Symbols
Nature
Nature performs a dual role in “Annabel Lee”—it is both malevolent and comforting. The poem opens with a peaceful setting, but nature's wrath disrupts it. The "chilly blight" that the wind brings—possibly alluding to tuberculosis—becomes the cause of Annabel Lee's demise. This act portrays nature as a destructive force, shattering innocent love and the lovers’ paradise. The vast sea separates the speaker from his beloved, emphasizing the finality of death and the physical limitations imposed by nature.
Despite its initial association with death, nature (the moon) fuels the speaker's dreams, where he reunites with Annabel Lee. The stars and moon, elements of nature, guide him and illuminate these dreams, providing temporary comfort and an escape from his grief. The stars and the cyclical nature of the moon hint at eternity and the possibility of life beyond death. Though their physical connection is severed, nature offers a glimmer of hope for a future reunion.
The Tomb
In "Annabel Lee," the tomb stands as a multifaceted symbol, embodying not just death and finality but also love, connection, and even defiance. On the surface, the tomb signifies death and the physical separation of the speaker from Annabel Lee. The chilling imagery emphasizes the cold reality of loss and the finality of her passing. However, the tomb transcends its literal meaning. It becomes a symbol of undying love. By visiting and lying beside Annabel Lee’s tomb every night, the speaker maintains a connection with her, even in death. The tomb becomes a sacred space where their love endures.
