Because of the way the unnamed woman in "She Walks in Beauty" is described, the speaker almost seems to be worshipping her. He idolizes her beauty and compares it to things that are so vast and universal that her beauty seems almost supernatural.
Questions About Awe and Amazement
- Why does the speaker choose to compare this woman to things as vast as "night" and "starry skies"? Why not compare her to something more tangible?
- Does the woman seem human to you? Why or why not?
- Do you think the speaker is more in awe of the woman's beauty, or her virtue? Why?
- Which metaphors or images suggest the speaker's awe most strongly? Why?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
By comparing the unnamed woman to abstract and intangible ideas, the speaker effectively idolizes and dehumanizes her, turning her beauty into something almost superhuman.