By: Prof. Dr. Fazal Rehman | Last updated: February 11, 2025
The Forsaken Merman is a sad poem about a merman (a sea creature like a male mermaid) who is left heartbroken when his human wife, Margaret, abandons him and their children.
At the beginning of the poem, the merman and Margaret live happily under the sea with their children. Their world is full of beauty, music, and joy. However, one day, Margaret hears the church bells from the land, reminding her of her past human life. She feels guilty about leaving her religion and decides to return to the human world.
The merman waits for her to come back, but she never does. He and his children call out to her, but she ignores them and stays on land. The poem ends with the merman feeling lonely and abandoned, realizing that Margaret has chosen the human world over her family in the sea.
The poem explores themes of love, loss, and the painful choices people make between different worlds.
Summary of The Forsaken Merman by Matthew Arnold
Questions
Answers
Poem Name
The Forsaken Merman
Poet
Matthew Arnold
Year Published
1849
Type of Poem
Narrative poem (tells a story)
Main Character
The merman, his wife Margaret, and their children
Setting
Under the sea and the human world
Theme
Love, loss, separation, sacrifice
Tone
Sad, nostalgic, emotional
Symbolism
The sea represents a magical, free life; the land represents duty and religion
Famous Lines
“Come, dear children, let us away; Down and away below!”
Message
Love sometimes means sacrifice, and choices can lead to loss and regret
