Introduction: “Evening Star” by Edgar Allan Poe
“Evening Star” by Edgar Allan Poe first appeared in 1827 as part of his debut poetry collection Tamerlane and Other Poems. The poem reflects Poe’s fascination with the celestial and the romantic tension between light and darkness. In it, the narrator contrasts the cold, distant beauty of the moon with the warmer, more admired glow of the Evening Star, symbolizing a preference for passion and individuality over detachment and conformity. Its rich imagery, melodic structure, and contemplative themes have made it a popular choice for literary analysis and as a textbook poem. The lines, “And more I admire / Thy distant fire, / Than that colder, lowly light,” encapsulate its central idea of valuing vibrant, heartfelt expression over frigid superficiality, a theme that resonates deeply with readers across generations.
Text: “Evening Star” by Edgar Allan Poe
‘Twas noontide of summer,
And mid-time of night;
And stars, in their orbits,
Shone pale, thro’ the light
Of the brighter, cold moon,
‘Mid planets her slaves,
Herself in the Heavens,
Her beam on the waves.
I gazed awhile
On her cold smile;
Too cold- too cold for me-
There pass’d, as a shroud,
A fleecy cloud,
And I turned away to thee,
Proud Evening Star,
In thy glory afar,
And dearer thy beam shall be;
For joy to my heart
Is the proud part
Thou bearest in Heaven at night,
And more I admire
Thy distant fire,
Than that colder, lowly light.
Annotations: “Evening Star” by Edgar Allan Poe
| Line | Annotation | Devices |
| ‘Twas noontide of summer, | The speaker sets the time, combining midday (noontide) with summer, suggesting warmth, light, and vibrancy. | Imagery (warmth and brightness), Symbolism (summer as a time of life and energy), Juxtaposition (day and night in the next line). |
| And mid-time of night; | This line blends temporal extremes, suggesting a liminal moment between light and darkness, symbolizing transition or duality. | Juxtaposition, Symbolism (contrast between day and night, light and dark). |
| And stars, in their orbits, | Refers to the natural, orderly motion of stars, evoking the vastness and harmony of the cosmos. | Imagery (celestial bodies), Personification (stars “in their orbits” suggesting intent). |
| Shone pale, thro’ the light | The stars appear dim in comparison to the overpowering brightness of the moon, symbolizing their subdued presence. | Imagery, Contrast (brightness vs. dimness), Symbolism (the struggle between lesser lights and dominant forces). |
| Of the brighter, cold moon, | Describes the moon as both dominant and “cold,” emphasizing its detachment and lack of warmth, which contrasts with the Evening Star’s later description. | Personification (the moon’s coldness), Symbolism (the moon as cold, aloof authority), Imagery (cold, pale light). |
| ‘Mid planets her slaves, | Depicts the moon as dominant over the planets, which are described as subservient or secondary. | Metaphor (planets as “slaves”), Hierarchy symbolism (suggesting control or dominance). |
| Herself in the Heavens, | Emphasizes the moon’s elevated position, both physically and metaphorically. | Alliteration (“Herself in the Heavens”), Symbolism (elevation, dominance). |
| Her beam on the waves. | The moon’s light is reflected on water, highlighting its physical impact but also suggesting emotional detachment. | Imagery (light on waves), Symbolism (light as influence without warmth). |
| I gazed awhile | The speaker’s act of observation conveys contemplation or fascination with the celestial scene. | Tone (reflective), Enjambment (leads into the next thought). |
| On her cold smile; | Describes the moon as having a “smile” that is cold and unfeeling, reinforcing the sense of detachment. | Personification (moon’s “smile”), Imagery (cold smile). |
| Too cold- too cold for me- | The speaker rejects the moon’s light for being emotionally uninviting and distant. | Repetition (“too cold”), Tone (dismissive), Contrast (emotional rejection). |
| There pass’d, as a shroud, | A cloud covers the moonlight, like a shroud covering something dead, creating a morbid tone. | Simile (“as a shroud”), Symbolism (cloud as a barrier, death imagery). |
| A fleecy cloud, | The cloud is described as soft and light, contrasting the coldness of the moon. | Imagery (fleecy cloud), Contrast (softness of cloud vs. coldness of moon). |
