An Acrostic, Edgar Allan Poe: Summary, Analysis & Themes

"An Acrostic" is a 9-line unpublished poem, written around 1829 for Edgar Allan Poe’s cousin, Elizabeth Rebecca Herring. The first letter of each line spells her name, making the poem an acrostic. The poem was not published during Poe’s lifetime but was discovered by James H. Whitty and included in his 1911 anthology of Poe’s works, titled “From an Album.” It was later published in Thomas Ollive Mabbott’s definitive Collected Works of Edgar Allan Poe in 1969 under the title “An Acrostic.” The poem alludes to classical and literary figures like Endymion from Greek mythology and the poem of the same name by John Keats. It also mentions L. E. L., likely referring to Letitia Elizabeth Landon, a 19th-century English poet, and Zantippe, a misspelling of Xanthippe, the wife of Socrates.

"An Acrostic" Poem Text by Edgar Allan Poe

Elizabeth it is in vain you say
“Love not”— thou sayest it in so sweet a way:
In vain those words from thee or L. E. L.
Zantippe’s talents had enforced so well:
Ah! if that language from thy heart arise,
Breathe it less gently forth—and veil thine eyes.
Endymion, recollect, when Luna tried
To cure his love—was cured of all beside—
His folly—pride—and passion—for he died.

Quick Facts

Title:	An Acrostic
Author:	Edgar Allan Poe
Written:	Circa 1829
Published:	Posthumously in 1911 (Discovered by James H. Whitty)
Form:	Acrostic Poem
Notable Features:	Classical Allusions, Acrostic Form

Summary of "An Acrostic"

"An Acrostic" is a short poem addressed to Elizabeth Rebecca Herring, likely a close family member, as Poe spells out her first name through the first letter of each line. The poem seems to respond to her advice—"Love not"—which the speaker dismisses as impossible to follow due to the sweetness with which it is expressed. The poem draws comparisons to figures from classical mythology and literature, including Endymion, whose tragic fate serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of love and passion. The mention of Zantippe (Xanthippe, wife of Socrates) and L. E. L. (Letitia Elizabeth Landon) suggests that the speaker views love as both an intellectual and emotional challenge.

Critical Analysis of "An Acrostic"

"An Acrostic" is a playful yet thoughtful poem in which Poe uses the acrostic form to encode the name of his cousin, Elizabeth. While the poem seems lighthearted, it also touches on more profound themes of love, wisdom, and mortality. Poe incorporates literary and classical references, such as Endymion from Greek mythology and Zantippe (Xanthippe), the wife of Socrates, to add layers of meaning. The final lines about Endymion being "cured of all" through death suggest that love can lead to self-destruction when taken to extremes.

The mention of L. E. L. in the third line likely refers to Letitia Elizabeth Landon, a contemporary poet known for her romantic and melancholic themes. By referencing her alongside Zantippe, Poe implies a tension between intellectual restraint and emotional vulnerability, which are central to the speaker’s internal conflict. The acrostic structure itself adds a layer of personal intimacy, as it is a direct address to Elizabeth, who might represent not just a family member but a symbolic muse.

Key Themes in "An Acrostic"

• Love and Caution: The speaker appears to struggle with the advice to "Love not," unable to fully accept the wisdom of avoiding romantic entanglements, particularly when the advice is given so sweetly.
• Classical Allusion: Poe draws on mythological figures like Endymion and Greek philosophy (Xanthippe) to explore themes of love, passion, and wisdom.
• Intellectual and Emotional Tension: The poem suggests a conflict between reason and emotion, represented by the figures of Zantippe and Endymion. The speaker seems caught between intellectual restraint and the overwhelming power of love.
• Mortality: The final lines, which reference Endymion’s death, hint at the destructive potential of love and passion, a recurring theme in Poe's work.

Stylistic Analysis of "An Acrostic"

• Acrostic Form: The acrostic form is central to the poem, with the first letter of each line spelling out "Elizabeth." This structure adds a personal, intimate touch to the poem.
• Classical References: Poe’s allusions to Endymion, Zantippe, and possibly L. E. L. give the poem a learned tone, suggesting that the speaker is reflecting on the wisdom of love and life through the lens of literature and mythology.
• Playful Tone: Despite its themes of love and death, the poem maintains a playful and lighthearted tone, likely because of its personal nature and the acrostic form.
• Imagery and Metaphor: The poem uses imagery from mythology, such as Endymion and Luna (the moon), to explore ideas of passion and consequence, drawing a metaphorical link between love and mortality.