The poem begins with a description of an evening storm with a destructive wind. This opening, along with the title, demonstrates that the poem will be a monologue from a young man who is in the middle of an emotional heartbreak. His personification of the weather indicates that he is sorrowful and possibly agitated. The speaker listens to the “sullen wind” (Line 2) as it tears “the elm-tops down” (Line 3) and “vex[es] the lake” (Line 4). He has suffered a loss, and he feels like his “heart [is] fit to break” (Line 5).

After setting the scene, Porphyria—the major player in the amorous drama—enters from the rainstorm. She immediately stokes the “cheerless grate” (Line 8) and makes the fire “[b]laze up” (Line 9) to heat the speaker’s “cottage” (Line 9). This warmth provides a hopeful note and attributes positive qualities to Porphyria. Her care of the speaker, attending to a basic need, pushes sympathies toward her, even as the lover describes his version of events.

As she takes off her wet outerwear and goes to sit beside him, she speaks to him. Sulking, he refuses to answer her. The break between them, he seems to suggest through this refusal, will not be easily mended.