| And I turned away to thee, | The speaker shifts focus to the Evening Star, abandoning the moon in favor of something more emotionally resonant. | Transition (emotional and thematic), Apostrophe (addressing the Evening Star). |
| Proud Evening Star, | The Evening Star is personified as proud and noble, contrasting with the cold moon. | Personification (the star’s “pride”), Epithets (Proud Evening Star). |
| In thy glory afar, | Highlights the star’s distant brilliance, suggesting admiration despite the physical separation. | Imagery (glory, distance), Symbolism (glory as beauty and inspiration). |
| And dearer thy beam shall be; | The light of the Evening Star is described as more cherished, implying emotional warmth and personal connection. | Imagery, Symbolism (light as a cherished quality). |
| For joy to my heart | The star’s light brings emotional satisfaction, unlike the moon. | Contrast (joy vs. coldness), Symbolism (heart as a source of emotion). |
| Is the proud part | Emphasizes the star’s individuality and strength, qualities admired by the speaker. | Alliteration (“proud part”), Symbolism (pride as individuality). |
| Thou bearest in Heaven at night, | The star’s role in the night sky is celebrated, reinforcing its symbolic role as a guiding light or inspiration. | Personification (the star’s “bearing”), Imagery (Heaven at night). |
| And more I admire | The speaker’s admiration grows for the Evening Star, reinforcing the emotional contrast with the moon. | Tone (admiring, warm), Emphasis on personal preference. |
| Thy distant fire, | Describes the star’s light as fire, symbolizing passion and vitality despite its distance. | Imagery (fire as light), Metaphor (fire as passion). |
| Than that colder, lowly light. | Reiterates the rejection of the moon’s cold and uninspiring light in favor of the Evening Star’s warmth and vibrancy. | Contrast (cold moon vs. warm star), Repetition (cold imagery), Symbolism (light as emotional resonance). |
Literary And Poetic Devices: “Evening Star” by Edgar Allan Poe
| Device | Example | Explanation |
| Apostrophe | “Proud Evening Star, In thy glory afar” | The speaker directly addresses the Evening Star, a celestial object, as if it were a person, creating a personal connection. |
| Alliteration | “Proud part” | The repetition of the initial consonant sound “p” emphasizes the Evening Star’s individuality and its importance to the speaker. |
| Contrast | “Too cold—too cold for me” | The speaker contrasts the moon’s coldness with the warmth and admiration evoked by the Evening Star, reinforcing emotional themes. |
| Enjambment | “For joy to my heart / Is the proud part” | A thought flows from one line to the next without punctuation, creating a natural rhythm and encouraging the reader to continue. |
| Epithets | “Proud Evening Star” | The use of “proud” to describe the Evening Star highlights its grandeur and significance, adding depth to its characterization. |
| Hyperbole | “And stars, in their orbits, Shone pale” | The pale light of the stars is exaggerated to emphasize their dimness compared to the moon. |
| Imagery | “Her beam on the waves” | Vivid imagery of the moon’s light reflecting on water helps paint a celestial scene, appealing to the reader’s senses. |
| Juxtaposition | “Noontide of summer / And mid-time of night” | Placing “noontide” and “night” together emphasizes the paradoxical blend of light and darkness, reflecting the poem’s theme of duality. |
| Metaphor | “Than that colder, lowly light” | The moon’s light is metaphorically described as “cold” and “lowly,” symbolizing emotional detachment and lack of grandeur. |
| Mood | “Too cold—too cold for me” | The speaker’s emotional response to the moon creates a mood of detachment and dissatisfaction. |
| Personification | “On her cold smile” | The moon is personified as having a “smile,” attributing human characteristics to a celestial object to enhance its emotional resonance. |
| Repetition | “Too cold—too cold” | The repetition of “too cold” reinforces the speaker’s rejection of the moon and its emotional coldness. |
| Rhyme | “glory afar / Proud Evening Star” | The rhyming of “afar” and “Star” gives the poem a musical quality, enhancing its lyrical nature. |
