Katherine Mansfield: Poems Summary

Katherine Mansfield: Poems Summary

The Opal Dream Cave

In the poem “The Opal Dream Cave” the speaker is describing a dream in which they find and kill a fairy. The speaker begins the poem by depicting the fairy, which they have caught and are holding in their hand, as very fragile, but with a strong and self-confident mind. The speaker then closes their hands together, while still holding the fairy and takes her outside into the sun. As soon as they release her again, however, she slowly turns into dust and eventually fades completely.

Villa Pauline

In the poem “Villa Pauline” the speaker is addressing their house, the titular Villa Pauline, reflecting on the positive changes in the atmosphere that have occurred since the speaker’s beloved has moved in. Before they moved together, the speaker states that the house was a mere accumulation of rooms without any heart and soul in them and that he (her beloved) brought in air and sun and warmth. Additionally, the speaker is much happier, describing how every day and night is filled with laughter.

The Sea

In the poem “The Sea” the speaker is talking to the Sea, being simultaneously intrigued and rejected by it. The speaker has followed the Sea’s call and has come close, sitting on rocks very nearby. The Sea however reacts negatively to the speaker’s presence and wants to send them away. In response to the unfavorable welcome, the speaker then begins to beg the Sea to release her hold of them, for the speaker hears her call them wherever they are. The Sea then slightly changes her tone, demanding that the speaker comes closer (presumably entering the Sea) in order to actually get to know her.

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