Day: June 24, 2024

Introduction: “Paul Revere’s Ride” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

“Paul Revere’s Ride” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow first appeared in the January 1861 issue of The Atlantic Monthly. It was later retitled “The Landlord’s Tale” and included in Longfellow’s 1863 collection Tales of a Wayside Inn. The poem is celebrated for its rhythmic cadence, evocative imagery, and dramatic narrative, which captures the urgency and historical significance of Paul Revere’s midnight ride to warn American colonists of the impending British attack. Though historically inaccurate in some details, the poem has become an enduring American legend, symbolizing patriotism, courage, and the fight for freedom.

Text: “Paul Revere’s Ride” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Listen, my children, and you shall hear
Of the midnight ride of Paul Revere,
On the eighteenth of April, in Seventy-Five:
Hardly a man is now alive
Who remembers that famous day and year.

He said to his friend, “If the British march
By land or sea from the town to-night,
Hang a lantern aloft in the belfry-arch
Of the North-Church-tower, as a signal-light,—
One if by land, and two if by sea;
And I on the opposite shore will be,
Ready to ride and spread the alarm
Through every Middlesex village and farm,
For the country-folk to be up and to arm.”

Then he said “Good night!” and with muffled oar
Silently rowed to the Charlestown shore,
Just as the moon rose over the bay,
Where swinging wide at her moorings lay
The Somerset, British man-of-war:
A phantom ship, with each mast and spar
Across the moon, like a prison-bar,
And a huge black hulk, that was magnified
By its own reflection in the tide.

Meanwhile, his friend, through alley and street
Wanders and watches with eager ears,
Till in the silence around him he hears
The muster of men at the barrack door,
The sound of arms, and the tramp of feet,
And the measured tread of the grenadiers
Marching down to their boats on the shore.

Then he climbed to the tower of the church,
Up the wooden stairs, with stealthy tread,
To the belfry-chamber overhead,
And startled the pigeons from their perch
On the sombre rafters, that round him made
Masses and moving shapes of shade,—
By the trembling ladder, steep and tall,
To the highest window in the wall,
Where he paused to listen and look down
A moment on the roofs of the town,
And the moonlight flowing over all.

Beneath, in the churchyard, lay the dead,
In their night-encampment on the hill,
Wrapped in silence so deep and still
That he could hear, like a sentinel’s tread,
The watchful night-wind, as it went
Creeping along from tent to tent,
And seeming to whisper, “All is well!”
A moment only he feels the spell
Of the place and the hour, and the secret dread
Of the lonely belfry and the dead;
For suddenly all his thoughts are bent
On a shadowy something far away,
Where the river widens to meet the bay,—
A line of black, that bends and floats
On the rising tide, like a bridge of boats.

Meanwhile, impatient to mount and ride,
Booted and spurred, with a heavy stride,
On the opposite shore walked Paul Revere.
Now he patted his horse’s side,
Now gazed on the landscape far and near,
Then impetuous stamped the earth,
And turned and tightened his saddle-girth;
But mostly he watched with eager search
The belfry-tower of the old North Church,
As it rose above the graves on the hill,
Lonely and spectral and sombre and still.
And lo! as he looks, on the belfry’s height,
A glimmer, and then a gleam of light!
He springs to the saddle, the bridle he turns,
But lingers and gazes, till full on his sight
A second lamp in the belfry burns!

A hurry of hoofs in a village-street,
A shape in the moonlight, a bulk in the dark,
And beneath from the pebbles, in passing, a spark
Struck out by a steed that flies fearless and fleet:
That was all! And yet, through the gloom and the light,
The fate of a nation was riding that night;
And the spark struck out by that steed, in his flight,
Kindled the land into flame with its heat.

He has left the village and mounted the steep,
And beneath him, tranquil and broad and deep,
Is the Mystic, meeting the ocean tides;
And under the alders, that skirt its edge,
Now soft on the sand, now loud on the ledge,
Is heard the tramp of his steed as he rides.

It was twelve by the village clock
When he crossed the bridge into Medford town.
He heard the crowing of the cock,
And the barking of the farmer’s dog,
And felt the damp of the river-fog,
That rises when the sun goes down.

It was one by the village clock,
When he galloped into Lexington.
He saw the gilded weathercock
Swim in the moonlight as he passed,
And the meeting-house windows, blank and bare,
Gaze at him with a spectral glare,
As if they already stood aghast
At the bloody work they would look upon.

