Merlin: A Poem

Name: Merlin: A Poem
Author: Edwin Arlington Robinson

By Edwin Arlington Robinson

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Mythology, Legends & Folklore Poetry

About This Book

The poem centers on Camelot’s uneasy response to reports that a once-buried seer has returned from Brittany, provoking conversations among knights who recall his old wisdom, his entanglement with a woman of Broceliande, and the dangers of clairvoyance and love. Through brief dramatic scenes and reflective exchanges among figures such as Gawaine, Dagonet, Lamorak, and Bedivere, it traces how memory, rumor, and prophecy unsettle a court that craves peace while fearing upheaval. Recurring motifs consider the cost of knowledge, the interplay of fate and desire, and the ambiguous boundary between burial and renewal as a foreboding change approaches Camelot.

About the Author

Edwin Arlington Robinson

Edwin Arlington Robinson was an American poet known for his profound exploration of human emotions and the complexities of life. Born in 1869, he gained recognition for his innovative use of language and form, often reflecting on themes of isolation and the human condition. His notable works include "Children of the Night," which showcases his mastery of lyrical poetry, and "The Man Against the Sky: A Book of Poems," where he delves into the struggles of the individual against societal expectations. Robinson's contributions to American literature have left a lasting impact, earning him multiple Pulitzer Prizes and a prominent place in the literary canon.