Symbols
The Storm
The storm reflects the emotional turmoil and inner conflict experienced by the narrator. At the start of the poem, the weather mirrors the tumultuous nature of the narrator's psyche and foreshadows the tragic events that unfold. The elements are described in vivid and atmospheric language, with phrases such as "The rain set early in to-night" and "The sullen wind was soon awake" evoking a sense of foreboding and unrest. This imagery sets the tone for the narrative, establishing a mood of darkness and instability. As the storm rages outside, Porphyria's arrival brings a brief moment of calm and warmth into the narrator's life. Her actions, such as lighting the fire and embracing the narrator, symbolize a warm, temporary respite from the chaos of the outside world. Despite Porphyria's efforts to bring comfort and solace, the narrator's derangement ultimately leads to a violent and tragic outcome.
Porphyria's Hair
Porphyria's hair is described as "yellow," which traditionally symbolizes vitality, warmth, and happiness. It embodies her femininity and allure, and it serves as a physical manifestation of her beauty and sensuality. When the narrator winds her hair around her neck to strangle her, it symbolizes his desire to possess and control her completely. By using her own hair as a weapon, he not only takes away her agency but also transforms something beautiful and tender into a tool of violence and destruction. Porphyria's hair can also be seen as a symbol of intimacy and connection between her and the narrator. Throughout the poem, the narrator fixates on Porphyria's actions, particularly her gesture of "unclasping" her hair, which signifies a moment of vulnerability and intimacy between them. However, this intimacy is distorted and corrupted by the narrator's psychotic actions, leading to a tragic conclusion.
Porphyria's Cheeks
Porphyria's rosy cheeks symbolize vitality, warmth, and sensuality, serving as a contrast to the bleak and desolate setting of the poem. Porphyria's physical appearance is described in vivid detail, with her "cheek once more / Blushed bright beneath my burning kiss." This imagery evokes a sense of life and vibrancy, suggesting her vitality and emotional warmth. The flush of her cheeks reflects her excitement and arousal as she embraces the narrator, symbolizing the intensity of her emotions and the depth of her affection. However, Porphyria's rosy cheeks also take on a darker significance in the context of the poem's tragic conclusion. As the narrator strangles Porphyria with her own hair, her flushed cheeks retain their rosy hue even in death, referencing her tragic strangulation and symbolizing the lasting impact of their brief moment of intimacy. This juxtaposition of life and death underscores the complexity of human emotions and the destructive consequences of obsession.
