Elizabeth, Edgar Allan Poe: Summary, Analysis & Themes

"Elizabeth" was written around 1829 but, like many of Poe’s early works, was never published during his lifetime. The poem was dedicated to Poe's cousin, Elizabeth Rebecca Herring, for whom he also wrote “An Acrostic” and the poem later titled “To F——s S. O——d.” "Elizabeth" contains a playful tone and presents a witty reflection on literary traditions and personal affection. Its final line emphasizes the importance of keeping what is most dear to the heart at the forefront of one’s thoughts, blending classical reference with romantic sentiment.

"Elizabeth" Poem Text by Edgar Allan Poe

Elizabeth, it surely is most fit
[Logic and common usage so commanding]
In thy own book that first thy name be writ,
Zeno and other sages notwithstanding;
And I have other reasons for so doing
Besides my innate love of contradiction;
Each poet—if a poet—in pursuing
The muses thro’ their bowers of Truth or Fiction,
Has studied very little of his part,
Read nothing, written less—in short’s a fool
Endued with neither soul, nor sense, nor art,
Being ignorant of one important rule,
Employed in even the theses of the school—
Called—I forget the heathenish Greek name
[Called anything, its meaning is the same]
“Always write first things uppermost in the heart.”

Quick Facts

Title:	Elizabeth
Author:	Edgar Allan Poe
Written:	1829
Published:	Posthumously
Dedication:	Elizabeth Rebecca Herring (Poe’s cousin)
Form:	Rhymed Poem
Notable Features:	Playful Tone, Classical Allusions

Summary of "Elizabeth"

"Elizabeth" is a humorous and affectionate poem addressed to Poe’s cousin, Elizabeth Rebecca Herring. The speaker declares that Elizabeth's name should be the first written in her own book, despite the wisdom of ancient sages like Zeno. The poem continues with a playful critique of poets who neglect their craft and concludes with a heartwarming line emphasizing the importance of placing matters of the heart above all else.

Critical Analysis of "Elizabeth"

"Elizabeth" is a light-hearted and witty poem that showcases Poe's ability to blend intellectual references with personal sentiment. The poem opens by humorously dismissing the wisdom of philosophers like Zeno in favor of the emotional truth that what is most important should be written first—namely, Elizabeth’s name. The poem reflects Poe’s playful and often contrarian personality, as he admits to an "innate love of contradiction."

The poem criticizes poets who fail to understand the depth of their craft, referring to them as "fools" who neither read nor write adequately. This playful jab underscores Poe’s belief in the importance of sincerity and emotional honesty in poetry. The final line, "Always write first things uppermost in the heart," serves as a piece of advice to both the reader and the poet—stating that true art must begin with what is most meaningful and personal.

Key Themes in "Elizabeth"

• Love and Affection: The poem expresses Poe’s affection for his cousin Elizabeth, positioning her name as central and deserving of being written first.
• Critique of Poets: Poe critiques poets who lack true understanding of their craft, suggesting that they fail to connect with the deeper emotional truths that give poetry its power.
• Importance of the Heart: The poem’s closing line emphasizes the importance of the heart in both life and art, reminding poets to prioritize what truly matters.
• Classical Allusions: The poem references Zeno and other classical figures, playfully dismissing their logic in favor of emotional truth.

Stylistic Analysis of "Elizabeth"

• Playful Tone: The poem maintains a humorous and light-hearted tone, especially in its critique of philosophers and poets, as well as Poe’s admission of his love for contradiction.
• Classical Allusions: Poe draws on figures like Zeno to add intellectual depth to the poem, but does so with a light touch, making the references feel approachable and humorous.
• Rhyme and Structure: The poem follows a consistent rhyme scheme, giving it a musical quality that complements its playful tone. The structured rhyme also emphasizes key phrases, such as the final line, which serves as the poem’s moral.
• Personal Address: The direct address to Elizabeth adds a personal and intimate quality to the poem, reinforcing the idea that poetry should come from the heart.