Ulalume
Ulalume
Book Brief
BetaPoem • Fiction
Tarn And Woodland • 19th century
1847
Adult
14+ years
Super Short Summary
In "Ulalume," a person recounts a night journey through a desolate landscape, driven by emotion. Accompanied by a guiding star, the individual confronts the haunting memory of lost love, only to discover the destination's sorrowful significance. The poem explores themes of grief, memory, and the subconscious mind.
Melancholic
Mysterious
Dark
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
291 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Ulalume by Edgar Allan Poe is praised for its rich symbolism and hypnotic rhythm, effectively capturing themes of mourning and introspection. Critics admire its atmospheric quality and lyrical beauty. However, some find the dense language challenging and the abstract narrative difficult to follow. Overall, it remains a compelling exploration of grief and memory.
Who Should Read Ulalume?
Readers who enjoy Edgar Allan Poe's "Ulalume" are likely captivated by Gothic and melancholic themes, similar to those found in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein or Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights. They appreciate lyrical language, dark romanticism, and atmospheric settings that explore themes of loss and the subconscious.
291 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Ulalume showcases Edgar Allan Poe's signature use of alliteration and rhythm, which creates a musical quality emphasizing the poem's haunting atmosphere.
The poem was first published in American Review in 1847 and was originally presented anonymously, contributing to its initial mysterious allure.
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Critics have often linked Ulalume to the deep personal grief Poe experienced after the deaths of his wife, Virginia, and his mother, Elizabeth, infusing the work with themes of loss and mourning.
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Poem • Fiction
Tarn And Woodland • 19th century
1847
Adult
14+ years
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