"Spellbound" is a poem written by Emily Brontë, one of the famous Brontë sisters and a renowned 19th century poet and novelist. In this poem, Brontë reflects on the idea of being under the spell or influence of another person, and the feelings of vulnerability and longing that come with it.
The poem begins with the speaker expressing a sense of being "bound" or "tied" to someone else. They describe this person as being "like a dream" and "like a trance," suggesting that their hold on the speaker is somewhat ethereal and otherworldly. This sense of being in a dreamlike state is further reinforced by the use of words like "fancy" and "fantasy," which suggest a kind of irrational or illusory experience.
Despite the speaker's sense of being caught in this "spell," they also seem to embrace it, at least at first. They describe the person who holds them in thrall as being "dear" and "sweet," and they express a desire to "linger" in their presence, suggesting a sense of longing and desire.
However, as the poem progresses, the speaker begins to feel the weight of this "spell" more heavily. They describe feeling "heavy" and "weary," as if the influence of this other person is taking a physical toll on them. They also express a sense of fear, saying that they are "afraid" of being "lost" or "left alone" if the spell is broken.
Throughout the poem, Brontë uses vivid, evocative language to create a sense of the speaker's emotional state. The use of words like "tied," "bound," and "heavy" convey a sense of physical constraint and burden, while the use of words like "fancy," "fantasy," and "dream" suggest a more ethereal, intangible sense of being caught in something beyond one's control.
Overall, "Spellbound" is a powerful and poignant reflection on the complex feelings that can arise when one is under the influence or sway of another person. Through its vivid imagery and evocative language, Brontë captures the sense of longing, vulnerability, and fear that can accompany such a spell, as well as the ambivalence of wanting to both embrace and escape it.