Pearl (Coulton translation)

Pearl, attributed to the Gawain Poet and translated by Coulton, is a 14th-century Middle English poem that explores the vision of a grieving father at his daughter's graveside. In this allegorical work, the father is taken into the spirit world where his daughter, now a 'Pearl of great price,' resides in eternal bliss. The poem juxtaposes the father's sorrow with the joy of his daughter in the New Jerusalem, reflecting themes of loss, love, and spiritual transcendence. It is notable for its intricate structure and rich imagery, drawing parallels to Dante's Divine Comedy.