She Walks in Beauty

Read Lord Byron’s poem, She Walks in Beauty, then, either on your own or in small groups, read the contextual points and then consider the points for discussion.

She Walks in Beauty

She walks in beauty, like the night

Of cloudless climes and starry skies;

And all that’s best of dark and bright

Meet in her aspect and her eyes:

Thus mellowed to that tender light

Which Heaven to gaudy day denies.


One shade the more, one ray the less,

Had half impaired the nameless grace

Which waves in every raven tress,

Or softly lightens o’er her face;

Where thoughts serenely sweet express,

How pure, how dear their dwelling-place.


And on that cheek, and o’er that brow,

So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,

The smiles that win, the tints that glow,

But tell of days in goodness spent,

A mind at peace with all below,

A heart whose love is innocent!


Lord Byron

Points

Read the contextual points and then consider the points for discussion.



Which of the above points are the most useful in helping someone appreciate Byron’s poem She Walks in Beauty? Either on your own, or in a group, choose the 3 or 4 points that you think are the most important and put these in rank order. As part of your discussion, make a case for why the points you have decided not to include are not as useful in helping someone appreciate the poem.