Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

DIVIDED, by             Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography

"Divided" is a poem written by Jean Ingelow, a prominent English poet of the Victorian era. It was first published in 1867 as part of her collection of poems titled "The Monitions of the Unseen, and Poems of Love and Childhood." Ingelow's works were highly regarded during her time and contributed to her reputation as a skilled poet.

The poem’s themes are:

Love and Separation: The primary theme of "Divided" is the experience of love and the pain of separation. The poem explores the emotional turmoil and longing felt by the persona who is separated from their loved one. It delves into the intensity of emotions and the sense of incompleteness that arises from being apart from one's beloved.

Distance and Yearning: The poem highlights the theme of distance and the yearning it creates. The persona expresses a deep longing for their loved one and describes the vastness of the physical separation between them. This theme underscores the power of love to bridge gaps and the ache felt when that connection is disrupted.

Time and Patience: Another theme in the poem is the passage of time and the patience required in enduring separation. The persona acknowledges the need for patience, emphasizing that love will endure despite the physical distance. This theme reflects the resilience of love and the belief in its ability to withstand the test of time.

Emotional Vulnerability: "Divided" explores the vulnerability of the persona's emotions. The poem captures the raw and tender feelings experienced when separated from a loved one, exposing the depth of the persona's emotional state. It evokes empathy in the reader and invites reflection on the power of love to evoke such intense emotions.

"Divided" is a lyric poem. It follows a consistent ABAB rhyme scheme, with the first and third lines rhyming, as well as the second and fourth lines. The poem does not adhere to a specific meter, allowing for variations in rhythm and pacing. This structure provides a sense of musicality while maintaining a concise and focused narrative.

The poem begins with the persona acknowledging the physical distance between themselves and their loved one. It then delves into the emotions stirred by the separation, expressing the ache and yearning for their beloved. The final stanzas reflect on the enduring power of love and the hope that it will bring them back together.

"Divided" by Jean Ingelow is a poignant lyric poem that explores the themes of love, separation, distance, and emotional vulnerability. Through skillful use of rhyme and concise language, Ingelow captures the profound longing and ache experienced by the persona when apart from their beloved. The poem conveys the belief in the enduring power of love, emphasizing patience and the ability to bridge the physical divide. "Divided" serves as a reflection on the complexities of love and the emotional intensity it evokes, reminding readers of the universal experience of longing and the strength of love in overcoming obstacles.


Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer





Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


Other Poems of Interest...



Home: PoetryExplorer.net