“They Flee from Me” is one of the most famous poems by Sir Thomas Wyatt, a leading poet of the English Renaissance. The poem reflects the poet’s personal experience of love, betrayal, and changing fortune at the Tudor court.
Through the theme of remembrance, Wyatt reflects on how a woman who once loved him now avoids him.
About the Poet
Sir Thomas Wyatt (1503–1542) was a courtier and diplomat in the court of King Henry VIII.
He introduced important poetic forms to English literature, including:
- The sonnet
- Italian Renaissance poetic style
- Personal lyric poetry
His poems often reflect the political and emotional tensions of court life.
Opening Line of the Poem
“They flee from me that sometime did me seek.”
The opening line immediately introduces the theme of change and betrayal.
Ending Idea of the Poem
The poem ends with the speaker questioning:
“But since that I so kindly am served, I would fain know what she hath deserved.”
The poet expresses bitterness and confusion over the woman’s sudden rejection.
Stanza-Wise Summary
Stanza 1
The poet begins by reflecting on how women who once sought his company now avoid him.
He compares them to tame deer that once came freely to him but now run away.
The metaphor suggests:
- former intimacy
- present rejection
- instability of relationships
Love and favour are temporary.
Stanza 2
The poet recalls a particular moment of intimacy with one woman.
She came secretly into his chamber wearing a loose gown and embraced him.
This memory highlights:
- sensuality
- emotional closeness
- private affection
The past moment of love contrasts sharply with present indifference.
Stanza 3
The speaker now reflects bitterly on how that same woman treats him coldly.
He wonders whether her behaviour was sincere or merely playful deception.
The tone becomes ironic and questioning.
The poet is trapped between memory and disappointment.
Major Themes
- Betrayal in Love
- Instability of Fortune
- Memory and Loss
- Courtly Love and Deception
Imagery and Symbolism
- Deer imagery – represents women who once approached willingly
- The chamber – symbol of intimacy
- Changing behaviour – symbol of unstable relationships
Language and Style
- simple yet powerful diction
- lyrical tone
- personal confession
- Renaissance courtly imagery
Wyatt’s style combines emotional sincerity with subtle irony.
Critical Appreciation
- One of Wyatt’s finest lyrical poems.
- Expresses personal emotion with unusual honesty.
- Combines courtly love tradition with psychological realism.
- Reflects instability of favour in Tudor court life.
Significance of the Poem
- important example of early English Renaissance lyric
- reveals personal voice in Tudor poetry
- introduces continental poetic influence
- explores complex emotional experience
Quick Revision Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Poet | Sir Thomas Wyatt |
| Poem | They Flee from Me |
| Period | English Renaissance |
| Main Theme | Love and betrayal |
| Important Symbol | Deer imagery |
| Tone | Reflective and ironic |
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