In the last stanza of “Annabel Lee,” the speaker delves into the depths of his love for Annabel, emphasizing the unbroken connection they share even in death. The imagery presented is incredibly disturbing yet poignant, as the speaker reveals that he spends his nights curled up next to Annabel’s lifeless body.
This image serves to highlight the speaker’s intense devotion and refusal to let go of his beloved. Despite the morbid nature of this act, it showcases the speaker’s unwavering love and his unwillingness to be separated from Annabel. It also suggests that their bond transcends the physical realm and continues to exist even after death.
The speaker further emphasizes the significance of Annabel in his life by referring to her as his “darling” and his “life.” These terms convey a deep emotional attachment and a sense of completeness that Annabel brings to his existence. She is not just a person he loved; she is his everything, his reason for being.
Additionally, the speaker refers to Annabel as his “bride,” which reinforces the idea of their eternal union. Even in death, they remain bound together as husband and wife. This imagery evokes a sense of everlasting love and devotion, suggesting that their connection transcends the boundaries of mortality.
The last stanza of “Annabel Lee” serves to illustrate the speaker’s unwavering love for Annabel and the enduring nature of their relationship, even in the face of death. The disturbing image of the speaker lying beside Annabel’s dead body highlights the depths of his devotion, while the terms used to describe her emphasize her significance in his life. Through these powerful and evocative lines, the poem explores themes of eternal love and the enduring power of the human spirit.