An Analysis of Annabel Lee by Edgar Allan Poe In life, as in death, Edgar Allan Poe aroused a feeling of sympathy from of its readers. Those who knew him well considered him deep, mysterious and contemplative; thus, coupled with the many tragedies he suffered throughout his life, particularly the loss of his first wife Virginia, it is easy to understand how the author brings out the theme of Annabel Lee through personal imagery /decorative, word repetition and rhythm/rhyme. Annabel Lee honors the memory of Poe's deceased wife, Virginia. Throughout the poem, his use of personal imagery helps the reader grasp the intense feelings of loss he continues to experience long after his passing. The imagery of the setting is essential to this particular piece of literature, in that it is through the setting that one achieves a much greater realization of one's anguish. A passage from what was the last poem written by Poe before his death illustrates his torment: “The angels, not so happy in heaven, went to envy her and me. Yes ! kingdom by the sea) That the wind came out of the cloud at night, freezing and killing my Annabel Lee. “But our love was far stronger than the love of those who were older than us – many wiser than we – and neither were the angels in heaven, nor the demons under the sea , will never be able to separate my soul from the soul of beautiful Annabel Lee in her final days, watching her cough up blood and slowly die of tuberculosis. He couldn't even afford a blanket or a handful of coal with it. . middle of paper... and elusive subtleties Poe was a writer who incorporated a significant amount of daring while also involving considerable darkness. This dichotomy has been the cornerstone of the author's works, which have endured. successfully stood the test of time. "And so, all night, I lie beside my darling - my darling - my life and my wife, In that tomb there by the sea, In his tomb by the echoing sea." Without doubt, Annabel Lee offers unique insight into the relationships between theme, rhythm and imagery. The very essence of the story is also evident in the way it illustrates the compassion inherent in a composer as talented as the troubled Edgar Allan Poe. Works Cited: Poe, Edgar Allan. “Annabel Lee.” The Book of Living Worms. Ed. Louis Untermeyer. New York: Harcourt, 1939.