Restorative Power of Beauty: This is the central theme of the poem. Poe lived through long periods of emotional unrest and sorrow. He sees himself as a lost sailor. Helen’s beauty rescues him from this inner turmoil. Her appearance brings him peace, rest, and a sense of mental refuge. Here, beauty becomes a source of healing and emotional freedom.

Classical Idealism and Cultural Memory: Poe compares Helen’s beauty to the greatness of ancient Greece and Rome. The lines “the glory that was Greece” and “the grandeur that was Rome” show that Helen reminds him of a higher world of art, philosophy, and culture. Her beauty lifts Poe into a more elevated and refined mental world.

Spiritual Beauty and Elevation: In the final stanza, Poe calls Helen “Psyche.” Psyche symbolizes the soul. At this point, Helen is no longer just a physical figure; she becomes a source of spiritual light. The “agate lamp” in her hand symbolizes knowledge, purity, and spiritual illumination. Poe feels that Helen comes from a sacred, soul-like realm. This gives the poet a sense of spiritual upliftment.