Emma Lazarus (1849–1887) was a prominent American poet known for her explorations of love, identity, and social justice. Her poem "Assurance" exemplifies her talent for weaving emotional depth and vivid imagery. Published in 1887, the poem delves into themes of love's transcendence and the interplay between dreams and reality.
"Assurance" Poem Text by Emma Lazarus
Last night I slept, and when I woke her kiss
Still floated on my lips. For we had strayed
Together in my dream, through some dim glade,
Where the shy moonbeams scarce dared light our bliss.
The air was dank with dew, between the trees,
The hidden glow-worms kindled and were spent.
Cheek pressed to cheek, the cool, the hot night-breeze
Mingled our hair, our breath, and came and went,
As sporting with our passion. Low and deep
Spake in mine ear her voice: “And didst thou dream,
This could be buried? This could be sleep?
And love be thrall to death! Nay, whatso seem,
Have faith, dear heart; this is the thing that is!”
Thereon I woke, and on my lips her kiss.
Summary of "Assurance"
In "Assurance", the speaker describes a dream where they and their beloved are wandering together through a secluded, moonlit forest glade. The dream is vividly depicted with the moonlight being timid and the air filled with dew. Glow-worms shine intermittently, adding to the scene's magical quality. As they share an intimate moment, the cool and warm breezes mingle with their presence. In the dream, the beloved speaks softly to the speaker, questioning whether such a beautiful experience could be merely a dream or if love could be subject to death. The beloved's voice reassures the speaker, affirming the reality and eternal nature of their love. Upon waking, the lingering kiss on the speaker's lips confirms that the affection felt in the dream is real.
Critical Analysis of "Assurance"
"Assurance" by Emma Lazarus is a profound exploration of the nature of love and its persistence beyond the realm of dreams. The poem’s setting—a dreamlike forest glade—serves as a metaphor for the depth and purity of the speaker's love. The imagery of moonlight, dew, and glow-worms creates an ethereal atmosphere that underscores the surreal quality of the dream. The dialogue within the dream, where the beloved questions whether their love could be merely an illusion or subject to death, introduces a contemplative tone. This exchange highlights the speaker's internal conflict between the ephemeral nature of dreams and the enduring reality of love. The reassurance given by the beloved—that their love transcends both dream and death—reflects the theme of love’s immortality and its power to endure despite life's challenges. The poem’s structure—its rhythmic flow and lyrical quality—mirrors the seamless transition between the dream world and waking reality, enhancing the reader’s experience of the speaker’s emotional journey. The final line, where the speaker awakens with the kiss of their beloved still on their lips, brings the poem full circle, reinforcing the tangible and enduring nature of their affection. "Assurance" employs rich sensory details and symbolic elements to convey the depth of romantic connection, emphasizing that true love is a profound and unchanging force that persists beyond the confines of dreams and death.
Key Themes in "Assurance"
- Love and Eternity: The poem suggests that true love is eternal and unchanging, transcending both the ephemeral nature of dreams and the reality of death.
- Dreams vs. Reality: The contrast between the dream state and waking life serves to highlight the poem's exploration of the nature of love and its persistence.
- Reassurance: The beloved’s voice in the dream provides comfort and affirmation, reinforcing the idea that love is a steadfast and reliable presence.
- Imagery: The use of natural imagery, such as moonlight, dew, and glow-worms, creates a vivid and magical setting that enhances the poem’s emotional impact.
Stylistic Analysis of "Assurance"
- Imagery: Lazarus’s use of detailed and evocative imagery helps to create a dreamlike atmosphere, enhancing the emotional and sensory experience of the poem.
- Symbolism: Natural elements in the poem symbolize the purity and constancy of love, contrasting with the transient nature of dreams.
- Rhythm and Flow: The poem’s rhythmic structure mirrors the fluid transition between dream and reality, contributing to its lyrical quality.
- Emotional Tone: The tone is one of reassurance and tranquility, focusing on the enduring and comforting nature of love.