How we cite our quotes: (verse)
Quote #4
Can ever dissever my soul from the soul
Of the beautiful Annabel Lee: (lines 32-33)
The speaker seems to feel like the whole world is trying to destroy his love for Annabel. But he doesn't think anyone can do that, because his soul is linked to hers. The important thing to notice here is all the ways that he emphasizes their love. This isn't just a crush. Want to tell someone you really love them? Maybe you could try telling them that angels and demons could never rip your souls apart. Well, maybe not.
Quote #5
And so, all the night-tide, I lie down by the side
Of my darling--my darling--my life and my bride (line 38-39)
Marriages usually last "until death do us part." Not this one. In fact, this marriage starts after death. We don't hear anything about her being his bride until she's in the tomb, and we think it's safe to say that this isn't the kind of marriage Annabel's rich parents had in mind. The end of this poem turns everything upside down. When she dies, she becomes his "life." We won't push too hard on the "lie down by the side" thing, but the speaker seems to be recreating the marriage he would have had with Annabel if she hadn't died. We're pretty sure that Poe didn't mean for that to seem normal.