It was two by the village clock,
When he came to the bridge in Concord town.
He heard the bleating of the flock,
And the twitter of birds among the trees,
And felt the breath of the morning breeze
Blowing over the meadows brown.
And one was safe and asleep in his bed
Who at the bridge would be first to fall,
Who that day would be lying dead,
Pierced by a British musket-ball.

You know the rest. In the books you have read,
How the British Regulars fired and fled,—
How the farmers gave them ball for ball,
From behind each fence and farmyard-wall,
Chasing the red-coats down the lane,
Then crossing the fields to emerge again
Under the trees at the turn of the road,
And only pausing to fire and load.

So through the night rode Paul Revere;
And so through the night went his cry of alarm
To every Middlesex village and farm,—
A cry of defiance, and not of fear,
A voice in the darkness, a knock at the door,
And a word that shall echo forevermore!
For, borne on the night-wind of the Past,
Through all our history, to the last,
In the hour of darkness and peril and need,
The people will waken and listen to hear
The hurrying hoof-beats of that steed,
And the midnight message of Paul Revere.

Annotations: “Paul Revere’s Ride” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Literary And Poetic Devices: “Paul Revere’s Ride” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Themes: “Paul Revere’s Ride” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

• Patriotism and American Identity: The poem celebrates Paul Revere’s ride as a symbol of American patriotism and resistance against British rule. The “midnight ride” (line 2) becomes a powerful metaphor for the fight for freedom, echoing through history as a “word that shall echo forevermore!” (line 143). The poem honors Revere’s bravery and the significance of his ride, emphasizing its impact on American history and identity.
• Courage and Determination: Paul Revere’s courage and determination are highlighted throughout the poem. Despite the danger, he rides through the night, driven by his mission to warn the colonists. His impatience and eagerness to begin his ride (lines 65-70) demonstrate his commitment to the cause. The poem shows how Revere’s courage inspires others to join the fight, kindling “the land into flame with its heat” (line 93).
• Imminence and Urgency: The poem creates a sense of urgency and imminence, emphasizing the importance of Revere’s ride and the impending battle. The repeated use of time markers (“twelve by the village clock,” “one by the village clock,” etc.) builds tension, underscoring the significance of every moment. The poem’s pace quickens as Revere approaches Concord, mirroring the increasing urgency of the situation.
• Memory and Historical Significance: The poem reflects on the historical significance of Paul Revere’s ride, emphasizing its enduring impact on American history. The opening lines, “Listen, my children, and you shall hear / Of the midnight ride of Paul Revere” (lines 1-2), frame the poem as a retelling of a legendary event. The poem shows how Revere’s ride becomes a symbol of American resistance, remembered and honored through generations.

Literary Theories and “Paul Revere’s Ride” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

• Romanticism: “Paul Revere’s Ride” embodies Romantic ideals, emphasizing emotion, imagination, and the individual’s connection to nature. The poem’s vivid imagery and symbolism, such as the “moonlight flowing over all” (line 44) and the “phantom ship” (line 23), create a dreamlike atmosphere, evoking feelings of wonder and awe. The poem’s focus on Paul Revere’s solitary ride, driven by his emotions and intuition, also reflects Romantic values. As Revere rides, “his thoughts are bent / On a shadowy something far away” (lines 73-74), illustrating the Romantic emphasis on the individual’s emotional response to the world.
• Historical Contextualism: This poem is deeply rooted in its historical context, reflecting the political tensions and patriotic fervor of the American Revolution. The poem’s attention to detail, such as the “British man-of-war” (line 25) and the “muster of men at the barrack door” (line 37), demonstrates Longfellow’s commitment to historical accuracy. The poem also celebrates Paul Revere’s ride as a symbol of American resistance against British rule, highlighting the event’s significance in American history. By exploring the poem’s historical context, readers can better understand its themes and imagery, such as the “lantern aloft in the belfry-arch” (line 10), which served as a signal for the colonists.
• Symbolism: The poem is rich in symbolism, with objects and images representing abstract ideas and themes. The “lanterns” (lines 10 and 122) symbolize warning, guidance, and the spark of revolution. The “midnight ride” itself becomes a symbol of courage, determination, and the fight for freedom. Even the natural world is imbued with symbolic meaning, as the “moon” (line 22) represents illumination and the “river” (line 107) signifies transition and change. By exploring these symbols, readers can uncover deeper meanings and themes in the poem, such as the power of individual action and the enduring significance of historical events.

Critical Questions about “Paul Revere’s Ride” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

• Question 1: How does Longfellow blend historical detail with poetic license to craft a compelling narrative in “Paul Revere’s Ride”?
• Answer: Longfellow skillfully intertwines historical details with poetic liberties to create a captivating narrative. He references the specific date, “the eighteenth of April, in Seventy-Five,” and the British warship “Somerset” to ground the poem in historical context. However, he takes poetic license by focusing solely on Paul Revere, omitting the contributions of Dawes and Prescott, and embellishing the events with dramatic imagery like the “phantom ship” and the “spark struck out by that steed.” This blend of fact and fiction serves to elevate Revere’s ride into a heroic and symbolic act, emphasizing its significance in American history.
• Question 2: Analyze the use of symbolism and imagery in “Paul Revere’s Ride” and how it contributes to the poem’s meaning.
• Answer: Longfellow’s use of symbolism and imagery is central to the poem’s power and meaning. The “phantom ship” with masts like “prison-bar” represents the oppressive British force, while the “lonely belfry” of the Old North Church becomes a symbol of both vigilance and hope. The “spark struck out by that steed” symbolizes the ignition of revolutionary spirit and the spread of the alarm. These vivid images not only create a sense of atmosphere and suspense but also imbue the poem with deeper meaning, turning Revere’s ride into a metaphorical journey for freedom and independence.
• Question 3: How does the narrator’s voice and the poem’s tone shape the reader’s perception of Paul Revere and his actions?
• Answer: The narrator’s voice, addressing the audience as “my children,” establishes a storytelling tone that invites the reader to partake in a shared history. This fosters a sense of intimacy and personal connection to the events. The tone is predominantly celebratory, emphasizing Revere’s courage and determination. However, it also incorporates a sense of urgency and danger with phrases like “muffled oar,” “spectral glare,” and “secret dread,” reminding the reader of the high stakes involved in Revere’s mission. This combination of tones creates a nuanced portrayal of Revere as both a hero and a man facing real peril.
• Question 4: Explore the lasting impact of “Paul Revere’s Ride” on American culture and its role in shaping notions of patriotism.
• Answer: “Paul Revere’s Ride” has become an iconic American poem, deeply embedded in the nation’s cultural memory. Its portrayal of Revere as a lone hero embarking on a daring midnight ride to warn of impending danger has inspired generations of Americans and instilled a sense of national pride and unity. The poem’s emphasis on courage, vigilance, and the importance of timely action in the face of threat has resonated with American values. However, it is important to acknowledge that the poem’s selective focus on Revere and its historical inaccuracies may have contributed to a simplified understanding of the events leading up to the American Revolution. Despite this, the poem’s enduring legacy speaks to its power to evoke emotions, instill patriotic sentiment, and serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of freedom.

Literary Works Similar to “Paul Revere’s Ride” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

1. “The Midnight Ride of William Dawes” by Helen F. Moore: Similar to “Paul Revere’s Ride,” this poem recounts the story of another rider who warned of the British approach during the American Revolution, emphasizing heroism and historical events.
2. “Concord Hymn” by Ralph Waldo Emerson: This poem commemorates the Battle of Concord, a pivotal event in the American Revolution, much like Longfellow’s poem which highlights an important moment in the same war.
3. “The Charge of the Light Brigade” by Alfred, Lord Tennyson: Tennyson’s poem describes the bravery and tragedy of a military charge during the Crimean War, focusing on heroism and the impact of war, similar to the themes of courage and historical significance in “Paul Revere’s Ride.”
4. “Barbara Frietchie” by John Greenleaf Whittier: This poem tells the story of an elderly woman who defiantly waves the Union flag during the Civil War, showcasing individual bravery and patriotism akin to Revere’s midnight ride.

Suggested Readings: “Paul Revere’s Ride” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Representative Quotations of “Paul Revere’s Ride” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Introduction: “On My First Daughter” by Ben Jonson

“On My First Daughter” by Ben Jonson first appeared in 1616 in his collection titled Epigrams is an elegy, mourning the death of Jonson’s six-month-old daughter, Mary. Despite its brevity, the poem encapsulates a father’s profound grief and an attempt to reconcile with the loss through religious faith. The poem’s qualities lie in its simplicity, sincerity, and restrained emotion. Jonson employs straightforward language and vivid imagery to express his sorrow, making the poem universally relatable to anyone who has experienced loss. While the poem acknowledges the pain of losing a child, it also finds solace in the belief that Mary’s innocence has ensured her a place in heaven. This blend of grief and acceptance makes “On My First Daughter” a timeless reflection on mortality and faith.

Text: “On My First Daughter” by Ben Jonson

Annotations: “On My First Daughter” by Ben Jonson

Literary And Poetic Devices: “On My First Daughter” by Ben Jonson

Themes: “On My First Daughter” by Ben Jonson

• Loss and Grief: The poem opens with a direct declaration of loss, “Here lies…”, immediately establishing the theme of death and mourning. The phrase “each her parents’ ruth” emphasizes the shared grief of both parents, highlighting the universality of the experience of losing a child. Jonson’s raw expression of sorrow humanizes him, making his grief palpable to the reader.
• Faith and Acceptance: While the poem acknowledges the pain of loss, it also seeks solace in religious faith. The line “Yet all heaven’s gifts being heaven’s due” suggests an acceptance of God’s will. The reference to “heaven’s queen” (the Virgin Mary) and the belief that Mary’s soul has joined the “virgin-train” in heaven offers comfort and a sense of hope amidst the sorrow.
• Innocence and Purity: Mary’s young age (six months) and her “safety of innocence” are emphasized, creating a poignant contrast between the purity of childhood and the harsh reality of death. This theme also resonates with Christian beliefs about the innocence of children and their assured place in heaven. The imagery of Mary’s soul being placed amongst virgins further reinforces the theme of purity.
• Transience of Life and Physicality: The closing lines, “Where, while that severed doth remain, This grave partakes the fleshly birth; Which cover lightly, gentle earth!” touch upon the transient nature of earthly existence. The separation of body and soul is acknowledged, with the grave holding only the “fleshly birth.” The plea to the earth to “cover lightly” suggests a tenderness towards the physical remains and a recognition of the fleeting nature of material life.

Literary Theories and “On My First Daughter” by Ben Jonson

Topics, Questions, and Thesis Statements about “On My First Daughter” by Ben Jonson

Critical Questions about “On My First Daughter” by Ben Jonson

• What does the poem reveal about the speaker’s relationship with their daughter, and how does this impact their grief?
• The poem reveals a deep emotional connection between the speaker and their daughter, as evident in the use of phrases like “her parents’ ruth” (l. 1) and “her mother’s tears” (l. 5), which suggest a strong bond between the family members. This connection makes the speaker’s grief more poignant, as they mourn the loss of their child. The speaker’s use of possessive pronouns like “her” and “hence” also emphasizes their close relationship, implying a sense of ownership and responsibility. This emotional connection makes the poem more intimate and personal, allowing the reader to share in the speaker’s sorrow.
• How does the poem use religious imagery to cope with mortality, and what does this say about the speaker’s beliefs?
• The poem employs religious imagery to cope with mortality, invoking “heaven’s queen” (l. 3) and “heaven’s gifts” (l. 3), which suggests that the speaker believes in an afterlife and a higher power. This belief provides comfort in the face of loss, as the speaker seems to trust that their daughter is in a better place, safe from harm. The use of religious imagery also implies that the speaker finds solace in their faith, which helps them to accept their daughter’s death. The speaker’s beliefs appear to be rooted in Christianity, as they reference the Virgin Mary as “heaven’s queen”, indicating a deep respect for religious figures and ideals.
• What role does the poem’s structure and meter play in conveying the speaker’s emotions, and how effective is this in evoking a response from the reader?
• The poem’s structure and meter play a significant role in conveying the speaker’s emotions, as the short lines and simple meter create a sense of simplicity and directness. This simplicity belies the complexity of the speaker’s emotions, making the poem more powerful and relatable. The use of a consistent rhyme scheme and iambic pentameter adds to the poem’s musicality, creating a sense of rhythm that echoes the speaker’s sorrow. The structure and meter are effective in evoking a response from the reader, as they create a sense of intimacy and vulnerability, drawing the reader into the speaker’s emotional world.
• How does the poem balance the contrast between life and death, and what message do you think the speaker is trying to convey through this contrast?
• The poem balances the contrast between life and death by presenting death as a preservation of purity, rather than an end. The speaker notes that the daughter “parted hence / With safety of her innocence” (ll. 5-6), suggesting that death can be a safeguard against corruption or harm. The image of the “gentle earth” (l. 10) that covers her body also emphasizes the idea that death can be a gentle and peaceful transition. The speaker seems to convey that life and death are not mutually exclusive, but rather interconnected, and that death can be a natural part of life’s journey. This message is both comforting and thought-provoking, encouraging the reader to reevaluate their own beliefs about mortality.

Literary Works Similar to “On My First Daughter” by Ben Jonson

1. “On My First Son” by Ben Jonson: Both poems by Jonson explore the theme of parental grief and loss, reflecting on the death of a child and finding solace in spiritual beliefs.
2. “Lycidas” by John Milton: Like Jonson’s poem, “Lycidas” mourns the death of a loved one—in this case, a friend (Edward King)—and reflects on themes of mortality and the afterlife.
3. “Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard” by Thomas Gray: Gray’s elegy meditates on death and the passage of time, contemplating the lives of ordinary people buried in a churchyard, much like Jonson’s reflection on his daughter’s grave.
4. “To the Memory of My Beloved, the Author, Mr. William Shakespeare” by Ben Jonson: This poem by Jonson also mourns the loss of a loved one (William Shakespeare), honoring the deceased with emotional depth and reverence.
5. “Death, Be Not Proud” by John Donne: Donne’s sonnet challenges the power of death and explores themes of spiritual resilience, echoing Jonson’s exploration of grief and faith in “On My First Daughter.”

Suggested Readings: “On My First Daughter” by Ben Jonson

1. Cain, Tom. Ben Jonson and the Roman Frame of Mind. Bucknell University Press, 1991.
2. Donaldson, Ian. Ben Jonson: A Life. Oxford University Press, 2011.
3. “Ben Jonson.” Poetry Foundation, www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/ben-jonson
4. “On My First Daughter.” Academy of American Poets, poets.org/poem/my-first-daughter
5. “Ben Jonson.” Luminarium: Anthology of English Literature, www.luminarium.org/sevenlit/jonson/jonsonbio.html

Representative Quotations of “On My First Daughter” by Ben Jonson

Introduction: “Night-Scented Stock” by Katherine Mansfield

“Night-Scented Stock” by Katherine Mansfield was first published in 1920 in the collection Bliss and Other Stories. The poem exemplifies Mansfield’s characteristic style, encapsulating a transient moment of beauty and introspection within a nocturnal garden setting. The fragrance of night-scented stock evokes a sense of mystery and hidden depths, mirroring the intricacies of human emotions. The poem’s concise form and evocative language foster an intimate atmosphere, inviting readers to partake in the speaker’s quiet contemplation of nature and the passage of time. Mansfield’s utilization of sensory images and subtle symbolism enriches the poem, allowing for individual interpretations within its delicate verses.

Text: “Night-Scented Stock” by Katherine Mansfield

White, white in the milky night
The moon danced over a tree.
“Wouldn’t it be lovely to swim in the lake!”
Someone whispered to me.

“Oh, do-do-do!” cooed someone else,
And clasped her hands to her chin.
“I should so love to see the white bodies—
All the white bodies jump in!”

The big dark house hid secretly
Behind the magnolia and the spreading pear-tree;
But there was a sound of music—music rippled and ran
Like a lady laughing behind her fan,
Laughing and mocking and running away…
“Come into the garden—it’s as light as day!”

“I can’t dance to that Hungarian stuff,
The rhythm in it is not passionate enough,”
Said somebody.  “I absolutely refuse….”
But he took off his socks and his shoes
And round he spun.  “It’s like Hungarian fruit dishes
Hard and bright—a mechanical blue!”
His white feet flicked in the grass like fishes…
Someone cried:  “I want to dance, too!”

But one with a queer Russian ballet head
Curled up on a blue wooden bench instead.
And another, shadowy—shadowy and tall—
Walked in the shadow of the dark house wall,
Someone beside her.  It shone in the gloom,
His round grey hat, like a wet mushroom.

“Don’t you think perhaps…” piped someone’s flute.
“How sweet the flowers smell!”  I heard the other say.
Somebody picked a wet, wet pink,
Smelled it and threw it away.
“Is the moon a virgin or is she a harlot?”
Asked somebody.  Nobody would tell.
The faces and the hands moved in a pattern
As the music rose and fell,
In a dancing, mysterious, moon-bright pattern
Like flowers nodding under the sea…

The music stopped and there was nothing left of them
But the moon dancing over the tree.

Annotations: “Night-Scented Stock” by Katherine Mansfield

Literary and Poetic Devices in “Night-Scented Stock” by Katherine Mansfield

Themes in “Night-Scented Stock” by Katherine Mansfield

1. Nature and Night The theme of nature and the night pervades Mansfield’s poem, setting the mystical and whimsical tone of the gathering described. The poem opens with vivid imagery of the moonlight dancing over a tree and characters whispering about swimming in a lake under the milky night sky. This setting underscores the enchanting quality of the natural world at night, with mentions of gardens, magnolia trees, and the moon that symbolizes mystery and change throughout the poem. Mansfield’s use of nature imagery not only creates a visual backdrop but also enhances the atmospheric and emotional depth of the poem, evoking a sense of wonder and introspection among the characters.
2. Social Interaction and Playfulness Another prominent theme in the poem is social interaction and playfulness. Mansfield portrays a gathering where characters engage in playful conversations, whimsical exclamations, and hesitant yet spirited participation in dancing and socializing. There are instances of dialogue expressing desires and reluctance to join in activities, such as swimming or dancing to Hungarian music. The interactions among the characters, their varied responses to music and nature, and their playful debates about the moon’s nature (virgin or harlot) highlight a social dynamic filled with curiosity, intrigue, and lightheartedness. This theme underscores the human need for connection and the enjoyment of communal activities amidst the natural setting described in the poem.
3. Mystery and Intrigue The theme of mystery and intrigue permeates Mansfield’s depiction of the gathering in “Night-Scented Stock.” The poem’s setting, with its dark house hiding secrets behind magnolia and pear trees, sets a mysterious backdrop. There are shadows, secretive conversations, and enigmatic questions posed about the moon and its symbolism. Mansfield uses language that hints at hidden meanings and unspoken thoughts among the characters, creating an aura of suspense and curiosity. The dancing described in the moonlight, with its patterns reminiscent of underwater flowers, adds to the mystical atmosphere. Overall, the theme of mystery invites readers to contemplate deeper layers of meaning behind the characters’ interactions and the natural world surrounding them.
4. Sensory Experience and Perception Sensory experience and perception are significant themes in Mansfield’s poem, influencing how characters interact with their surroundings and each other. Throughout the poem, there are vivid descriptions of sights, sounds, and scents that immerse the reader in the nighttime garden scene. Characters react to the fragrance of flowers, the brightness of the moonlight, and the rhythmic qualities of music. Mansfield employs sensory details like the comparison of a hat to a wet mushroom and the depiction of feet flicking in the grass like fishes to evoke a multisensory experience. These sensory perceptions enhance the poem’s imagery and contribute to its atmospheric quality, inviting readers to engage not only intellectually but also emotionally with the scene and its participants.

Literary Theories and “Night-Scented Stock” by Katherine Mansfield

Topics, Questions, and Thesis Statements about “Night-Scented Stock” by Katherine Mansfield

Critical Questions/Answers about “Night-Scented Stock” by Katherine Mansfield

• How does Katherine Mansfield use imagery to depict the garden setting in “Night-Scented Stock”?
• Mansfield creates a vivid nocturnal garden scene through visual and auditory imagery. The “milky night” and the moon “dancing over a tree” establish a dreamlike atmosphere. The contrasting images of the “big dark house” and the garden “as light as day” emphasize the alluring mystery of the night. The music is personified as a “lady laughing behind her fan,” adding a playful, ephemeral quality to the setting.
• What is the significance of the recurring motif of white in the poem?
• The color white appears repeatedly, symbolizing purity, innocence, and perhaps vulnerability. The “white bodies” envisioned jumping into the lake suggest a desire for freedom and unburdened joy. The white feet “flicked in the grass like fishes” convey a sense of fleeting beauty and movement. The overall effect is a juxtaposition of the ethereal with the earthly, the innocent with the sensual.
• How does Mansfield portray the interactions and conversations among the characters in the poem?
• Mansfield presents a series of fragmented conversations that reveal the characters’ superficiality and fleeting desires. Their comments about music, dance, and appearance demonstrate a focus on the artificial and the performative. The unanswered questions and unfulfilled desires highlight a sense of longing and dissatisfaction beneath the surface gaiety.
• What is the overall tone and message of the poem “Night-Scented Stock”?
• The poem conveys a bittersweet tone, capturing a transient moment of revelry and its aftermath. The initial exuberance and flirtation gradually fade, leaving a sense of emptiness and disillusionment. The final image of the moon dancing alone over the tree reinforces the fleeting nature of pleasure and the persistence of natural beauty. Mansfield’s message seems to be a commentary on the superficiality of social interactions and the enduring power of nature to evoke deeper emotions.

Literary Works Similar to “Night-Scented Stock” by Katherine Mansfield

1. “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” by T.S. Eliot: This poem explores themes of introspection, urban alienation, and the passage of time, similar to Mansfield’s exploration of social interaction and introspection in natural settings.
2. “Acquainted with the Night” by Robert Frost: Frost’s poem explores themes of loneliness, nighttime introspection, and the emotional landscape of solitude, akin to Mansfield’s contemplation of mystery and sensory experience under moonlit skies.
3. “The Garden” by Andrew Marvell: Marvell’s poem celebrates the beauty of nature and the fleeting moments of life, reminiscent of Mansfield’s focus on the enchanting quality of gardens and nighttime gatherings.
4. “Preludes” by T.S. Eliot: Another poem by Eliot, “Preludes,” captures the bleakness of urban life and the search for meaning amidst mundane routines, echoing Mansfield’s portrayal of social interactions and deeper existential reflections.
5. “The Lake Isle of Innisfree” by W.B. Yeats: Both poems express a longing for escape from the complexities of modern life and a yearning for the simplicity and tranquility of nature. They utilize evocative imagery and lyrical language to create idyllic landscapes that offer solace and introspection.

Suggested Readings: “Night-Scented Stock” by Katherine Mansfield

1. Mansfield, Katherine. “Night-Scented Stock.” Selected Stories of Katherine Mansfield, edited by Vincent O’Sullivan, Oxford University Press, 2016, pp. 275-276.
2. https://www.poeticous.com/katherine-mansfield/night-scented-stock
3. Ricketts, Harry, et al. “The Collected Poems of Katherine Mansfield.” Journal of New Zealand Literature (JNZL), no. 35:1, 2017, pp. 172–75. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/90015313. Accessed 20 June 2024.

Representative Quotations about “Night-Scented Stock” by Katherine Mansfield

Introduction: “Lady Lazarus” by Sylvia Plath

“Lady Lazarus” by Sylvia Plath, first appeared in 1965, in her posthumously published collection, Ariel, is characterized by its raw, confessional style, unflinching exploration of suicide and resurrection, and the use of unsettling imagery drawn from the Holocaust. Plath’s speaker, Lady Lazarus, is defiant and theatrical, boasting of her repeated deaths and resurrections. Its unique rhythm and rhyme scheme contribute to its hypnotic quality, while its dark humor and grotesque imagery make it both disturbing and compelling.

Text: “Lady Lazarus” by Sylvia Plath

Annotations: “Lady Lazarus” by Sylvia Plath

Literary And Poetic Devices: “Lady Lazarus” by Sylvia Plath

Themes: “Lady Lazarus” by Sylvia Plath

• Death and Resurrection: Lady Lazarus’ central theme is the cycle of death and resurrection, echoing the biblical figure she is named after. She recounts, “One year in every ten/ I manage it,” revealing a pattern of intentional deaths, a macabre ritual she repeats. Each time, she emerges “A sort of walking miracle,” emphasizing her defiance and survival against the forces of erasure. The poem’s chilling imagery, such as “The grave cave ate will be/ At home on me,” reflects not only physical decay and rebirth but also the psychological death and resurrection Plath herself experienced through her struggles with mental illness.
• Trauma and Suffering: The poem is saturated with images of pain and trauma, both physical and psychological. Lady Lazarus describes her body in grotesque detail, “My skin/ Bright as a Nazi lampshade,” invoking the horrors of the Holocaust as a metaphor for her own suffering. The repeated attempts at self-annihilation, recalled in lines like “The second time I meant/ To last it out and not come back at all,” expose the depths of her despair. This theme serves as a raw and unfiltered expression of Plath’s personal anguish and the lasting scars of trauma.
• Feminine Power and Resistance: Despite her suffering, Lady Lazarus embodies a fierce feminine power and resistance. She challenges societal expectations and refuses to be a passive victim. She uses vivid imagery, like “I eat men like air,” to portray herself as a powerful and consuming force. Her repeated resurrections become acts of defiance against the patriarchal forces that seek to define and control her. This theme reflects Plath’s own struggle against societal constraints and her desire to assert her own agency.
• Theatricality and Performance: The poem is highly performative, with Lady Lazarus casting herself as the star of a grotesque spectacle. She addresses the audience directly, taunting them with lines like, “Do I terrify?” and “There is a charge/ For the eyeing of my scars.” Her dramatic language and vivid imagery create a sense of suspense and intrigue, as she controls the narrative of her suffering. This theatrical element reveals the speaker’s self-awareness and her determination to transform her pain into a captivating performance, ensuring her voice is heard and her story remembered.

Literary Theories and “Lady Lazarus” by Sylvia Plath

Critical Questions about “Lady Lazarus” by Sylvia Plath

• How does Plath use Holocaust imagery to convey themes of suffering and resurrection?
• In “Lady Lazarus,” Sylvia Plath employs Holocaust imagery to draw stark parallels between personal suffering and historical atrocities. The comparison of the speaker’s skin to a “Nazi lampshade” and her face to “Jew linen” invokes the horrific realities of the Holocaust, emphasizing the extremity of her anguish (lines 4-6). This imagery serves to deepen the reader’s understanding of the speaker’s pain, suggesting that her personal struggles are as intense and dehumanizing as the atrocities endured by Holocaust victims. The evocation of such profound suffering also enhances the theme of resurrection, as the speaker, like a phoenix, rises “Out of the ash” (line 81), symbolizing rebirth and the cyclical nature of destruction and renewal.
• What is the significance of the speaker’s repeated references to death and rebirth?
• The repeated references to death and rebirth in “Lady Lazarus” underscore the speaker’s complex relationship with her own mortality. She describes herself as a “walking miracle” and refers to her resurrections with a mix of triumph and resignation, suggesting a recurring cycle of self-destruction and renewal (line 4). The speaker’s assertion that she has “nine times to die” and that this is “Number Three” (lines 21-22) points to a pattern of deliberate confrontation with death, emphasizing the performative aspect of her suffering. The repeated resurrection is not just a return to life but a reclaiming of power, as seen in her final defiant declaration: “Out of the ash / I rise with my red hair / And I eat men like air” (lines 82-84). This cyclic rebirth transforms the speaker into a figure of resilience and vengeance.
• How does the poem explore the theme of identity and transformation?
• “Lady Lazarus” delves deeply into the theme of identity and transformation, portraying the speaker’s struggle to assert her individuality amid cycles of death and rebirth. The metaphor of a “big strip tease” (line 31) suggests a peeling away of layers to reveal a core self, yet this self is constantly in flux. The speaker insists, “I am the same, identical woman” (line 36), yet the processes of dying and resurrecting seem to alter her fundamentally. This tension highlights the fluidity of identity; each death strips away old selves, and each resurrection brings forth a new iteration. By rising “Out of the ash” (line 81) repeatedly, the speaker embodies perpetual transformation, challenging static notions of identity and emphasizing the power of continual self-reinvention.
• In what ways does “Lady Lazarus” critique societal attitudes towards women’s suffering and resilience?
• “Lady Lazarus” offers a pointed critique of societal attitudes towards women’s suffering and resilience, highlighting the voyeuristic and exploitative tendencies of society. The “peanut-crunching crowd” that “Shoves in to see” (lines 26-27) represents the public’s morbid fascination with the spectacle of the speaker’s pain and her subsequent resurrections. This crowd’s hunger for the “big strip tease” (line 31) underscores a societal penchant for consuming and commodifying women’s suffering. Moreover, the speaker’s interactions with male figures like “Herr Doktor” and “Herr Enemy” (line 65) reflect the oppressive forces that seek to control and objectify her. However, the speaker’s ultimate defiance, as she rises “with my red hair / And I eat men like air” (lines 82-84), challenges this exploitation, asserting her autonomy and strength in the face of societal objectification.

Topics, Questions and Thesis Statements about “Lady Lazarus” by Sylvia Plath

Literary Works Similar to “Lady Lazarus” by Sylvia Plath

1. “Daddy” by Sylvia Plath: Both poems explore the speaker’s complex and troubled relationship with their father figure, using dark humor and irony to convey the intensity of their emotions.
2. “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” by T.S. Eliot: Both poems employ a stream-of-consciousness style to explore the speaker’s inner thoughts and feelings, creating a sense of intimacy and vulnerability.
3. “The Waste Land” by T.S. Eliot: Both poems use fragmented structures and vivid imagery to convey a sense of disillusionment and despair, reflecting the chaos and fragmentation of modern life.
4. “The Raven” by Edgar Allan Poe: Both poems feature a mysterious and ominous presence that haunts the speaker, symbolizing the inevitability of death and the darkness of the human psyche.
5. “Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night” by Dylan Thomas: Both poems use powerful and emotive language to express a fierce resistance to mortality, with the speaker urging themselves or others to fight against the inevitability of death.

Suggested Readings: “Lady Lazarus” by Sylvia Plath

Representative Quotations of “Lady Lazarus” by Sylvia Plath