El Dorado | Edgar Allan Poe | Life-Changing Poems

Показать описание

'El Dorado' is one of Poe's last poems. Published in 1849 only months before he died it seems to mark the poet's life long quest for satisfaction and peace both of which constantly eluded him in a most tormented life. El Dorado, that mythical city of gold that lured conquistadors and explorers alike, was never found. Poe uses this as a metaphor for man's relentless efforts at gaining all that the material world can provide in the hope of securing contentment and bliss. In the winter of his life, Poe speaks of the futility of such endeavours. This is referenced in this poem by the aged knight who has squandered his youth in the search for El Dorado. The place where one can attain eternal bliss is as the poem states, 'through the valley of the shadow' which is symbolic of death. The pursuit of earthly riches was not limited to the search for El Dorado. The Gold Rush had begun and the lust for gold was on view once more. This poem is also a warning for those who value earthly pleasures more than spiritual gains and clearly establishes that all such quests are useless and can but only hasten one's doom. Through this mesmerising short narrative piece, Poe seems to be telling readers that whatever it is that they are after in terms of instant wealth and riches is a foolish pursuit. There are no shortcuts that can endure. Anybody who resorts to seeking instant happiness is sure to meet with great disappointment and misery. One has to chart the course of life and endure hardships for the only place where everlasting peace can be found is in heaven. 'El Dorado' is one of Poe's last poems. Published in 1849 only months before he died it seems to mark the poet's lifelong quest for satisfaction and peace both of which constantly eluded him in a most tormented life. El Dorado, that mythical city of gold that lured conquistadors and explorers alike, was never found. Poe uses this as a metaphor for man's relentless efforts at gaining all that the material world can provide in the hope of securing contentment and bliss. In the winter of his life, Poe speaks of the futility of such endeavours. This is referenced in this poem by the aged knight who has squandered his youth in the search for El Dorado. The place where one can attain eternal bliss is as the poem states, 'through the valley of the shadow' which is symbolic of death. The pursuit of earthly riches was not limited to the search for El Dorado. The Gold Rush had begun and the lust for gold was on view once more. This poem is also a warning for those who value earthly pleasures more than spiritual gains and clearly establishes that all such quests are useless and can but only hasten one's doom. Through this mesmerising short narrative piece, Poe seems to be telling readers that whatever it is that they are after in terms of instant wealth and riches is a foolish pursuit. There are no shortcuts that can endure. Anybody who resorts to seeking instant happiness is sure to meet with great disappointment and misery. One has to chart the course of life and endure hardships for the only place where everlasting peace can be found is in heaven.

Full Poem:

Gaily bedight,
A gallant knight,
In sunshine and in shadow,
Had journeyed long,
Singing a song,
In search of Eldorado.

But he grew old—
This knight so bold—
And o’er his heart a shadow—
Fell as he found
No spot of ground
That looked like Eldorado.

And, as his strength
Failed him at length,
He met a pilgrim shadow—
‘Shadow,’ said he,
‘Where can it be—
This land of Eldorado?’

‘Over the Mountains
Of the Moon,
Down the Valley of the Shadow,
Ride, boldly ride,’
The shade replied,—
‘If you seek for Eldorado!’

Follow @theelocutionist1725

Music Provided by:

Please Subscribe to our channel and Share it with your friends and family.

#recitation #greatpoems