Death and Desire

In his poem, “Annabel Lee,” Edgar Allen Poe utilizes literary devices including repetition, imagery, and a narrative structure to convey his forlorn, yet accepting attitude toward Annabel Lee’s death as well as his immense desire for her. In the first few stanzas of the poem, Poe emphasizes his desire for Annabel through repetition. His frequent usage of the term “love” as he describes his relationship with Annabel characterizes his intensive yearning to be by her side and to be with her. Moreover, Poe’s repetition of “love” in the first few stanzas builds the literary setting for the rest of the poem by associating his relationship with Annabel as a connection founded in love and passion. Poe thus generates a vivid image of what was like with Annabel, highlighting their simple, but intense passion for each other. 

Withal, Poe employs imagery throughout the entirety of the poem to promote his feelings for Annabel and thereby strengthen his perpetual affection for her despite her death. Although Poe still mourns Annabel’s passing, he is able to find her in every element of his life. As such, Poe accepts her death despite his longing to be with her. Poe often uses colorful language to describe his and Annabel’s relationship, emphasizing their indestructible bond by stating that even the “angels in Heaven” or the “demons under the sea” cannot dissolve his relationship with her (Poe 30-31). Furthermore, Poe implements heavenly comparisons of Annabel and her image to enhance their deep connection and her beauty. In various instances throughout the poem, Poe emphasizes the jealousy of the angels and their attempts to take Annabel away from him. By alluding that even divine beings are jealous of his close bond with Annabel, Poe affirms the strong desire he feels towards Annabel and showcases his closeness with her even after her death.   

Additionally, Poe intensifies his attitude toward Annabel’s death and his longing for her presence by implementing a narrative structure into the poem. In this way, Poe gradually implements elements of his love for Annabel and his ever-lasting desire for her despite her death. By first presenting his profound feelings and relationship with Annabel, Poe breaks down their story into narrative chunks, which help to convey the significance of their connection and amplify the poem’s message. In this way, Poe’s reminiscence of Annabel’s memory indicates that even in the future, when Annabel no longer exists alongside him, his feelings remain unchanged and passionate for her. Additionally, by using this structure inside the poem, Poe alludes to the idea that he is constantly searching for ways to honor Annabel’s memory. Although Annabel’s life and death were “many and many a year ago,” Poe confidently refers to her presence and grace as if he recounts memories of her daily. To clarify, Poe remembers specific details about Annabel, from her bright eyes to magnificent beauty, he recounts intricate chronicles of their relationship. Poe’s detailed descriptions serve to amplify his immense yearning for her and certify his enduring love for Annabel regardless of the time they’ve spent away from each other and her physical existence with him. Overall, by implementing repetition, imagery, and a narrative structure in his poem, “Annabel Lee,” Edgar Allen Poe firmly conveys his strong desire for Annabel and his everlasting feelings for her despite her death.

Works Cited

Poe, Edgar Allan. "Annabel Lee." The Complete Poems of Edgar Allan Poe, edited by Thomas O. Mabbott, New York, 1969.