1.D and 2 is She Walks In Beauty is a lyrical, rhyming poem that focuses on female beauty and explores the idea that physical appearance depends upon inner goodness and, if in harmony, can result in the romantic ideal of aesthetic perfection.
Often labelled a love poem, there is no direct mention of love and no suggestion of romance between speaker and subject. Clearly there is deep affection shown, an artist's admiration for a female figure who is perhaps more of a symbol of purity and innocence.
In the real life of George Gordon, Lord Byron, 'mad, bad and dangerous to know', it is known that he did attend a party in London on June 11th, 1814 and met a distant cousin of his, Anne Beatrix Horton, Lady Wilmot, who happened to be dressed in black mourning dress with shiny spangles.
Byron's friend, James Wedderburn Webster, confirmed later on that Lady Wilmot, young and pale and pretty, had been the inspiration for the poem. So, it seems that the handsome, witty, passionate poet, known for his drinking and sexual encounters, was simply struck by a beautiful woman on this occasion.
Byron did include She Walks In Beauty in his book Hebrew Songs of 1815, a collection of lyrical poems to be put to music. Hence the steady metrical beat, use of religious language and long vowels.
Whilst the poem is clearly fixated on a female figure and her outward appearance there is also acknowledgement of an inner spiritual core, where pure thoughts and emotions lie.
3. C