| Simile | “There pass’d, as a shroud, A fleecy cloud” | The cloud is compared to a shroud, symbolizing death or concealment, adding depth to the imagery of celestial obscuration. |
| Symbolism | “Thy distant fire” | The Evening Star’s “fire” symbolizes passion, inspiration, and vitality, contrasting with the moon’s cold detachment. |
| Syntax | “And stars, in their orbits, Shone pale” | The inverted syntax draws attention to the stars and creates a rhythmic flow that enhances the poem’s musicality. |
| Theme | “And more I admire Thy distant fire” | The theme of preference for warmth, individuality, and passion over cold detachment is central to the poem. |
| Tone | “Too cold—too cold for me” | The tone shifts from dissatisfaction (with the moon) to admiration (for the Evening Star), reflecting the speaker’s emotional journey. |
| Visual Imagery | “A fleecy cloud” | The description of the cloud creates a vivid mental picture of a soft, light formation passing through the night sky. |
| Word Choice (Diction) | “Cold smile” / “Distant fire” | The choice of contrasting words like “cold” and “distant fire” enhances the emotional and thematic contrasts in the poem. |
Themes: “Evening Star” by Edgar Allan Poe
1. The Dichotomy Between Warmth and Coldness: A central theme in “Evening Star” is the contrast between warmth and coldness, symbolized by the Evening Star and the moon. The moon is described as “cold” and “lowly,” its light evoking emotional detachment and an unfeeling, lifeless demeanor: “Too cold—too cold for me.” This imagery conveys the speaker’s discomfort with the moon’s dominant but frigid presence, reflecting Poe’s preference for passion and vitality over cold, detached beauty. In contrast, the Evening Star is “dearer” to the speaker’s heart, its “distant fire” symbolizing warmth, inspiration, and emotional resonance. The juxtaposition of these celestial bodies illustrates the speaker’s yearning for vibrancy and emotional depth, making the Evening Star a more meaningful symbol of connection.
2. Admiration of Individuality and Brilliance: The poem “Evening Star” celebrates the uniqueness and pride of the Evening Star, which is depicted as “proud” and “in thy glory afar.” Unlike the moon, which dominates the night sky as a distant ruler, the Evening Star is admired for its “distant fire,” a symbol of individuality and self-contained brilliance. The speaker’s admiration of the star’s ability to shine on its own terms reflects a broader theme of valuing individuality over conformity. The star’s distant yet vibrant light contrasts with the moon’s overshadowing coldness, representing the idea that true greatness lies in standing apart rather than dominating others. This theme aligns with Poe’s larger body of work, which often explores the beauty of the unconventional and the sublime.
3. The Power of Beauty to Inspire and Console: The Evening Star’s beauty has a consoling and uplifting effect on the speaker in “Evening Star,” bringing “joy to my heart.” This theme emphasizes the transformative power of natural beauty, particularly when it resonates with personal emotions. The star’s light is described as “dearer” and “more admired” than the moon’s, suggesting that its beauty is not only visual but also emotionally significant. The poem demonstrates how beauty can inspire feelings of connection, warmth, and comfort, as opposed to the sterile, uninspiring presence of the moon. This reflects a Romantic ideal, where nature and its elements are often seen as sources of emotional solace and spiritual rejuvenation.
4. The Eternal Struggle Between Dominance and Subtlety: The moon and the Evening Star in “Evening Star” represent two opposing forces: dominance and subtlety. The moon, described as “brighter” and surrounded by planets “her slaves,” symbolizes an oppressive, overbearing authority. In contrast, the Evening Star’s light is gentle, distant, and self-sustained, suggesting a quieter but more meaningful form of influence. The speaker rejects the moon’s dominating presence and turns to the Evening Star, whose subtle radiance is “dearer” and evokes greater admiration. This theme highlights the idea that quiet resilience and understated beauty can hold greater emotional power than overt displays of dominance.
