the writer wanted to reflect and say at the same time. For example “thy hyacinth hair, thy classic face”. He’s admiring Helen’s face and her hair. “ Hyacinth” is a white flower, it means loveliness “I will pray for you”. This flower comes from a Greek myth; Hyacinthus was a handsome Spartan, loved by the God Apollo, he was accidentally killed when they were discussing, Apollo sad of his loss, created the hyacinth flower.
Coming back to the meanings, in the poem Poe wanted to say “lovely hair”, so that’s why, he used Hyacinth hair. The second comparison he made was the agate, in the part where he says “how statue like I see thee stand, the agate lamp within thy hand. ” `Agate are semi precious gem stones were once known as “the stone of peace and healing. Once believed to attract strength and protect from stress and energy drains. ”. So there’s the relation of agate and when Helen hold the lamp, the meaning of peace and harmony to her.
Poe fall in love with Mrs Stanard, he thought of her as the most beautiful women. In my opinion, I admired Edgar A. Poe’s work, is very amazing, how he relates things and how he compares it. His ideas and meanings in his writings are impressive; if you analyze it good they are very deep. It’s sad that many years later; people recognized his beautiful poetry, and his bright capacity as a poet. He was a very smart man, because of the words and way he interpreted his poetry.
