Famous Poems About Suicide

Suicide is a topic that has been explored by many poets throughout history. The idea of taking one's own life is a sensitive and controversial subject, but poetry has served as a means for individuals to express their feelings and thoughts on the matter. In this article, we will delve into some famous poems that tackle the theme of suicide.

1. "The Waste Land" by T.S. Eliot

T.S. Eliot's "The Waste Land" is a renowned modernist poem that touches upon themes of despair, disillusionment, and emptiness. The poem alludes to various mythologies and texts, but one of its most haunting sections deals with suicide. In particular, the character of Phlebas the Phoenician is described as committing suicide by drowning. This imagery serves as a powerful metaphor for the futility of existence.

Excerpt:

"Phlebas the Phoenician, a fortnight dead,
Forgot the cry of gulls, and the deep sea swell
And the profit and loss. A current under sea
Picked his bones in whispers. As he rose and fell
He passed the stages of his age and youth
Entering the whirlpool."

2. "Annabel Lee" by Edgar Allan Poe

Edgar Allan Poe's "Annabel Lee" is a tragic and haunting poem that tells the story of a young couple's love and the woman's untimely death. The narrator blames the angels in heaven for taking away his beloved Annabel Lee, leading to her death. The poem explores the themes of love, loss, and grief, and the devastating effects it can have on an individual.

Excerpt:

"But we loved with a love that was more than love—
I and my Annabel Lee—
With a love that the wingèd seraphs of Heaven
Coveted her and me."

3. "The Ballad of Reading Gaol" by Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde's "The Ballad of Reading Gaol" was written during his imprisonment and reflects on the harsh realities of prison life. The poem discusses the execution of a fellow prisoner and the sense of dread and inevitability that surrounds death. The poem serves as a poignant reflection on the consequences of one's actions and the suffering that can lead individuals to contemplate suicide.

Excerpt:

"Yet each man kills the thing he loves,
By each let this be heard,
Some do it with a bitter look,
Some with a flattering word,
The coward does it with a kiss,
The brave man with a sword!"

Famous poems about suicide offer a glimpse into the complexities of human emotions and the struggles individuals may face. These poems provide a platform for discussing difficult topics and exploring the depths of despair and hopelessness. Through poetry, we can gain insight into the human condition and perhaps find solace in knowing that we are not alone in our struggles.