Literary Theories and “Evening Star” by Edgar Allan Poe
| Literary Theory | Application to “Evening Star” | References from the Poem |
| Romanticism | “Evening Star” reflects Romantic ideals, such as reverence for nature, emotional depth, and the sublime. The speaker finds solace and inspiration in the Evening Star, a natural element. | “And more I admire / Thy distant fire”—The admiration of the star’s beauty as a source of emotional connection. |
| Symbolism | The poem uses celestial imagery (the moon and Evening Star) as symbols of opposing qualities: the moon represents cold detachment, while the Evening Star symbolizes warmth, inspiration, and individuality. | “Than that colder, lowly light”—The moon as a symbol of uninspiring dominance; “Thy distant fire”—inspiration. |
| Psychoanalytic Criticism | The speaker’s emotional rejection of the moon and attraction to the Evening Star can be seen as a reflection of internal desires for warmth, connection, and individuality, perhaps stemming from deeper psychological needs. | “Too cold—too cold for me”—The moon evokes discomfort, reflecting an internal conflict or aversion. |
| Feminist Criticism | The moon, described as “herself in the Heavens” and surrounded by “her slaves,” represents a controlling female presence. In contrast, the Evening Star embodies independence and mutual admiration. | “Herself in the Heavens, / Her beam on the waves”—Portrays the moon as a dominant yet cold figure. |
Critical Questions about “Evening Star” by Edgar Allan Poe
1. What does the moon symbolize in the poem, and why does the speaker reject it?
In “Evening Star,” the moon symbolizes cold detachment, dominance, and unfeeling beauty. Described as “cold” and “lowly,” its light is distant and uninspiring to the speaker, evoking discomfort rather than admiration: “Too cold—too cold for me.” The moon is also portrayed as an authoritative figure, “Herself in the Heavens, / Mid planets her slaves,” suggesting an oppressive control over the night sky. Despite its brightness and prominence, the moon lacks emotional warmth and fails to resonate with the speaker. This causes the speaker to reject it in favor of the Evening Star, which represents warmth, individuality, and emotional connection. The moon’s symbolism highlights the broader Romantic themes of rejecting superficiality and seeking deeper emotional meaning.
2. Why is the Evening Star described as “proud,” and how does this reflect the poem’s themes?
In “Evening Star,” the Evening Star is described as “proud” to emphasize its individuality and self-contained brilliance. Unlike the moon, which dominates the heavens with cold detachment, the Evening Star shines independently, earning the speaker’s admiration. Its “glory afar” and “distant fire” are symbols of understated strength and passion, making its pride a positive and admirable quality. The speaker’s preference for the star reflects the Romantic ideal of valuing uniqueness and emotional resonance over dominance and conformity. The line “And dearer thy beam shall be” captures the speaker’s emotional connection to the Evening Star, whose quiet but vibrant presence aligns with the poem’s themes of personal inspiration and emotional depth.
3. How does the poem explore the theme of emotional connection through celestial imagery?
“Evening Star” uses celestial imagery to explore the speaker’s emotional connection with nature. The moon’s “beam on the waves” is visually striking but emotionally distant, symbolizing beauty without warmth or feeling. By contrast, the Evening Star’s light is described as “dearer” and “joy to my heart,” reflecting its ability to evoke warmth and inspiration. The star’s “distant fire” symbolizes passion and emotional depth, even though it is far away. This juxtaposition between the cold, dominating moon and the warm, comforting Evening Star underscores the poem’s Romantic ideal of emotional connection transcending physical proximity. The celestial imagery enhances the speaker’s preference for a meaningful, heartfelt resonance over superficial grandeur.
4. What role does contrast play in the poem’s structure and meaning?
In “Evening Star,” contrast is a central structural and thematic device that drives its meaning. The poem juxtaposes the moon’s cold, overpowering light with the Evening Star’s warm, distant glow, reflecting the speaker’s rejection of dominance and superficiality in favor of subtlety and emotional resonance. The moon is described as “brighter” and surrounded by “her slaves,” symbolizing authority and control, but its beauty is lifeless and uninspiring: “Too cold—too cold for me.” In contrast, the Evening Star is admired for its “glory afar” and “distant fire,” representing understated brilliance and individuality. This contrast not only creates a vivid emotional tension but also aligns with the Romantic celebration of passion, connection, and authenticity over cold authority.
