Non Sum Qualis Eram Bonae sub Regno Cynarae by Ernest Dowson (AQA A-Level English Literature A): Flashcards
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Title translation of Dowson's poem
Title translation of Dowson's poem
I am not as I was under the reign of the good Cynara
Rhyme scheme of the poem
Rhyme scheme of the poem
ABACBC (passion/fashion as repeated C rhymes)
Three aspects of Decadence in the poem
Three aspects of Decadence in the poem
Perversity, love of excess, egotism
What 'bought red mouth' refers to
What 'bought red mouth' refers to
Prostitute (synecdoche)
Speaker's refrain about faithfulness
Speaker's refrain about faithfulness
I have been faithful to thee, Cynara! in my fashion
Structure: stanzas and lines per stanza
Structure: stanzas and lines per stanza
4 stanzas, each 6 lines (sestets), 24 total
Description of Cynara
Description of Cynara
Pale, lost lilies (Pre-Raphaelite influence)
Metre used in the poem
Metre used in the poem
Loose iambic hexameter; 5th line pentameter
Key theme: Cynara's presence
Key theme: Cynara's presence
Physically absent but emotionally present
Victorian reaction to Decadent Movement
Victorian reaction to Decadent Movement
Horrified; uncoupling of art & morality seen as dangerous