Jealousy ("Trio")
The central theme in the poem is jealousy and how vulnerable this feeling makes a person. The woman interrupts her two lovers, engaged in a loud and hostile conversation over her, and can immediately feel the raw emotions displayed by both men. Though they appear as enemies to one another, their shared inability to contain their jealousy binds them together. Both want the exclusive love of the same woman who appears unable or unwilling to give such and both know exactly how the other one feels, establishing an unusual and unintentional intimacy and vulnerability between them. When confronted with their combined jealousy, the woman is unable to deal with this feeling and quickly leaves, ashamed.
Safety through Surveillance ("Leopards at Knole")
In the poem, the speaker describes the numerous paintings, statues and carvings of leopards that are scattered around the old house, perpetually guarding the house itself and observing the people in it. The central theme of the poem is the safety this constant surveillance offers. The presence of the silent leopards is felt all throughout the house, day and night, continuously reminding the speaker that they are there, watching and protecting and she that gives her a feeling of security.
Beauty in Darkness ("Moonlight")
The central theme in the poem is how darkness affects the appearance and beauty of everything. The speaker describes how trivial, even ugly things suddenly appear beautiful at night, when there is more focus on shapes and vague shadows. Especially features of nature, often forgotten or pushed to the background during the day, are elevated to a majestic status at night. The gentle light of the moon is just enough light to support the focus on shapes and gives everything a mysteriously beautiful appearance.
