A representation of the May Queen's decline, exemplifying the line 'To-night I saw the sun set'(page 16). The optimism and lyricism of earlier scenes is replaced by melancholy contemplation as the May Queen looks at the sinking sun, a metaphor for the ending of life. Her decline is also symbolized by the fading of nature, with bare twigs at the window replacing the fruit of earlier designs. 3½ x 4 inches. Wood engraving, cut by Horace Harral. [Click on image to enlarge it.]
Scanned image and text by Simon Cooke. You may use this image without prior permission for any scholarly or educational purpose as long as you (1) credit the person who scanned it and (2) link to this URL in a web document or cite it in a print one.
Bibliography
Tennyson, Alfred. The May Queen. London: Sampson Low, 1861.
Created 20 June 2020