Wyndham Towers

"Wyndham Towers" by Thomas Bailey Aldrich is a narrative poem from the late 1800s that mixes history with feelings of being alone and love that isn't returned. The poem is set in England in the time of the Tudors, and it tells the story of Richard Wyndham and his brother Darrell as they deal with their difficult relationship and their ties to Wyndham Towers, an old, mysterious estate. The poem shows how different the two brothers are: Richard is thoughtful and serious, struggling with his love for Griselda, a tenant's daughter, while Darrell is more daring and leaves home to find fame. Their stories become connected when Richard becomes more and more obsessed with Griselda, and tension grows between the brothers. This leads to a sad event that changes their lives forever, creating a scary mystery around their disappearances. Using strong images and a dark mood, Aldrich looks at the ideas of love, jealousy, and the importance of family, all set against the decline of a once-great family.