Poetry · Chapter
LVII explained
The speaker urges to leave the palm to wither naturally, but notes that Isabel's brothers, described as 'Baälites of pelf,' have observed her continual weeping.
What happens
The speaker urges to leave the palm to wither naturally, but notes that Isabel's brothers, described as 'Baälites of pelf,' have observed her continual weeping. Her relatives wonder why such youth and beauty is cast aside for one destined to be a noble's bride.
Themes in this chapter
Sorrow and Melancholy
Isabel's unceasing tears and the withering palm symbolize profound grief and the decay of beauty under sorrow.
Social Critique and Mortality
The brothers' mercenary concern for wealth and status contrasts with Isabel's authentic mourning, critiquing societal values that prioritize material gain over human feeling.
Characters to notice
Key passages
“O leave the palm to wither by itself; Let not quick Winter chill its dying hour!— It may not be—those Baälites of pelf, Her brethren, noted the continual shower From her dead eyes”
Let the palm wither naturally; do not hasten its end. But it cannot be—her brothers, worshippers of wealth, have noticed her endless tears.
The speaker laments the intrusion of Isabel's greedy brothers into her private grief.
“and many a curious elf, Among her kindred, wonder’d that such dower Of youth and beauty should be thrown aside By one mark’d out to be a Noble’s bride.”
Many among her family wondered why someone so young and beautiful would reject the chance to marry a noble.
Isabel's relatives cannot comprehend her refusal of a socially advantageous marriage, revealing their materialistic values.