Themes
Undying Love
The narrator portrays his love for Annabel Lee as transcending the boundaries of mortal existence. He believes that, even though they are physically separated by death, their souls remain connected. His nightly visits to her tomb by the sea suggest that either he doesn’t truly believe that Annabel Lee is gone or that death has not caused his dedication to diminish. This implies that their love is unaffected by the passing of time or mortality. His commitment to Annabel Lee is unwavering throughout the poem.
Loss and Grief
The poem opens with the narrator's declaration of the love shared between him and Annabel Lee. However, this declaration is immediately followed by the revelation of Annabel Lee's death. The abruptness of her death heightens the narrator's sense of grief and establishes the tone for the rest of the poem. Throughout, the narrator's grief over Annabel Lee's death is palpable. He describes his sorrow as all-consuming, expressing his inability to move on from her death. This overwhelming grief is reflected in his nightly vigils at her tomb by the sea.
Obsession and Possession
The narrator's unwavering devotion to Annabel Lee borders on obsession. Despite her death, he continues to visit her tomb by the sea every night, demonstrating an unhealthy preoccupation with her memory. This level of devotion goes beyond normal grieving and suggests a sick fixation. The narrator blames external forces, namely the envy of the angels, for Annabel Lee's death. This sense of resentment and desire for retribution hints at a possessive attitude towards Annabel Lee, as he feels entitled to protect her from harm. The speaker idealizes Annabel Lee, portraying her as a perfect, almost ethereal figure. This idealization contributes to the sense of possession, as his love for Annabel Lee is based on an idealized image rather than a genuine understanding of her as a person. His obsession with preserving her memory reflects his desire to maintain control over her even after her death. Throughout the poem, the speaker employs possessive language when referring to Annabel Lee. He describes her as "my Annabel Lee," emphasizing a sense of ownership over her.
