# XXIII: The Poem explained — The Sword of Damocles

> Chapter companion for The Sword of Damocles by Anna Katharine Green.

## What happens

Paula, living with her aunts in the village, prepares to read her poem 'The Defence of the Bride' at a local entertainment. The poem, inspired by Bertram's war-song, captivates the audience. After the reading, a mysterious woman, Margery Hamlin, approaches Paula and requests a private meeting, hinting at a story that matches the poem. Paula agrees to visit her, intrigued by the woman's earnestness.

## Themes in this chapter

### Secrets and Past Sins

Margery Hamlin's mysterious visits to the Japha home and her request to tell a story hint at hidden past events.

### Appearance vs. Reality

Paula's outward calm and beauty contrast with her inner turmoil and the 'living grief' Miss Belinda perceives.

## Character check-ins

### Paula

Reads her poem 'The Defence of the Bride' at a village entertainment; later agrees to visit Margery Hamlin.

### Mrs. Hamlin

Approaches Paula after the reading, requesting a private meeting to tell a story matching the poem.

### Aunt Belinda

Observes Paula's sadness and restlessness, questioning her about a 'living grief.'

### Cicely Stuyvesant

Mentioned as a source of disturbance for Paula through letters.

## Key lines

> The sacred sense of possession passes when we uncover our treasure to another’s eyes, giving way to a lower feeling not to be courted by one of Paula’s sensitive nature.

Paula feels that sharing her poem diminishes its personal value, a feeling she dislikes.

_Reflects Paula's sensitivity and reluctance to expose her inner self._

> It was a clarion blast, not a dreaming rhapsody, that lay coiled up in the paper she held in her hand.

The poem was powerful and stirring, not a gentle fantasy.

_Describes the forceful nature of Paula's poem._

> A passing wind had blown the froth from off the cup, but had not disturbed the sparkle of the wine.

Paula had been touched by sadness but not deeply wounded.

_Metaphor for Paula's emotional state._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xxiii-the-poem
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters