# Mary — Poetry character guide

> Mary in Poetry by Oscar Wilde.

**Role:** minor

**First appearance:** 0044-ave-maria-gratia-plena

## Who they are

The Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus, referenced in religious poems.

## In the story

### [Rosa Mystica](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_18_se/chapters/rosa-mystica)

Addressed in 'San Miniato' and 'Ave Maria Gratia Plena' as the Virgin Queen of Grace and mother of Christ.

### [San Miniato](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_18_se/chapters/san-miniato)

Invoked as the Virginal white Queen of Grace and Mother of Christ, the speaker yearns to see her face.

### [Ave Maria Gratia Plena](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_18_se/chapters/ave-maria-gratia-plena)

The kneeling girl with a passionless pale face, central to the scene of divine love.

### [Sonnet Written in Holy Week at Genoa](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_18_se/chapters/sonnet)

Mentioned as 'Mary' in the phrase 'Jesus the son of Mary.'

### [The New Helen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_18_se/chapters/the-new-helen)

Implied through references to 'Her, before whose mouldering shrine / To-day at Rome the silent nations kneel' and 'only a sword to pierce her heart,' alluding to the Virgin Mary.

### [Santa Decca](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_18_se/chapters/santa-decca)

Mary's son is proclaimed King, signaling the new Christian order.

### [Flower of Love](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_18_se/chapters/flower-of-love)

Referenced as 'God's own mother,' less dear to the speaker than the beloved.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_18_se/characters/mary
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_18_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_18_se/characters