When We Two Parted - Lord Byron

When We Two Parted - Lord Byron

1. "When we two parted"

   • Addresses his former lover directly which makes the poem more personal

2. "To sever for years" (violent imagery)

   • Suggests the parting was painful

3. "Pale...cold"

   • Describing his lover like a corpse
   • Feelings have died

4. "I hear thy name spoken"

   • He hears people talking about the affair his former lover is having
     • This is painful for him

5. "A knell to mine ear" (metaphor)

   • Suggests the death of their relationship

6. "Why wert thou so dear?" (rhetorical question)

   • Emphasises how deeply he felt for her

7. "thee...thee...thee" (repetition)

   • Creates the impression that he's still preoccupies by her

8. "silence and tears" (repetition from stanza 1)

   • Emphasises secrecy and sorrow