Literary Works Similar to “Evening Star” by Edgar Allan Poe
- “To the Evening Star” by William Blake
Both poems address the Evening Star directly, employing celestial imagery and exploring themes of beauty and emotional resonance in nature. - “Bright Star, Would I Were Steadfast as Thou Art” by John Keats
Keats’ poem, like Poe’s, personifies a star, reflecting on its constancy and brilliance, while also delving into themes of admiration and longing. - “A Nocturnal Reverie” by Anne Finch
This poem shares Poe’s Romantic appreciation for the night sky and the emotional solace that celestial imagery provides in moments of introspection. - “The Star” by Jane Taylor
Known for its vivid imagery and admiration for a star’s glow, this poem similarly explores celestial beauty and its ability to inspire wonder and emotional connection. - “The Moon and the Yew Tree” by Sylvia Plath
While more modern and darker in tone, Plath’s poem mirrors Poe’s contrast between the coldness of the moon and the emotional weight of celestial imagery.
Representative Quotations of “Evening Star” by Edgar Allan Poe
| Quotation | Context | Theoretical Perspective |
| “‘Twas noontide of summer, / And mid-time of night” | Establishes a paradoxical setting, blending extremes of day and night to create a liminal, otherworldly atmosphere. | Romanticism: Highlights Poe’s fascination with contrasts and nature’s sublime qualities. |
| “And stars, in their orbits, / Shone pale, thro’ the light” | Describes the stars appearing dim due to the overpowering moonlight, emphasizing their subordinate presence. | Symbolism: The stars symbolize lesser, overshadowed forces in the speaker’s emotional world. |
| “Of the brighter, cold moon” | The moon is described as cold and dominating, symbolizing emotional detachment and unfeeling authority. | Psychoanalytic Criticism: Reflects the speaker’s inner rejection of detached beauty and control. |
| “Herself in the Heavens, / Her beam on the waves” | Portrays the moon as a dominant, almost oppressive celestial force exerting its influence on Earth. | Feminist Criticism: The moon can be interpreted as a controlling feminine figure with authority over her surroundings. |
| “I gazed awhile / On her cold smile” | The speaker’s contemplation of the moon leads to discomfort, reflecting its lack of warmth and emotional connection. | Mood and Tone Analysis: This line conveys the speaker’s emotional distance and dissatisfaction with the moon’s beauty. |
| “Too cold—too cold for me” | The speaker explicitly rejects the moon’s cold light, emphasizing a need for emotional resonance over superficial beauty. | Romanticism: Romantic rejection of detached, unfeeling beauty in favor of emotional depth and warmth. |
| “Proud Evening Star, / In thy glory afar” | Addresses the Evening Star with admiration, emphasizing its distant but inspiring glow. | Apostrophe and Romanticism: The speaker’s direct address reflects Romantic celebration of natural beauty and uniqueness. |
| “And dearer thy beam shall be” | Expresses the speaker’s preference for the Evening Star’s light over the moon’s, highlighting an emotional connection. | Symbolism: The Evening Star’s light symbolizes passion, warmth, and individuality, contrasting with the moon’s coldness. |
| “For joy to my heart / Is the proud part” | The Evening Star brings emotional joy to the speaker, representing its deeper symbolic significance. | Psychoanalytic Criticism: Suggests the Evening Star fulfills an emotional or psychological need for connection. |
| “Thy distant fire, / Than that colder, lowly light” | Compares the Evening Star’s passionate glow to the moon’s cold, uninspiring light, highlighting their contrast. | Contrast and Symbolism: Reflects the Romantic ideal of valuing vibrant individuality over detached grandeur. |
Suggested Readings: “Evening Star” by Edgar Allan Poe
- Pruette, Lorine. “A Psycho-Analytical Study of Edgar Allan Poe.” The American Journal of Psychology, vol. 31, no. 4, 1920, pp. 370–402. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/1413669. Accessed 26 Jan. 2025.
- Carlson, Eric W. “Triangulating Edgar A. Poe.” The Edgar Allan Poe Review, vol. 8, no. 2, 2007, pp. 6–16. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/41506261. Accessed 26 Jan. 2025.
- Pollin, Burton R. “Music and Edgar Allan Poe: A Fourth Annotated Checklist.” Poe Studies/Dark Romanticism, vol. 36, 2003, pp. 77–100. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/45296064. Accessed 26 Jan. 2025.
- Brickey, Russell. “The Trouble With Fairyland: Two Versions of Poe’s Sarcastic Sublime.” The Edgar Allan Poe Review, vol. 13, no. 1, 2012, pp. 18–40. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/41507902. Accessed 26 Jan. 2025.