Summary:
“Impression du Matin” is a poem by Oscar Wilde, published in 1881 in his poetry collection Poems. The title is French and translates to “Impression of the Morning.” The poem captures the contrast between the peaceful beauty of the morning and the grim reality of urban life in London.
The first half of the poem paints a serene and picturesque scene of dawn by the Thames River, describing the golden light, the mist over the water, and the calm atmosphere. The imagery is reminiscent of Impressionist paintings, where fleeting moments of beauty are captured.
However, the second half of the poem shifts in tone, introducing the harsh reality of city life—a solitary, weary woman, likely a prostitute, walking the streets. This contrast between natural beauty and human suffering is a key theme in the poem, showcasing Wilde’s ability to blend aestheticism with social commentary.

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Question | Answer |
Poem Name | Impression du Matin |
Poet | Oscar Wilde |
Year Published | 1881 |
Main Themes | Beauty of nature, contrast between art and reality, urban despair |
Tone | Shifts from peaceful and picturesque to melancholic |
Literary Style | Impressionism |
Notable Imagery | Thames River at dawn, misty morning, solitary woman |