When We Two Parted (Lord Byron)

When We Two Parted by Lord Byron is a melancholic exploration of lost love and the lingering pain of betrayal. Written in the form of a retrospective reflection, the poem explores the aftermath of a romantic relationship that has ended, leaving the speaker with feelings of bitterness and regret. Through evocative language and poignant imagery, Byron captures the emotional turmoil of heartbreak and the lasting impact it has on the speaker's life. You can read the poem below and find analysis further down the page.

When We Two Parted by Lord Byron

When we two parted 
In silence and tears,
Half broken-hearted 
To sever for years,
Pale grew thy cheek and cold, 
Colder thy kiss;
Truly that hour foretold 
Sorrow to this.

The dew of the morning 
Sunk chill on my brow--
It felt like the warning
Of what I feel now.
Thy vows are all broken, 
And light is thy fame;
I hear thy name spoken, 
And share in its shame.

They name thee before me, 
A knell to mine ear;
A shudder comes o’er me--
Why wert thou so dear?
They know not I knew thee, 
Who knew thee too well--
Long, long shall I rue thee, 
Too deeply to tell.

In secret we met--
In silence I grieve,
That thy heart could forget, 
Thy spirit deceive.
If I should meet thee 
After long years,
How should I greet thee?--
With silence and tears.

Structure:

The poem consists of four quatrains, each with a consistent ABAB rhyme scheme.

Byron employs enjambment throughout the poem, creating a sense of fluidity and continuity that mirrors the speaker's on going emotional turmoil.

The poem concludes with a powerful final couplet that encapsulates the speaker's sense of betrayal and disillusionment.

Analysis:

Title: The title "When We Two Parted" immediately sets the tone for the poem, signalling the theme of separation and loss. The use of "we" suggests a shared experience of parting, hinting at the mutual dissolution of the romantic relationship.

Emotional Turmoil: The poem explores the speaker's tumultuous emotions in the aftermath of the breakup. Byron employs vivid imagery and sensory language to convey the intensity of the speaker's pain, describing "pale grew thy cheek and cold" and "thy vows are all broken."

Betrayal and Disillusionment: The poem suggests that the end of the relationship was accompanied by betrayal and deception. The speaker laments the breaking of vows and the loss of trust, highlighting the sense of betrayal that colours the memory of the past.

Memory and Regret: Through the use of retrospective reflection, Byron explores the ways in which memory and regret intersect. The speaker reflects on the past with a mixture of longing and bitterness, lamenting the loss of what once was and the pain of betrayal.

Impact of Love: Despite the pain of the breakup, the poem suggests that love leaves a lasting impact on the speaker's life. The memory of the lost love continues to haunt the speaker, influencing his present emotions and perceptions.

Themes:

Lost Love and Heartbreak: The poem delves into the themes of lost love and heartbreak, exploring the emotional aftermath of a breakup and the lasting impact it has on the speaker's life.

Betrayal and Deception: Byron examines the theme of betrayal and deception within the context of romantic relationships, highlighting the sense of disillusionment that accompanies the discovery of infidelity.

Memory and Regret: The poem reflects on the ways in which memory and regret intersect, as the speaker grapples with the pain of lost love and the bitterness of betrayal.

Key Quotes:

"When we two parted"

"Pale grew thy cheek and cold"

"Half broken-hearted"

"They know not I knew thee"

Conclusion:

When We Two Parted by Lord Byron is a poignant exploration of lost love and the lingering pain of betrayal. Through vivid imagery and poignant language, Byron captures the emotional turmoil of heartbreak and the lasting impact it has on the speaker's life. The poem invites readers to reflect on the complexities of romantic relationships and the profound emotional toll of lost love.

You can find analysis of all the Love and Relationships Poetry Anthology Poems here.