# Serenade explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ambrose Bierce.

## What happens

A lover serenades his beloved from outside her window, pleading for her to rise, draw back the curtain, and let him in. He complains of the fog and cold, insists his intentions are pure, and begs not to be kept waiting in the dew.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Communication

The entire poem is a lover's plea for connection, using song and rhyme to bridge the distance between himself and his beloved.

### Nature and Artifice

The fog, moon, and misty skies contrast with the artificial barrier of the curtain and door, highlighting the tension between natural longing and man-made obstacles.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown

The speaker of the serenade, a lover pleading at his beloved's window.

### Estee

The beloved maiden addressed as 'maiden,' 'dear,' 'duck,' and 'sweet,' who is being serenaded.

## Key lines

> Listen, maiden, to my strain, Listen, pray thee, do!

Please pay attention to my song, I beg you.

_Opening plea for the beloved to hear the serenade._

> Let me to thy chamber creep, Let me creep up, do-oo-oo!

Allow me to sneak into your room, please!

_The lover's direct request for physical entry into her private space._

> I’m not of the ribald throng, Let me in, I merely long To read my rhymes to you.

I am not like those crude men; I only want to come inside and share my poetry with you.

_The speaker insists on his honorable intentions, distinguishing himself from vulgar suitors._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters/serenade
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters