“To the Evening Star” by William Blake first appeared in 1789 as part of his poetry collection Songs of Innocence and of Experience.
Introduction: “To the Evening Star” by William Blake
“To the Evening Star” by William Blake first appeared in 1789 as part of his poetry collection Songs of Innocence and of Experience. This lyrical ode is a tribute to the planet Venus, symbolizing purity, guidance, and celestial beauty, often linked to divine protection and love. Blake’s use of vivid imagery and personification, where the star is depicted as a gentle guardian of the night, resonated with Romantic ideals of harmony between humanity and nature. The poem’s popularity as a textbook staple lies in its thematic simplicity paired with profound metaphysical depth, making it accessible yet rich for analysis. A notable line, “Thy bright torch of love; thy radiant crown”, encapsulates its reverence for cosmic order and beauty, appealing to both literary and philosophical exploration.
Text: “To the Evening Star” by William Blake
Thou fair-haired angel of the evening, Now, whilst the sun rests on the mountains, light Thy bright torch of love; thy radiant crown Put on, and smile upon our evening bed! Smile on our loves, and while thou drawest the Blue curtains of the sky, scatter thy silver dew On every flower that shuts its sweet eyes In timely sleep. Let thy west wing sleep on The lake; speak silence with thy glimmering eyes, And wash the dusk with silver. Soon, full soon, Dost thou withdraw; then the wolf rages wide, And the lion glares through the dun forest. The fleeces of our flocks are covered with Thy sacred dew; protect with them with thine influence.
Annotations: “To the Evening Star” by William Blake
Personification: The evening star (Venus) is addressed as an “angel,” attributing human qualities and divine purity. Imagery: The phrase “fair-haired” evokes a visual image of light and beauty. Apostrophe: Directly addressing the star.
Now, whilst the sun rests on the mountains, light
Personification: The sun is depicted as “resting,” imbuing it with human behavior. Imagery: The setting sun resting on mountains creates a serene visual. Alliteration: “Sun” and “rests” create a soft rhythm.
Thy bright torch of love; thy radiant crown
Symbolism: The “torch of love” symbolizes guidance and warmth, while the “radiant crown” implies celestial authority and beauty. Imagery: Evokes light and regal divinity.
Put on, and smile upon our evening bed!
Personification: The star “smiling” suggests warmth and benevolence. Metaphor: The “evening bed” represents the earth at night. Imperative tone: The speaker commands or implores the star.
Smile on our loves, and while thou drawest the
Personification: The star is implored to “smile” on human love, suggesting its influence on human emotions. Imagery: Subtle invocation of romantic or tranquil imagery.
Blue curtains of the sky, scatter thy silver dew
Metaphor: The “blue curtains” represent the night sky. Imagery: “Silver dew” evokes a fresh, serene picture of the star’s influence. Symbolism: Dew signifies renewal and purity.
On every flower that shuts its sweet eyes
Personification: Flowers “shutting their sweet eyes” liken them to sleeping beings. Imagery: Creates a tender picture of nature’s rest.
In timely sleep. Let thy west wing sleep on
Symbolism: The “west wing” refers to the evening star’s position in the western sky, symbolizing calm. Alliteration: Repetition of “w” in “west wing” and “sleep” adds a soothing effect.
The lake; speak silence with thy glimmering eyes,
Personification: The star “speaking silence” suggests its silent yet profound presence. Imagery: “Glimmering eyes” creates a visual of the star’s reflection. Oxymoron: “Speak silence” contrasts action and stillness.
And wash the dusk with silver. Soon, full soon,
Imagery: The phrase “wash the dusk with silver” evokes a scene of moonlight bathing the night. Symbolism: Silver represents purity and beauty. Repetition: “Soon, full soon” conveys the fleeting nature of the star.
Dost thou withdraw; then the wolf rages wide,
Personification: The star “withdraws,” imbuing it with human behavior. Symbolism: The wolf symbolizes wildness and danger associated with the absence of light.
And the lion glares through the dun forest.
Imagery: “Lion glares” conjures a menacing, primal picture. Symbolism: The lion represents nature’s untamed ferocity in darkness.
The fleeces of our flocks are covered with
Imagery: “Fleeces of our flocks” evokes pastoral simplicity and tranquility.
Thy sacred dew; protect with them with thine influence.
Symbolism: “Sacred dew” indicates divine blessing and protection. Imagery: Dew on flocks suggests care and serenity. Imperative tone: The speaker requests the star’s safeguarding influence.
Literary And Poetic Devices: “To the Evening Star” by William Blake
“Blue curtains of the sky, scatter thy silver dew”
Vivid descriptive language appeals to the senses, creating a picture of the night sky unfolding and being blessed by the star’s influence.
Imperative Mood
“Smile upon our evening bed!”
The use of commands conveys the speaker’s plea for the star’s blessing and protection, emphasizing the poem’s reverence for celestial powers.
Metaphor
“Thy bright torch of love”
The “torch of love” metaphorically represents the star’s light as a guiding and protective force for humanity.
Mood
Entire poem
The mood is serene and reverent, reflecting a deep admiration for nature and the divine.
Oxymoron
“Speak silence with thy glimmering eyes”
The juxtaposition of “speak” and “silence” highlights the paradoxical way the star communicates its presence without words.
Paradox
“Smile on our loves, and while thou drawest”
The act of “smiling” while “drawing the blue curtains of the sky” creates a paradoxical sense of joy during the transition into darkness.
Personification
“Smile upon our evening bed!”
The star is given human traits like smiling, which conveys warmth and benevolence.
Repetition
“Soon, full soon”
The repeated phrase emphasizes the fleeting nature of the star’s presence in the evening sky.
Rhyme
“Light / Crown”
The poem uses a subtle rhyme scheme that enhances its musicality and sense of order, such as the internal rhymes in this line.
Symbolism
“Thy sacred dew”
The “sacred dew” symbolizes purity, blessing, and divine protection over nature and humanity.
Tone
Entire poem
The tone is one of admiration and reverence, as the speaker implores the evening star for its protective and calming influence over the night.
Visual Imagery
“The fleeces of our flocks are covered with / Thy sacred dew”
This paints a tranquil picture of the star’s influence, associating it with pastoral calmness and divine care.
Vivid Description
“Let thy west wing sleep on the lake”
The star’s influence is described as gently resting on the lake, evoking a peaceful and serene scene.
Volta
“Dost thou withdraw; then the wolf rages wide”
The poem shifts from tranquility to danger, marking a volta (or turn) in tone as the absence of the star unleashes chaos in the natural world.
Themes: “To the Evening Star” by William Blake
1. Divine Protection and Guidance: In “To the Evening Star,” William Blake explores the theme of divine protection and guidance, portraying the evening star as a celestial guardian watching over the natural world and humanity. The star, addressed as a “fair-haired angel of the evening,” symbolizes a divine force that safeguards the tranquility of night. This protective quality is evident in the lines, “Smile upon our evening bed!” and “Protect with them with thine influence,” where the speaker implores the star to shield nature and human love from harm. The star’s sacred dew, which “covers the fleeces of our flocks,” further underscores its nurturing role, blessing and safeguarding life under its light. Through this, Blake conveys a vision of the cosmos as a benevolent, watchful entity, embodying divine grace and order.
2. The Harmony Between Nature and the Cosmos: The poem celebrates the harmonious relationship between nature and celestial bodies, emphasizing their interconnected roles in creating balance and beauty. In “To the Evening Star,” the star is not only an ethereal presence but also an active participant in the natural world. It “scatters silver dew” and “draws the blue curtains of the sky,” symbolizing the transition from day to night. These lines reflect the gentle, almost maternal care of the star, which nurtures flowers that “shut their sweet eyes in timely sleep.” By depicting nature’s cycles as guided and sustained by celestial forces, Blake illustrates a profound unity between the heavens and the earth, elevating this harmony to a spiritual plane.
3. The Passage of Time and Transience: Blake also meditates on the fleeting nature of beauty and time in “To the Evening Star.” The evening star’s presence, though radiant and benevolent, is impermanent, as expressed in the line, “Soon, full soon, dost thou withdraw.” This acknowledgment of the star’s eventual departure introduces a sense of melancholy, as its absence leaves the natural world vulnerable to chaos, symbolized by the imagery of the “wolf” and “lion” raging in the night. The transience of the star mirrors the ephemeral nature of peace and order in the world, reminding readers of the cyclical and ever-changing rhythms of life. By linking the star’s temporary presence to the inevitability of time’s passage, Blake evokes both reverence and a poignant awareness of life’s fragility.
4. Light as a Symbol of Love and Hope: In “To the Evening Star,” light becomes a recurring symbol of love, hope, and purity, which the star radiates to illuminate and guide the world. The phrase, “Thy bright torch of love; thy radiant crown,” imbues the star with a regal and benevolent aura, suggesting its light is a divine gift that fosters affection and unity. The “silver dew” it scatters across the natural world represents renewal and sanctity, bringing a sense of hope to both humans and nature. Even as darkness encroaches, the star’s light speaks of a lingering promise of peace and protection. Blake thus uses light to encapsulate the poem’s central themes of love and divine care, emphasizing its universal significance as a source of guidance and comfort.
Literary Theories and “To the Evening Star” by William Blake
Romanticism emphasizes the beauty of nature, individual emotion, and the sublime. Blake’s poem reflects these ideals by portraying the evening star as a divine and nurturing force in harmony with the natural world, evoking awe and reverence.
“Thy bright torch of love; thy radiant crown” highlights the star’s divine and sublime qualities.
Symbolism
The poem uses rich symbolism to convey deeper meanings, with the evening star symbolizing divine protection, light symbolizing hope, and dew symbolizing renewal and purity. The star is a central figure representing celestial guidance and cosmic order.
“Thy sacred dew; protect with them with thine influence” symbolizes divine care and blessings over nature.
From an ecocritical perspective, the poem celebrates the interconnectedness of nature and the cosmos. It emphasizes the cyclical rhythms of nature, such as the transition from day to night, and the star’s role in nurturing and preserving natural harmony.
“Blue curtains of the sky, scatter thy silver dew” reflects the harmony between celestial forces and nature.
Theological/Spiritual Criticism
The poem can be interpreted as a theological reflection on divine intervention and grace. The evening star is likened to an angel, acting as a spiritual protector over the earth. It also aligns with the idea of God’s presence in the natural order.
“Thou fair-haired angel of the evening” directly links the star to divine imagery and spiritual significance.
Critical Questions about “To the Evening Star” by William Blake
1. How does “To the Evening Star” reflect Blake’s view of the harmony between nature and the cosmos?
In “To the Evening Star,” Blake presents a harmonious relationship between celestial and terrestrial forces, where the evening star actively participates in the balance of nature. The star “draws the blue curtains of the sky” and “scatters silver dew,” symbolizing its nurturing influence over the night. By personifying the star as a gentle caretaker, Blake underscores the interconnectedness of all things, elevating the star to a divine figure that bridges the heavens and the earth. This harmony is reflective of Romantic ideals, where the natural and cosmic worlds are depicted as unified and infused with spiritual significance.
2. What role does light play in the spiritual and emotional themes of “To the Evening Star”?
Light in “To the Evening Star” symbolizes hope, purity, and divine protection, essential to the spiritual undertone of the poem. The “bright torch of love” and the star’s “radiant crown” portray its light as both a guide and a blessing, casting a benevolent glow over the natural world. This light is not merely physical illumination but also a symbol of love and spiritual grace. By illuminating the “evening bed” and scattering “sacred dew,” the star’s light fosters peace and renewal, reinforcing its role as a celestial guardian and a source of emotional solace.
3. How does Blake use imagery to convey the duality of peace and danger in “To the Evening Star”?
Blake uses vivid imagery in “To the Evening Star” to juxtapose the tranquility brought by the star with the chaos of its absence. While the star “smiles upon our evening bed” and “washes the dusk with silver,” bringing peace and protection, its withdrawal unleashes a darker side of nature. The imagery shifts to describe the “wolf” raging and the “lion” glaring through the forest, symbolizing untamed wildness in the absence of divine light. This duality emphasizes the delicate balance between order and chaos, peace and danger, and the star’s pivotal role in maintaining harmony.
4. How does Blake personify the evening star in “To the Evening Star,” and what effect does this have on the poem’s tone?
In “To the Evening Star,” Blake personifies the star as an “angel of the evening,” imbuing it with human qualities such as the ability to “smile” and “protect.” This personification transforms the star into a compassionate and divine presence, actively safeguarding the natural world. The effect on the poem’s tone is one of reverence and intimacy, as the speaker directly addresses the star with an imperative, imploring it to “smile upon our evening bed” and “scatter thy silver dew.” This personal connection to the celestial body enhances the poem’s spiritual and emotional depth, making the star a symbol of both comfort and divine grace.
Literary Works Similar to “To the Evening Star” by William Blake
“To a Skylark” by Percy Bysshe Shelley: Similar to Blake’s poem, Shelley’s work also personifies a natural element (the skylark) and explores its connection to the divine and the natural world.
“Bright Star, Would I Were Steadfast as Thou Art” by John Keats: Keats addresses a celestial body (the star) in a similar tone of reverence and yearning, emphasizing themes of permanence and transcendence.
“Ode to Evening” by William Collins: Both poems focus on the serenity of the evening, using rich imagery and personification to depict the transition from day to night.
“Evening Star” by Edgar Allan Poe: Poe’s poem shares thematic similarities with Blake’s work, portraying the evening star as a mystical and guiding presence amidst the night’s beauty.
Representative Quotations of “To the Evening Star” by William Blake
The star is personified as an angel, emphasizing its divine and protective role over the earth.
Theological/Spiritual Criticism: Highlights the star as a divine symbol of grace and purity.
“Thy bright torch of love; thy radiant crown”
The star’s light is likened to a torch and crown, signifying its celestial authority and love.
Symbolism: The light represents guidance, hope, and divine influence in a chaotic world.
“Put on, and smile upon our evening bed!”
The star is implored to bless the world with its light, offering comfort and protection at night.
Romanticism: Reflects the Romantic ideal of nature as a source of solace and spiritual renewal.
“Smile on our loves, and while thou drawest the / Blue curtains of the sky”
The star is asked to smile on human love while it oversees the night’s arrival.
Ecocriticism: Depicts the harmonious transition between day and night guided by celestial forces.
“Scatter thy silver dew on every flower”
The star is described as nurturing the earth with its sacred dew, symbolizing purity and renewal.
Symbolism: Dew signifies renewal, divine blessing, and the star’s harmonious role in nature.
“In timely sleep. Let thy west wing sleep on the lake”
The star brings peace to the natural world, including calm waters and sleeping flowers.
Imagery: Creates a serene picture of nature, embodying Romantic ideals of tranquility.
“Speak silence with thy glimmering eyes”
The star silently communicates its presence through its shimmering light.
Paradox: Contrasts speaking and silence, emphasizing the ineffable power of the celestial.
“And wash the dusk with silver”
The star’s light transforms the dark sky into something beautiful and serene.
Aesthetic Criticism: Highlights the star’s ability to beautify the natural world.
“Soon, full soon, dost thou withdraw”
The star’s fleeting presence is acknowledged, marking the transience of peace and beauty.
Temporal Criticism: Examines the impermanence of natural and celestial phenomena.
“Then the wolf rages wide, and the lion glares through the dun forest”
The absence of the star leads to chaos and danger in nature, symbolizing disorder without light.
Ecocriticism: Suggests the delicate balance maintained by celestial forces in the natural world.
Suggested Readings: “To the Evening Star” by William Blake
Wagenknecht, David. Blake’s Night: William Blake and the Idea of Pastoral. Harvard University Press, 1973.
Baine, Rodney M., and Mary R. Baine. “Blake’s Other Tigers, and ‘The Tyger.'” Studies in English Literature, 1500-1900, vol. 15, no. 4, 1975, pp. 563–78. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/450011. Accessed 25 Jan. 2025.
Corrigan, Matthew. “Metaphor in William Blake: A Negative View.” The Journal of Aesthetics and Art Criticism, vol. 28, no. 2, 1969, pp. 187–99. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/428568. Accessed 25 Jan. 2025.
Gleckner, Robert F. “Blake’s Seasons.” Studies in English Literature, 1500-1900, vol. 5, no. 3, 1965, pp. 533–51. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/449448. Accessed 25 Jan. 2025.
“The Solitary Reaper” by William Wordsworth, first appeared in his 1807 collection Poems, in Two Volumes, captures the poet’s encounter with a solitary Highland girl reaping and singing a melancholic song in a field.
Introduction: “The Solitary Reaper” by William Wordsworth
“The Solitary Reaper” by William Wordsworth, first appeared in his 1807 collection Poems, in Two Volumes, captures the poet’s encounter with a solitary Highland girl reaping and singing a melancholic song in a field, a moment that deeply moves him. The main idea revolves around the transformative power of music and imagination, as Wordsworth compares the girl’s song to the enchanting melodies of nightingales and cuckoos, despite not understanding the lyrics. The poem’s popularity as a textbook piece stems from its embodiment of Romantic ideals—celebrating ordinary life, nature, and human emotion. Its lyrical beauty and universal themes of solitude and the enduring impact of art resonate with readers. A memorable line, “The music in my heart I bore, / Long after it was heard no more,” encapsulates the lasting impression of the reaper’s song, symbolizing how fleeting moments can leave profound, lasting effects on the soul.
Text: “The Solitary Reaper” by William Wordsworth
Behold her, single in the field,
Yon solitary Highland Lass!
Reaping and singing by herself;
Stop here, or gently pass!
Alone she cuts and binds the grain,
And sings a melancholy strain;
O listen! for the Vale profound
Is overflowing with the sound.
No Nightingale did ever chaunt
More welcome notes to weary bands
Of travellers in some shady haunt,
Among Arabian sands:
A voice so thrilling ne’er was heard
In spring-time from the Cuckoo-bird,
Breaking the silence of the seas
Among the farthest Hebrides.
Will no one tell me what she sings?—
Perhaps the plaintive numbers flow
For old, unhappy, far-off things,
And battles long ago:
Or is it some more humble lay,
Familiar matter of to-day?
Some natural sorrow, loss, or pain,
That has been, and may be again?
Whate’er the theme, the Maiden sang
As if her song could have no ending;
I saw her singing at her work,
And o’er the sickle bending;—
I listened, motionless and still;
And, as I mounted up the hill,
The music in my heart I bore,
Long after it was heard no more.
Annotations: “The Solitary Reaper” by William Wordsworth
Repetition of the “s” sound emphasizes the sorrowful tone of the song.
Allusion
“Among Arabian sands” / “farthest Hebrides”
References to distant, exotic locations highlight the universal appeal of the girl’s song.
Apostrophe
“O listen!”
The speaker addresses an absent audience, urging them to pay attention to the scene.
Assonance
“Whate’er the theme, the Maiden sang”
Repetition of the long “a” sound creates musicality, mirroring the girl’s song.
Contrast
“humble lay” vs. “battles long ago”
Juxtaposes ordinary, everyday themes with grand historical events to explore the song’s meaning.
Enjambment
“Is overflowing with the sound. / No Nightingale…”
A line flows into the next without punctuation, mimicking the uninterrupted flow of the song.
Exclamation
“Yon solitary Highland Lass!”
Emphasizes the speaker’s awe at the girl’s solitary presence and artistry.
Hyperbole
“the Vale profound / Is overflowing with the sound”
Exaggerates the song’s volume and impact, suggesting it fills the entire valley.
Imagery
“Alone she cuts and binds the grain”
Vivid visual description of the girl working, grounding the poem in a tangible, rural setting.
Imperative Mood
“Behold her, single in the field”
Directs the reader to observe the scene, creating immediacy and involvement.
Metaphor
“The music in my heart I bore”
Compares the song to a physical burden, symbolizing its lasting emotional weight.
Mood
“melancholy strain”
Establishes a reflective, somber mood through the description of the girl’s sorrowful song.
Paradox
“Long after it was heard no more”
The song is silent yet lingers in memory, illustrating the paradox of ephemeral yet enduring beauty.
Personification
“the plaintive numbers flow”
Gives the song human qualities (flowing like tears), deepening its emotional resonance.
Repetition
“I listened, motionless and still”
Repeats ideas of stillness to emphasize the speaker’s captivation by the song.
Rhetorical Question
“Will no one tell me what she sings?”
Highlights the speaker’s longing to understand the song’s meaning, adding mystery.
Simile
“No Nightingale did ever chaunt / More welcome notes…”
Compares the girl’s song to a nightingale’s, elevating its beauty.
Symbolism
The solitary reaper
Represents the harmony between humanity and nature, and art’s power to transcend language.
Tone
“A voice so thrilling ne’er was heard”
Conveys a tone of reverence and wonder at the girl’s song and its emotional depth.
Consonance
“Stop here, or gently pass!”
Repetition of “p” and “s” sounds creates a hushed, quiet effect, mirroring the speaker’s reverence.
Themes: “The Solitary Reaper” by William Wordsworth
1. The Power of Music and Art to Transcend Language: Wordsworth explores how art and music can communicate profound emotions beyond the limits of language. The Highland girl’s song, though sung in an unfamiliar dialect, stirs the speaker deeply: “Will no one tell me what she sings?— / Perhaps the plaintive numbers flow / For old, unhappy, far-off things” (stanza 3). The speaker does not understand the lyrics, yet the melody’s emotional resonance—its “melancholy strain”—transcends words, connecting him to universal human experiences of sorrow and longing. The song’s lingering effect (“The music in my heart I bore, / Long after it was heard no more”) symbolizes art’s ability to leave an indelible mark on the soul, even when its literal meaning remains obscure. This theme reflects Wordsworth’s Romantic belief in art as a universal language of emotion.
2. The Beauty of Solitude and Ordinary Labor: The poem elevates the dignity of solitary, everyday work through its depiction of the reaper. The girl’s labor—“Alone she cuts and binds the grain”—is framed not as drudgery but as a harmonious blend of toil and artistry. Her song transforms the mundane act of reaping into something sublime: “I saw her singing at her work, / And o’er the sickle bending” (stanza 4). Wordsworth romanticizes her isolation, presenting her as a symbol of self-sufficiency and quiet strength. The imperative “Behold her, single in the field” (stanza 1) invites readers to find beauty in simplicity, reflecting the Romantic ideal of celebrating ordinary individuals and their uncelebrated lives.
3. The Connection Between Humanity and Nature: The poem intertwines human emotion with the natural world, suggesting a symbiotic relationship. The girl’s song is compared to natural sounds—the nightingale’s “welcome notes to weary bands / Of travellers in some shady haunt” and the cuckoo’s call “Breaking the silence of the seas” (stanza 2). These similes link her voice to the restorative power of nature, implying that human creativity is an extension of the natural world. Even the valley itself becomes a participant: “the Vale profound / Is overflowing with the sound” (stanza 1), personifying the landscape as a vessel for her song. This theme underscores Wordsworth’s belief in nature as a source of spiritual and emotional sustenance.
4. The Ephemeral Yet Eternal Nature of Experience: The poem grapples with the fleeting quality of beauty and its lasting emotional imprint. Though the girl’s song is temporary—“As if her song could have no ending” (stanza 4)—it becomes immortalized in the speaker’s memory. The closing lines, “The music in my heart I bore, / Long after it was heard no more”, capture this paradox: the song is physically gone but emotionally eternal. The speaker’s stillness (“I listened, motionless and still”) mirrors the reader’s own suspension in the moment, emphasizing how transient experiences can shape our inner lives. This theme reflects Wordsworth’s preoccupation with memory’s role in preserving fleeting moments of beauty.
Why These Themes Matter?
Wordsworth uses these themes to celebrate the unnoticed poetry of everyday life, aligning with Romanticism’s focus on emotion, nature, and the sublime in the ordinary. The reaper’s song becomes a metaphor for art itself—ephemeral yet timeless, simple yet profound. By grounding abstract ideas in vivid imagery and musical language, Wordsworth ensures the poem’s enduring relevance as a meditation on human connection and the transformative power of observation.
Literary Theories and “The Solitary Reaper” by William Wordsworth
“No Nightingale did ever chaunt / More welcome notes…” (stanza 2)
Wordsworth elevates the girl’s song as a sublime, natural force surpassing even the nightingale’s beauty. Focus on individual emotion and rural simplicity aligns with Romantic ideals of finding profundity in ordinary life.
Human-nature relationships and environmental interconnectedness.
“Breaking the silence of the seas / Among the farthest Hebrides” (stanza 2)
The poem merges human artistry (the girl’s song) with natural soundscapes. The valley “overflowing with the sound” (stanza 1) reflects nature as a living, responsive entity, emphasizing harmony between humans and their environment.
Subjective interpretation and emotional engagement of the reader.
“Will no one tell me what she sings?” (stanza 3)
The speaker’s uncertainty about the song’s meaning invites readers to project their own emotions onto it. The lasting impact (“The music in my heart I bore…”) highlights how art’s meaning is shaped by personal experience.
“Behold her, single in the field, / Yon solitary Highland Lass!” (stanza 1)
The poem centers a marginalized female figure (a rural laborer), celebrating her voice and autonomy. However, her silence (untranslated song) could symbolize historical erasure of women’s narratives in patriarchal societies.
Expanded Insights:
Romanticism: The poem embodies Wordsworth’s belief in the “spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings” (Lyrical Ballads). The girl’s song represents unmediated emotion and the sublime in everyday life.
Ecocriticism: The reaper’s song blends with natural imagery (nightingales, cuckoos, seas), suggesting human creativity is an extension of nature’s rhythms.
Reader-Response: The speaker’s inability to grasp the song’s literal meaning (“Perhaps the plaintive numbers flow…”) mirrors how readers derive unique interpretations based on personal context.
Feminist Criticism: While the poem elevates the girl’s labor and artistry, her song remains linguistically inaccessible, raising questions about whose stories are preserved and whose are silenced.
Critical Questions about “The Solitary Reaper” by William Wordsworth
1. How does the poem explore the limitations and transcendence of language through the speaker’s encounter with the reaper’s song?
“The Solitary Reaper” interrogates the boundaries of language by emphasizing the speaker’s inability to understand the Highland girl’s lyrics. Wordsworth writes, “Will no one tell me what she sings?— / Perhaps the plaintive numbers flow / For old, unhappy, far-off things” (stanza 3). Despite this linguistic barrier, the song’s emotional power transcends words: its “melancholy strain” resonates deeply with the speaker, suggesting that music communicates universal human experiences (sorrow, longing, beauty) beyond literal meaning. The closing lines—“The music in my heart I bore, / Long after it was heard no more”—reinforce the idea that art’s true impact lies in emotional resonance, not verbal comprehension. This tension between language’s limits and art’s universality reflects Romanticism’s prioritization of feeling over intellect.
2. In what ways does Wordsworth romanticize labor, and what might this reveal about his perspective on social class?
Wordsworth aestheticizes the reaper’s labor by framing her work as a harmonious blend of toil and artistry. The lines “Alone she cuts and binds the grain, / And sings a melancholy strain” (stanza 1) juxtapose her physical labor with her soulful song, elevating her labor to a poetic act. However, this romanticization risks glossing over the harsh realities of agrarian work. By focusing on the beauty of her song (“As if her song could have no ending”), Wordsworth obscures the grueling nature of her task, instead presenting her as an idealized figure of rural simplicity. This aligns with his Romantic tendency to celebrate the rural poor while avoiding critique of the socioeconomic systems that marginalize them. The poem thus reflects a tension between admiration for working-class resilience and a potential detachment from their material struggles.
3. How does the poem’s natural imagery contribute to its depiction of human emotion and creativity?
“The Solitary Reaper” uses vivid natural imagery to link the girl’s song to the sublime power of nature. Comparisons to the nightingale (“No Nightingale did ever chaunt / More welcome notes”) and the cuckoo (“In spring-time from the Cuckoo-bird”) in stanza 2 position her voice as part of nature’s own music. The valley “overflowing with the sound” (stanza 1) personifies the landscape as a vessel for her song, blurring the line between human artistry and natural phenomena. This fusion suggests creativity is an organic extension of the natural world, reinforcing the Romantic belief that nature inspires and mirrors human emotion. The song’s echoes in remote locales (“Among Arabian sands” and “the farthest Hebrides”) further universalize its emotional reach, grounding human experience in a global, ecological framework.
4. What role does memory play in the poem, and how does it relate to Wordsworth’s broader philosophical views?
Memory transforms the ephemeral song into an enduring emotional experience. Though the speaker hears the reaper’s song only once, its impact lingers: “The music in my heart I bore, / Long after it was heard no more” (stanza 4). This paradox—of a transient moment becoming timeless—reflects Wordsworth’s belief in memory’s power to preserve and elevate fleeting beauty. In his Preface to “Lyrical Ballads”, he describes poetry as “emotion recollected in tranquility,” a process mirrored here: the speaker’s stillness (“I listened, motionless and still”) allows the song to imprint itself on his psyche. Memory becomes a tool for transcending time, ensuring the song’s emotional truth outlasts its physical presence. This theme connects to works like “Tintern Abbey,” where revisiting past experiences through memory offers spiritual renewal.
Literary Works Similar to “The Solitary Reaper” by William Wordsworth
“I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud” by William Wordsworth Like “The Solitary Reaper,” this poem immortalizes a transient encounter with nature (daffodils in bloom) that becomes a source of lasting joy and reflection.
“The Peace of Wild Things” by Wendell Berry Resonates with the idea of nature as a refuge for the soul, paralleling the reaper’s song as a source of solace and quiet transcendence.
“Tintern Abbey” by William Wordsworth Explores memory’s role in transforming natural experiences into spiritual renewal, akin to the reaper’s song lingering in the speaker’s heart.
“To a Skylark” by Percy Bysshe Shelley Celebrates a bird’s song as an otherworldly force of beauty, mirroring Wordsworth’s awe at the reaper’s melody, though with a more ecstatic tone.
Representative Quotations of “The Solitary Reaper” by William Wordsworth
Werner, Bette Charlene. “Romantic Lyrics in Landscape: Constable and Wordsworth.” Comparative Literature, vol. 36, no. 2, 1984, pp. 110–29. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/1770599. Accessed 25 Jan. 2025.
HARTMAN, GEOFFREY H. “‘The Solitary Reaper.'” Wordsworth’s Poetry 1787-1814, Yale University Press, 1971, pp. 3–18. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctt1bh4bg4.5. Accessed 25 Jan. 2025.
Fairlie, Charlotte. “‘Whispering to the Ground’: The Environmental Message of the Scythe.” Interdisciplinary Studies in Literature and Environment, vol. 18, no. 3, 2011, pp. 637–51. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/44087010. Accessed 25 Jan. 2025.
“The Portrait” by Stanley Kunitz, first appeared in his 1971 collection The Testing-Tree, explores the profound emotional impact of a father’s suicide on the poet’s life.
Introduction: “The Portrait” by Stanley Kunitz
“The Portrait” by Stanley Kunitz, first appeared in his 1971 collection The Testing-Tree, explores the profound emotional impact of a father’s suicide on the poet’s life, particularly through the lens of his mother’s unresolved grief and the lasting scars it left on their relationship. The central theme revolves around the transmission of unexpressed emotions and the weight of absence, as Kunitz reflects on how his father’s death shaped his identity and his mother’s inability to forgive or move on. The poem’s raw honesty and vivid imagery, such as the moment when the mother “ripped [the portrait] into shreds / without a single word / and slapped me hard,” resonate deeply with readers, capturing the complexity of familial pain and the enduring nature of trauma. Its popularity as a textbook poem stems from its universal themes of loss, memory, and the search for identity, as well as its masterful use of language to evoke visceral emotions. The line, “In my sixty-fourth year / I can feel my cheek / still burning,” exemplifies the poem’s power to convey how past wounds continue to shape the present, making it a timeless piece for literary analysis and emotional reflection.
The tone is set as resentful, reflecting the mother’s enduring anger and inability to forgive.
The mother’s unresolved grief and anger toward the father’s suicide are introduced, establishing the emotional tension in the poem.
for killing himself,
Enjambment
The line breaks abruptly, emphasizing the gravity of the father’s suicide.
The abruptness mirrors the shock and finality of the father’s act, highlighting its impact on the family.
especially at such an awkward time
Irony
The word “awkward” is ironic, as suicide is tragic, not merely inconvenient.
The mother’s perspective is revealed, showing her bitterness about the timing of the suicide, which adds to her resentment.
and in a public park,
Imagery
The setting is described vividly, evoking a sense of exposure and public shame.
The public nature of the suicide amplifies the mother’s humiliation and the family’s trauma, making the event even more painful.
that spring
Symbolism
Spring symbolizes renewal and life, contrasting with the father’s death.
The juxtaposition of spring (a time of birth and growth) with the father’s suicide underscores the tragedy and the disruption of natural cycles.
when I was waiting to be born.
Paradox
The speaker’s impending birth contrasts with the father’s death, creating a paradox.
The speaker’s life begins as the father’s ends, emphasizing the absence of a father figure and the emotional void left behind.
She locked his name
Metaphor
The mother’s emotional suppression is compared to locking something away.
The mother’s refusal to acknowledge or speak of the father symbolizes her attempt to bury the pain and memory of him.
in her deepest cabinet
Imagery
The “deepest cabinet” evokes a hidden, inaccessible place, symbolizing repressed emotions.
The mother’s grief and anger are deeply buried, suggesting her inability to process or move past the trauma.
and would not let him out,
Personification
The father’s memory is personified as something trapped and struggling to escape.
The father’s memory continues to haunt the family, symbolizing the inescapable nature of their grief and the mother’s refusal to confront it.
though I could hear him thumping.
Auditory Imagery
The sound of “thumping” suggests the persistence of the father’s memory and its emotional weight.
Despite the mother’s efforts to suppress the memory, the father’s presence remains alive in the speaker’s mind, symbolizing unresolved trauma.
When I came down from the attic
Symbolism
The attic symbolizes the past and hidden memories.
The speaker’s journey to the attic represents an attempt to uncover and understand the past, particularly the father’s legacy.
with the pastel portrait in my hand
Symbolism
The portrait symbolizes the father’s memory and the speaker’s attempt to connect with him.
The portrait becomes a tangible link to the father, representing the speaker’s desire to know and remember him.
of a long-lipped stranger
Imagery
The description of the father as a “stranger” emphasizes his absence and the speaker’s lack of connection to him.
The father remains an enigmatic figure, someone the speaker never truly knew, highlighting the emotional distance caused by his early death.
with a brave moustache
Oxymoron
The word “brave” contrasts with the father’s suicide, which is often seen as an act of despair, not bravery.
The speaker’s description of the father as “brave” may reflect a child’s idealized view of a parent, even in the face of his tragic end.
and deep brown level eyes,
Imagery
The detailed description of the father’s eyes creates a vivid image, humanizing him.
The father’s eyes suggest depth and emotion, making him more real to the speaker and the reader, despite his absence.
she ripped it into shreds
Violent Imagery
The act of ripping the portrait conveys the mother’s intense anger and unresolved grief.
The mother’s destruction of the portrait symbolizes her refusal to accept the father’s memory and her attempt to erase him from their lives.
without a single word
Silence as Symbolism
The mother’s silence underscores her inability to express her pain and the depth of her resentment.
The lack of words highlights the emotional repression and the unspoken tension within the family.
and slapped me hard.
Physical Imagery
The slap is a physical manifestation of the mother’s emotional turmoil.
The slap represents the transfer of pain from the mother to the speaker, symbolizing how trauma is passed down through generations.
In my sixty-fourth year
Reflection
The speaker reflects on the event from a distance of many years.
The passage of time underscores the lasting impact of the trauma, showing how childhood wounds continue to affect the speaker even in old age.
I can feel my cheek
Sensory Imagery
The physical sensation of the cheek burning connects the past to the present.
The memory of the slap remains vivid, symbolizing the enduring pain and emotional scars left by the mother’s actions.
still burning.
Metaphor
The burning cheek symbolizes the lasting emotional pain and the inability to forget.
The poem ends with a powerful image of unresolved pain, emphasizing how the past continues to haunt the speaker, even decades later.
Themes: “The Portrait” by Stanley Kunitz
1. The Lingering Impact of Trauma
“The Portrait” explores how trauma, particularly from a parent’s suicide, leaves lasting emotional scars that persist across generations. The speaker recounts his father’s suicide, which occurred “that spring / when I was waiting to be born,” highlighting how the event shaped his life even before he was born. The mother’s inability to forgive the father and her violent reaction to the portrait—”she ripped it into shreds / without a single word / and slapped me hard”—demonstrate how unresolved grief and anger are passed down. The speaker’s reflection, “In my sixty-fourth year / I can feel my cheek / still burning,” underscores the enduring nature of this trauma, showing how childhood wounds continue to affect him decades later. Through these moments, “The Portrait” reveals the profound and lasting impact of familial trauma.
2. The Burden of Unresolved Grief
In “The Portrait,” the poem delves into the destructive power of unprocessed grief, particularly through the mother’s character. She “locked his name / in her deepest cabinet / and would not let him out,” symbolizing her refusal to confront or heal from the pain of her husband’s suicide. Her act of destroying the portrait and slapping the speaker reveals her inability to move past the trauma, instead channeling her pain into anger and repression. This theme is further emphasized by the speaker’s observation that he could still hear his father “thumping,” suggesting that the memory of the father and the grief surrounding his death remain alive and unresolved. “The Portrait” illustrates how unaddressed grief can fester and affect future generations.
3. The Search for Identity and Connection
“The Portrait” captures the speaker’s quest to understand his own identity and connect with the father he never knew. The discovery of the father’s portrait in the attic represents this search, as the portrait depicts “a long-lipped stranger / with a brave moustache / and deep brown level eyes,” highlighting the father’s enigmatic presence in the speaker’s life. By bringing the portrait to his mother, the speaker seeks to bridge the gap between past and present, but her violent rejection of the portrait—”she ripped it into shreds”—symbolizes the impossibility of fully understanding or reconciling with the past. This theme in “The Portrait” reflects the universal human desire to know one’s roots and the pain of being denied that connection.
4. The Cycle of Pain and Repression
“The Portrait” illustrates how pain and repression can become cyclical, passed from one generation to the next. The mother’s refusal to acknowledge the father’s memory—”she locked his name / in her deepest cabinet”—and her violent reaction to the portrait demonstrate her inability to process her grief. This repression is then transferred to the speaker, who experiences the physical and emotional pain of her slap: “she ripped it into shreds / without a single word / and slapped me hard.” The speaker’s lingering memory of the slap, “still burning” in his sixty-fourth year, shows how the cycle of pain continues, affecting him long after the event. Through this, “The Portrait” reveals how unresolved emotions can perpetuate suffering across generations.
5. The Power of Memory and the Past
Memory plays a central role in “The Portrait,” as the speaker reflects on how the past continues to shape the present. The father’s suicide, the mother’s grief, and the speaker’s discovery of the portrait are all moments frozen in time, yet their impact is felt decades later. The portrait itself serves as a tangible link to the past, but its destruction by the mother symbolizes the difficulty of reconciling with painful memories. The speaker’s reflection, “In my sixty-fourth year / I can feel my cheek / still burning,” underscores how the past remains alive in the present, shaping the speaker’s identity and emotions. This theme in “The Portrait” highlights the inescapable nature of memory and its power to influence our lives.
Literary Theories and “The Portrait” by Stanley Kunitz
This theory focuses on the unconscious mind, repressed emotions, and familial dynamics. The poem explores the mother’s repressed grief and anger, as well as the speaker’s unresolved trauma from his father’s suicide.
– “She locked his name / in her deepest cabinet / and would not let him out” (repression). – “she ripped it into shreds / without a single word / and slapped me hard” (unresolved anger). – “I can feel my cheek / still burning” (trauma).
Feminist theory examines power dynamics and gender roles. The mother’s dominance in the household and her violent reaction to the portrait reflect her struggle with societal expectations and her role as a widow left to cope with her husband’s suicide.
– “My mother never forgave my father / for killing himself” (gender roles and expectations). – “she ripped it into shreds / without a single word” (expression of suppressed power and anger).
Trauma theory analyzes how traumatic events are represented and their lasting effects. The poem vividly portrays the trauma of the father’s suicide and its intergenerational impact on the mother and speaker.
– “that spring / when I was waiting to be born” (trauma before birth). – “I can feel my cheek / still burning” (lasting emotional and physical impact). – “though I could hear him thumping” (haunting memory of trauma).
This theory emphasizes the reader’s personal interpretation and emotional response to the text. The poem’s raw emotion and vivid imagery invite readers to reflect on their own experiences with grief, family, and memory.
– “she ripped it into shreds / without a single word” (evokes shock and empathy). – “In my sixty-fourth year / I can feel my cheek / still burning” (resonates with readers who have experienced lasting emotional pain).
Explanation of the Theories in Context:
Psychoanalytic Theory: The poem delves into the unconscious emotions of the mother and speaker. The mother’s repression of her husband’s memory (“locked his name / in her deepest cabinet”) and her violent outburst (“ripped it into shreds”) reveal her unresolved grief and anger. The speaker’s lingering pain (“still burning”) suggests the lasting psychological impact of childhood trauma.
Feminist Theory: The mother’s actions can be interpreted through the lens of societal expectations placed on women, particularly widows. Her inability to forgive the father and her violent reaction to the portrait reflect her struggle with the emotional burden of her husband’s suicide and her role as a single parent.
Trauma Theory: The poem vividly captures the intergenerational trauma caused by the father’s suicide. The speaker’s description of the event (“when I was waiting to be born”) and his enduring pain (“still burning”) illustrate how trauma transcends time and continues to affect individuals long after the initial event.
Reader-Response Theory: The poem’s emotional depth and vivid imagery invite readers to connect with the speaker’s experiences. The mother’s silent destruction of the portrait and the speaker’s burning cheek evoke strong emotional responses, allowing readers to reflect on their own experiences with grief and memory.
Critical Questions about “The Portrait” by Stanley Kunitz
1. How does the poem explore the theme of intergenerational trauma?
“The Portrait” vividly portrays the transmission of trauma from one generation to the next. The father’s suicide, which occurred “that spring / when I was waiting to be born,” marks the beginning of the speaker’s lifelong struggle with his father’s absence and his mother’s unresolved grief. The mother’s repression of her emotions—”she locked his name / in her deepest cabinet”—and her violent reaction to the portrait—”she ripped it into shreds / without a single word / and slapped me hard”—demonstrate how her pain is transferred to the speaker. The speaker’s reflection, “In my sixty-fourth year / I can feel my cheek / still burning,” underscores the lasting impact of this trauma, showing how the wounds of the past continue to affect him decades later. Through these moments, the poem illustrates how trauma can echo across generations.
2. What role does the portrait play in the poem?
The portrait serves as a powerful symbol of the father’s memory and the speaker’s attempt to connect with him. When the speaker discovers the portrait in the attic, it depicts “a long-lipped stranger / with a brave moustache / and deep brown level eyes,” humanizing the father and making him more tangible. However, the mother’s destruction of the portrait—”she ripped it into shreds”—symbolizes her refusal to confront the past and her inability to move beyond her grief. For the speaker, the portrait represents a lost connection and a desire to understand his father, but its destruction highlights the impossibility of fully reconciling with the past. The portrait thus becomes a focal point for the poem’s exploration of memory, identity, and loss.
3. How does the mother’s character shape the poem’s emotional landscape?
The mother is central to the poem’s emotional depth, embodying unresolved grief and repressed anger. Her refusal to forgive the father—”My mother never forgave my father / for killing himself”—and her act of locking his name away—”she locked his name / in her deepest cabinet”—reveal her inability to process her pain. Her violent reaction to the portrait—”she ripped it into shreds / without a single word / and slapped me hard”—further underscores her emotional turmoil. The mother’s actions create a tense and painful atmosphere, shaping the speaker’s own experience of trauma and loss. Her character serves as a reminder of how unprocessed grief can manifest in destructive ways, affecting not only the individual but also those around them.
4. How does the poem use imagery to convey its themes?
“The Portrait” employs vivid imagery to evoke the poem’s themes of memory, trauma, and loss. The description of the father’s suicide “in a public park” creates a stark visual of the event’s public and humiliating nature. The “deepest cabinet” where the mother locks the father’s name symbolizes repressed emotions and buried memories. The portrait itself, with its depiction of “a long-lipped stranger / with a brave moustache / and deep brown level eyes,” provides a tangible connection to the father, while its destruction—”she ripped it into shreds”—visually represents the mother’s rejection of the past. Finally, the image of the speaker’s “cheek / still burning” in his sixty-fourth year powerfully conveys the lasting emotional and physical impact of childhood trauma. Through these images, the poem brings its themes to life, making them visceral and unforgettable.
Literary Works Similar to “The Portrait” by Stanley Kunitz
“Daddy” by Sylvia Plath Similarity: Both poems explore complex relationships with a deceased father and the lingering emotional scars left by their absence, using vivid and often painful imagery.
“My Papa’s Waltz” by Theodore Roethke Similarity: This poem, like “The Portrait,” delves into the ambiguous and emotionally charged relationship between a child and a father, blending love and pain in its portrayal of memory.
“Those Winter Sundays” by Robert Hayden Similarity: Both poems reflect on the sacrifices and emotional distance of a father, highlighting the speaker’s retrospective understanding of their parent’s struggles and the weight of unspoken grief.
“The Glass Essay” by Anne Carson Similarity: This poem, like “The Portrait,” examines the impact of a parent’s emotional turmoil on their child, weaving together themes of loss, memory, and the search for identity.
“Elegy for My Father, Who Is Not Dead” by Andrew Hudgins Similarity: Both poems grapple with the inevitability of a father’s death and the unresolved emotions it leaves behind, exploring how grief shapes the living.
Representative Quotations of “The Portrait” by Stanley Kunitz
Quotation
Context
Theoretical Perspective
“My mother never forgave my father / for killing himself”
The poem opens with the speaker revealing his mother’s enduring resentment toward his father’s suicide, setting the tone for the exploration of unresolved grief and familial tension.
Psychoanalytic Theory: Highlights the mother’s repressed emotions and the psychological impact of the father’s suicide on the family dynamic.
“especially at such an awkward time / and in a public park”
The father’s suicide is described as occurring at an inconvenient and public moment, adding layers of shame and humiliation to the family’s grief.
Trauma Theory: Emphasizes the public and personal dimensions of trauma, showing how the timing and location of the suicide amplify its emotional weight .
“that spring / when I was waiting to be born”
The speaker connects his father’s death to his own impending birth, creating a paradox of life and death that frames his existence.
Existential Theory: Explores the interplay between life and death, and how the speaker’s identity is shaped by the absence of his father.
“She locked his name / in her deepest cabinet / and would not let him out”
The mother’s act of locking away the father’s name symbolizes her attempt to suppress her grief and erase his memory, though it remains unresolved.
Feminist Theory: Examines the mother’s struggle with societal expectations and her role as a widow, highlighting her emotional repression and its impact on the family.
“though I could hear him thumping”
Despite the mother’s efforts to bury the father’s memory, the speaker feels his presence as a persistent, unresolved force in his life.
Psychoanalytic Theory: Suggests the unconscious persistence of repressed memories and their influence on the speaker’s psyche.
“When I came down from the attic / with the pastel portrait in my hand”
The speaker discovers a portrait of his father, symbolizing his attempt to connect with the man he never knew.
Memory Studies: Highlights the role of objects (like the portrait) in preserving and evoking memory, as well as the speaker’s desire to understand his father.
“of a long-lipped stranger / with a brave moustache / and deep brown level eyes”
The speaker describes the father in the portrait as a “stranger,” emphasizing the emotional and physical distance between them.
Identity Theory: Explores the speaker’s struggle to reconcile his identity with the absence of a father figure, portraying the father as both familiar and alien.
“she ripped it into shreds / without a single word / and slapped me hard”
The mother’s violent reaction to the portrait symbolizes her inability to confront the past and her transfer of pain to the speaker.
Trauma Theory: Illustrates the intergenerational transmission of trauma, as the mother’s unresolved grief manifests in violence toward her child.
“In my sixty-fourth year / I can feel my cheek / still burning”
The speaker reflects on the lasting emotional and physical impact of his mother’s slap, showing how childhood trauma continues to affect him in old age.
Psychoanalytic Theory: Demonstrates the enduring nature of childhood trauma and its ability to shape an individual’s emotional landscape over a lifetime.
“though I could hear him thumping”
The repeated mention of the father’s “thumping” suggests the inescapable presence of his memory, despite the mother’s efforts to suppress it.
Memory Studies: Explores how repressed memories resurface and haunt individuals, emphasizing the persistence of the past in shaping the present.
Suggested Readings: “The Portrait” by Stanley Kunitz
Gorrell, Nancy. “Taking off the Mask: Teaching the Recurring Image in Poetry Writing.” The English Journal, vol. 79, no. 7, 1990, pp. 27–29. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/818712. Accessed 25 Jan. 2025.
Parker, Donald G., et al. “An Interview with Stanley Kunitz.” Conversations with Stanley Kunitz, edited by Kent P. Ljungquist, University Press of Mississippi, 2013, pp. 165–77. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctt2tvndc.21. Accessed 25 Jan. 2025.
KUNITZ, STANLEY. “STANLEY KUNITZ.” Lofty Dogmas: Poets on Poetics, edited by DEBORAH BROWN et al., University of Arkansas Press, 2005, pp. 206–11. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctvmx3j3j.59. Accessed 25 Jan. 2025.
“The Falcon And The Capon” by Jean de La Fontaine first appeared in his Fables, initially published in 1668.
Introduction: “The Falcon And The Capon” by Jean de La Fontaine
“The Falcon And The Capon” by Jean de La Fontaine first appeared in his Fables, initially published in 1668. This poem, like many others in his celebrated collection, blends wit, moral insight, and vivid storytelling to critique human folly and caution against deceit. The central themes of the poem revolve around wisdom, skepticism, and survival instincts. It contrasts the capon’s cautious refusal to trust seductive calls with the falcon’s misplaced confidence in servitude, illustrating the perils of gullibility and blind obedience. The capon’s witty observation, “Whate’er I lack, ’tis not the sense / To know that all this sweet-toned breath / Is spent to lure me to my death,” resonates as a timeless lesson on critical thinking and the consequences of manipulation. La Fontaine’s fables gained popularity for their ability to distill complex human behaviors into simple yet profound allegories, ensuring their relevance across centuries.
Text: “The Falcon And The Capon” by Jean de La Fontaine
You often hear a sweet seductive call: If wise, you haste towards it not at all; – And, if you heed my apologue, You act like John de Nivelle’s dog.[2]
A capon, citizen of Mans, Was summon’d from a throng To answer to the village squire, Before tribunal call’d the fire. The matter to disguise The kitchen sheriff wise Cried, ‘Biddy – Biddy – Biddy! – ‘ But not a moment did he – This Norman and a half[3] – The smooth official trust. ‘Your bait,’ said he, ‘is dust, And I’m too old for chaff.’ Meantime, a falcon, on his perch, Observed the flight and search. In man, by instinct or experience, The capons have so little confidence, That this was not without much trouble caught, Though for a splendid supper sought. To lie, the morrow night, In brilliant candle-light, Supinely on a dish ‘Midst viands, fowl, and fish, With all the ease that heart could wish – This honour, from his master kind, The fowl would gladly have declined. Outcried the bird of chase, As in the weeds he eyed the skulker’s face, ‘Why, what a stupid, blockhead race! – Such witless, brainless fools Might well defy the schools. For me, I understand To chase at word The swiftest bird, Aloft, o’er sea or land; At slightest beck, Returning quick To perch upon my master’s hand. There, at his window he appears – He waits thee – hasten – hast no ears?’ ‘Ah! that I have,’ the fowl replied; ‘But what from master might betide? Or cook, with cleaver at his side? Return you may for such a call, But let me fly their fatal hall; And spare your mirth at my expense: Whate’er I lack, ’tis not the sense To know that all this sweet-toned breath Is spent to lure me to my death. If you had seen upon the spit As many of the falcons roast As I have of the capon host, You would, not thus reproach my wit.’
Annotations: “The Falcon And The Capon” by Jean de La Fontaine
“To chase at word / The swiftest bird, / Aloft, o’er sea or land;”
The repetition of structure in these lines emphasizes the falcon’s abilities, contrasting with its eventual vulnerability.
Symbolism
“The kitchen sheriff wise”
The “kitchen sheriff” symbolizes deceptive authority figures who lure victims to their doom.
Tone (Cautionary)
“You often hear a sweet seductive call: / If wise, you haste towards it not at all;”
The tone of the opening lines sets up a cautionary narrative that warns against temptation and gullibility.
Themes: “The Falcon And The Capon” by Jean de La Fontaine
1. The Danger of Deception: La Fontaine’s fable underscores the pervasive danger of deception and the importance of remaining vigilant against manipulative tactics. The capon, a symbol of experience and caution, recognizes the false allure in the “sweet seductive call” meant to lure it into a deadly trap. The capon explicitly remarks, “Whate’er I lack, ’tis not the sense / To know that all this sweet-toned breath / Is spent to lure me to my death,” directly acknowledging the destructive intent behind the seemingly benign bait. This theme cautions readers to scrutinize appearances and resist falling for superficial enticements, as danger often lies beneath a façade of charm.
2. Wisdom Through Experience: The capon embodies the value of wisdom gained through life’s trials. Unlike the falcon, which boasts of its obedience and skills in serving its master, the capon exercises prudence and skepticism. It remarks, “Your bait is dust, and I’m too old for chaff,” illustrating its refusal to fall for deceptive tricks, having learned from past experiences. This contrast between the cautious capon and the overconfident falcon highlights the fable’s moral lesson: wisdom derived from experience often proves more reliable than blind trust or pride in one’s abilities.
3. Arrogance and its Consequences: The falcon represents arrogance and blind loyalty, contrasting sharply with the capon’s careful skepticism. Proud of its skills, the falcon mocks the capon as a “stupid, blockhead race” and belittles its decision to avoid the trap. Yet, this arrogance blinds the falcon to its own vulnerability, as the capon cleverly points out: “If you had seen upon the spit / As many of the falcons roast / As I have of the capon host.” Here, the capon’s response exposes the falcon’s naivety and foreshadows the falcon’s ultimate fate as a servant who is similarly disposable. This theme warns against the dangers of pride and overconfidence, which can cloud judgment and lead to downfall.
4. Survival Instincts and Self-Preservation: The fable champions the importance of survival instincts and self-preservation in navigating life’s challenges. The capon, driven by its instinct to avoid danger, refuses to trust the bait, despite its tempting allure. It wisely chooses freedom over the perilous “honor” of being served on a dish in “brilliant candle-light.” By prioritizing its safety over societal expectations or superficial rewards, the capon demonstrates the value of self-preservation. This theme teaches readers to act in their best interest and resist societal pressures or enticing opportunities that may lead to harm.
Literary Theories and “The Falcon And The Capon” by Jean de La Fontaine
Literary Theory
Application to the Fable
References from the Poem
Moral Criticism
This theory focuses on the ethical message conveyed in the text. The fable serves as a cautionary tale about wisdom, self-preservation, and the dangers of deceit.
The capon’s words, “Whate’er I lack, ’tis not the sense / To know that all this sweet-toned breath / Is spent to lure me to my death,” deliver the moral lesson of avoiding seductive but harmful temptations.
Examines the psychological motives of the characters. The capon’s cautious behavior reflects its instinct for self-preservation, while the falcon’s arrogance represents overconfidence rooted in pride and loyalty.
The capon’s refusal to trust the bait, “Your bait is dust, and I’m too old for chaff,” demonstrates a deep understanding of its survival instincts. The falcon, meanwhile, mocks the capon but fails to see its own vulnerability.
Focuses on the binary oppositions in the narrative, such as wisdom vs. arrogance, survival vs. sacrifice, and trust vs. skepticism. These oppositions structure the fable’s central conflict and moral resolution.
The falcon’s arrogance (“Why, what a stupid, blockhead race!”) contrasts with the capon’s cautious wisdom (“If you had seen upon the spit / As many of the falcons roast…”), establishing the binary structure of intelligence versus naivety.
Analyzes power dynamics and class structures. The falcon, loyal to its master, represents servitude to authority, while the capon’s defiance reflects resistance to exploitation.
The falcon boasts, “At slightest beck, / Returning quick / To perch upon my master’s hand,” symbolizing subjugation. The capon’s refusal to comply with authority demonstrates a rejection of the role imposed upon it, highlighting class resistance.
Critical Questions about “The Falcon And The Capon” by Jean de La Fontaine
1. How does the poem “The Falcon and The Capon” portray the theme of wisdom through the capon’s actions?
The capon in the poem “The Falcon and The Capon” is a symbol of wisdom, gained through experience and an instinct for self-preservation. Unlike the falcon, which proudly flaunts its obedience and skills, the capon recognizes the dangers behind deceptive allure. Its sharp observation, “Your bait is dust, and I’m too old for chaff,” highlights its refusal to fall for the squire’s tempting but ultimately fatal call. This line conveys the capon’s ability to see beyond superficial lures and exercise caution. Its wisdom is contrasted with the falcon’s arrogance, whose overconfidence blinds it to its vulnerability. By emphasizing the capon’s cautious response, La Fontaine reinforces the theme that survival often depends on prudence and foresight.
2. How does “The Falcon and The Capon” critique different attitudes toward authority through its characters?
The falcon and capon in “The Falcon and The Capon” represent contrasting attitudes toward authority. The falcon is loyal to its master, bragging, “At slightest beck, / Returning quick / To perch upon my master’s hand.” Its willingness to obey reflects an unquestioning submission to power, even if it results in its eventual demise. On the other hand, the capon rejects the authority represented by the “kitchen sheriff” and the “squire,” refusing to comply with their deceitful summons. This resistance is embodied in its words: “I’m too old for chaff.” The capon’s defiance serves as a critique of blind obedience, suggesting that survival and autonomy often require challenging oppressive systems of authority. La Fontaine uses this contrast to question the consequences of servitude versus resistance.
3. What role does irony play in the moral lesson of “The Falcon and The Capon”?
Irony is a central device in “The Falcon and The Capon,” used to underscore the moral lesson about deception and pride. The falcon, despite mocking the capon as a “stupid, blockhead race,” unknowingly reveals its own ignorance. The capon, in turn, retorts, “If you had seen upon the spit / As many of the falcons roast / As I have of the capon host,” pointing out the falcon’s blindness to its eventual fate as a servant. The falcon’s confidence in its skills and loyalty to its master is contrasted with its ultimate vulnerability, making its arrogance ironic. The capon’s wisdom, though seemingly humble, proves far more effective for survival. This use of irony reinforces the idea that overconfidence and naivety can lead to one’s downfall, while caution and skepticism are often more valuable.
4. How does the structure of “The Falcon and The Capon” enhance its storytelling and moral impact?
The structure of “The Falcon and The Capon,” which alternates between narrative exposition and dialogue, effectively engages the reader and enhances its moral impact. The narrative sections, such as the description of the capon’s cautious refusal—“This Norman and a half / The smooth official trust”—provide a vivid depiction of the capon’s skepticism. Meanwhile, the dialogue between the falcon and the capon brings the moral conflict to life, as seen in the capon’s sharp response: “Whate’er I lack, ’tis not the sense / To know that all this sweet-toned breath / Is spent to lure me to my death.” This back-and-forth dynamic creates a lively interaction that underscores the contrasting mindsets of the two characters. The structure ensures that the moral lesson is conveyed not only through action but also through a verbal exchange of ideas, making it more memorable and impactful.
Literary Works Similar to “The Falcon And The Capon” by Jean de La Fontaine
“The Crow and the Fox” by Jean de La Fontaine Similar in its use of anthropomorphic animals and a moralistic tone, this fable-like poem warns against vanity and gullibility, much like “The Falcon and The Capon” cautions against deception and arrogance.
“The Grasshopper and the Ant” by Jean de La Fontaine This poem shares thematic parallels in its focus on contrasting character traits—in this case, diligence versus carelessness—conveying a clear moral lesson through animal characters.
“The Spider and the Fly” by Mary Howitt This poem also explores the theme of deception, where a spider lures a fly with flattering words, echoing the seductive traps seen in “The Falcon and The Capon.”
“The Owl and the Pussycat” by Edward Lear Though more whimsical, this poem anthropomorphizes animals to narrate a moral lesson about harmony, offering a playful yet thoughtful comparison to La Fontaine’s more cautionary tone.
“The Fable of the Bees” by Bernard Mandeville Using allegorical bees to reflect societal flaws and moral dilemmas, this poem aligns with La Fontaine’s style of critiquing human behavior through animal-centered narratives.
Representative Quotations of “The Falcon And The Capon” by Jean de La Fontaine
“The Nightingale” by Samuel Taylor Coleridge first appeared in 1798 as part of the landmark collection Lyrical Ballads, co-authored with William Wordsworth.
Introduction: “The Nightingale” by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
“The Nightingale” by Samuel Taylor Coleridge first appeared in 1798 as part of the landmark collection Lyrical Ballads, co-authored with William Wordsworth. This poem is emblematic of Coleridge’s Romantic ideals, blending nature, emotion, and imagination to redefine traditional themes. Departing from the conventional association of the nightingale with sorrow, Coleridge instead celebrates its song as a source of inspiration and creativity. The poem’s vivid imagery and lyrical language reflect a deep connection to nature and personal emotion, as seen in lines like, “Most musical, most melancholy Bird!” This phrase encapsulates the bird’s dual significance as a muse for poets and a symbol of profound beauty. The poem’s popularity as a textbook classic lies in its exploration of Romantic themes such as the interplay between nature and human emotion, and its introspective tone invites readers to contemplate the transformative power of art and love. Coleridge’s heartfelt devotion to his wife, Sara, culminates in the tender declaration, “My Sara – best beloved of human kind!” making the poem a timeless meditation on love, nature, and poetic inspiration.
Text: “The Nightingale” by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Sister of love-lorn Poets, Philomel! How many Bards in city garret pent, While at their window they with downward eye Mark the faint lamp-beam on the kennell’d mud, And listen to the drowsy cry of Watchmen (Those hoarse unfeather’d Nightingales of Time!), How many wretched Bards address thy name, And hers, the full-orb’d Queen that shines above. But I do hear thee, and the high bough mark, Within whose mild moon-mellow’d foliage hid Thou warblest sad thy pity-pleading strains. O! I have listen’d, till my working soul, Waked by those strains to thousand phantasies, Absorb’d hath ceas’d to listen! Therefore oft, I hymn thy name: and with a proud delight Oft will I tell thee, Minstrel of the Moon! ‘Most musical, most melancholy’ Bird! That all thy soft diversities of tone, Tho’ sweeter far than the delicious airs That vibrate from a white-arm’d Lady’s harp, What time the languishment of lonely love Melts in her eye, and heaves her breast of snow, Are not so sweet as is the voice of her, My Sara – best beloved of human kind! When breathing the pure soul of tenderness, She thrills me with the Husband’s promis’d name!
Annotations: “The Nightingale” by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Oxymoron: 1 instance (“most musical, most melancholy”).
Hyperbole: 4 instances (exaggerations of emotional or imaginative impact).
Metaphor: 5 instances (comparisons of bird, moon, and love to other elements).
Themes: “The Nightingale” by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
1. Nature as a Source of Inspiration and Emotion: In “The Nightingale,” Coleridge presents nature as a profound source of emotional resonance and creative inspiration. The nightingale, a central symbol in the poem, represents the beauty and complexity of the natural world, evoking deep imaginative responses in the poet. Coleridge’s speaker finds solace and stimulation in the nightingale’s song, describing it as “Most musical, most melancholy Bird!” This duality of joy and melancholy reflects the Romantic ideal of nature as a mirror for human emotions, capable of awakening “thousand phantasies” in the listener. The poet’s admiration for the bird’s song underscores its power to transcend the dreariness of urban life, symbolized by the “city garret” and “kennell’d mud,” and offer a connection to a more profound, spiritual reality. Nature, through the nightingale, becomes not just a refuge but a muse for poetic and emotional creation.
2. The Relationship Between Art and Emotion: In “The Nightingale,” Coleridge explores how art—symbolized by the nightingale’s song—communicates profound emotional truths and becomes a vehicle for self-expression. The bird’s song, described as “soft diversities of tone,” is a metaphor for artistic creativity, illustrating its capacity to convey nuanced feelings, from melancholy to delight. The poet contrasts this natural artistry with the human struggle for expression, as seen in “wretched Bards” who call upon the nightingale for inspiration. This dynamic between art and emotion is further enriched by the poet’s personal feelings; his response to the nightingale’s song awakens “thousand phantasies,” highlighting the transformative power of art. The poem suggests that art, much like the nightingale’s music, allows individuals to navigate and articulate their deepest emotions, bridging the gap between the external world and the inner self.
3. Love and Human Connection: Love emerges as a central theme in “The Nightingale,” particularly in the poet’s devotion to his wife, Sara, which becomes intertwined with the nightingale’s song. While the bird’s music is celebrated for its beauty, it ultimately pales in comparison to the voice of Sara, who is described as “best beloved of human kind!” This line reveals the poet’s belief that human connection surpasses even the most sublime elements of nature. The tender imagery of Sara “breathing the pure soul of tenderness” suggests that love is a deeply spiritual and redemptive force, capable of providing the fulfillment and joy that nature alone cannot. By juxtaposing the nightingale’s song with the “Husband’s promised name,” Coleridge elevates human love to a divine, transformative plane, illustrating its power to unite the emotional, spiritual, and physical aspects of life.
4. Urban Despair vs. Natural Serenity: In “The Nightingale,” Coleridge contrasts the desolation of urban life with the serenity and inspiration offered by nature. The “city garret pent” and the “kennel’d mud” of the streets evoke the confinement and gloom of urban existence, where poets and artists struggle in isolation. This imagery is juxtaposed with the tranquility of the natural setting where the nightingale sings, “within whose mild moon-mellow’d foliage hid.” The urban environment, characterized by the “drowsy cry of Watchmen” (mockingly called “hoarse unfeather’d Nightingales”), is depicted as a space of monotony and despair, while the nightingale’s song represents a reprieve from this bleakness. Through this contrast, Coleridge reinforces the Romantic ideal of nature as a sanctuary that offers emotional renewal and creative inspiration, providing a counterpoint to the alienation and sterility of urban life.
Literary Theories and “The Nightingale” by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Coleridge elevates his wife, Sara, portraying her as an embodiment of ideal love and tenderness, above even nature’s beauty.
The declaration “My Sara – best beloved of human kind!” celebrates Sara as the ultimate source of emotional fulfillment and inspiration.
Critical Questions about “The Nightingale” by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
1. How does Coleridge redefine the traditional association of the nightingale with melancholy?
In “The Nightingale,” Coleridge challenges the conventional view of the nightingale as solely a symbol of sorrow, transforming it into a representation of emotional complexity and creativity. While the bird is still described as “Most musical, most melancholy Bird!” the poet’s use of “melancholy” here is not purely negative; it conveys a bittersweet beauty that inspires the imagination and stirs profound emotions. The nightingale’s song awakens “thousand phantasies” in the speaker, suggesting that its melancholy tones lead to a transformative and even joyous creative process. By blending elements of sorrow with artistic inspiration, Coleridge redefines the nightingale as a more nuanced symbol, representing the Romantic ideal of finding beauty and meaning in emotional depth.
2. How does the poem reflect the tension between urban life and nature?
Coleridge vividly contrasts the oppressive environment of urban life with the serenity and inspiration offered by nature in “The Nightingale.” The urban setting, depicted as a “city garret pent” with “kennel’d mud,” symbolizes confinement and despair, where poets struggle in isolation. In contrast, the natural world is a sanctuary, embodied by the nightingale’s tranquil habitat “within whose mild moon-mellow’d foliage hid.” The tension between these two settings highlights the alienation of modern life and the restorative power of nature, a central concern in Romantic literature. Through this juxtaposition, Coleridge critiques the sterility of urban existence and suggests that true inspiration and emotional fulfillment can only be found in harmony with the natural world.
3. What role does love play in the poet’s relationship with nature and art?
In “The Nightingale,” love is presented as a central force that unites the poet’s appreciation for nature and his creative expression. While the nightingale’s song is celebrated for its beauty and emotional depth, Coleridge ultimately places human love, particularly his devotion to Sara, above even nature’s splendor. The lines “My Sara – best beloved of human kind!” and “She thrills me with the Husband’s promised name!” suggest that the poet’s connection with his wife provides a more profound inspiration than the nightingale’s music. This prioritization of love emphasizes its redemptive and transformative power, suggesting that human relationships are essential to the poet’s emotional and artistic fulfillment. Love, therefore, becomes the bridge between the natural and human worlds.
4. How does the poem explore the relationship between art and emotion?
Coleridge delves deeply into the connection between art and emotion in “The Nightingale,” using the bird’s song as a metaphor for artistic creation. The speaker describes the nightingale’s “soft diversities of tone” as capable of stirring profound feelings and inspiring creative visions. The bird’s song is not merely an object of passive admiration but a catalyst for emotional and imaginative awakening, as seen in the line “Waked by those strains to thousand phantasies.” The poem suggests that art, like the nightingale’s music, derives its power from its ability to evoke and articulate complex emotions. By emphasizing the interplay between melancholy, beauty, and inspiration, Coleridge portrays art as a transformative force that enriches human experience and deepens emotional understanding.
Literary Works Similar to “The Nightingale” by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Literary Work
Author
Similarities to “The Nightingale”
References from “The Nightingale”
“Ode to a Nightingale”
John Keats
Both poems explore the nightingale as a symbol of beauty, inspiration, and transcendence, linking nature with deep emotional reflection.
“Most musical, most melancholy Bird!” parallels Keats’ description of the bird’s song as an eternal and otherworldly force.
“Lines Written a Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey”
William Wordsworth
Explores the restorative and inspirational power of nature, much like Coleridge’s portrayal of the nightingale’s song in the natural world.
The contrast between the “city garret pent” and the tranquil setting of the nightingale mirrors Wordsworth’s urban and rural contrast.
“To a Skylark”
Percy Bysshe Shelley
Focuses on a bird’s song as a metaphor for artistic inspiration, much like the nightingale symbolizes creativity for Coleridge.
The line “Waked by those strains to thousand phantasies” mirrors Shelley’s admiration for the skylark’s boundless, uplifting song.
“The Eolian Harp”
Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Reflects on the connection between nature, music, and human emotion, with similar meditative and lyrical qualities as “The Nightingale.”
Both poems explore the symbolic power of sound and music, with the nightingale’s “soft diversities of tone” resembling the harp’s melodies.
“The Passionate Shepherd to His Love”
Christopher Marlowe
Shares a romanticized view of nature as a source of beauty, love, and idealized connection.
Coleridge’s description of the natural setting, “within whose mild moon-mellow’d foliage hid,” mirrors Marlowe’s idyllic pastoral imagery.
Representative Quotations of “The Nightingale” by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
McGavran, James Holt. “Coleridge, the Wordsworths, and Androgyny: A Reading of ‘The Nightingale.’” South Atlantic Review, vol. 53, no. 4, 1988, pp. 57–75. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/3200671. Accessed 23 Jan. 2025.
Enright, Timothy P. “Sing, Mariner: Identity and Temporality in Coleridge’s ‘The Nightingale.’” Studies in Romanticism, vol. 33, no. 3, 1994, pp. 481–501. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/25601074. Accessed 23 Jan. 2025.
KNOX-SHAW, PETER. “COLERIDGE, HARTLEY, AND ‘THE NIGHTINGALE.’” The Review of English Studies, vol. 62, no. 255, 2011, pp. 433–40. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/23016436. Accessed 23 Jan. 2025.
“The Grave” by Robert Blair first appeared in 1743 as part of his singular long poem collection, which explores meditations on death, the afterlife, and the universal human experience of mortality.
Introduction: “The Grave” by Robert Blair
“The Grave” by Robert Blair first appeared in 1743 as part of his singular long poem collection, which explores meditations on death, the afterlife, and the universal human experience of mortality. This reflective and often somber poem is a hallmark of 18th-century graveyard poetry, emphasizing the inevitability of death and its leveling power over all social ranks: “The appointed place of rendezvous, where all / These travellers meet.” The poem’s vivid imagery, such as the “long-extended realms, and rueful wastes” of the grave, captures the dark, foreboding aspects of death while inviting readers to confront the mysteries of existence. Its popularity as a textbook poem lies in its rich exploration of universal themes, evocative descriptions, and its appeal to both the Romantic sensibilities and Christian theological reflections of the time. Blair’s blending of philosophical introspection and Gothic imagery, as seen in “Cheerless, unsocial plant! that loves to dwell / ‘Midst skulls and coffins,” makes it a compelling study in early English poetic tradition, particularly within the context of the graveyard school of poetry.
Text: “The Grave” by Robert Blair
While some affect the sun, and some the shade, Some flee the city, some the hermitage; Their aims as various, as the roads they take In journeying through life;—the task be mine, To paint the gloomy horrors of the tomb; The appointed place of rendezvous, where all These travellers meet.—Thy succours I implore, Eternal king! whose potent arm sustains The keys of Hell and Death.—The Grave, dread thing! Men shiver when thou’rt named: Nature appall’d Shakes off her wonted firmness. Ah! how dark Thy long-extended realms, and rueful wastes! Where nought but silence reigns, and night, dark night, Dark as was chaos, ere the infant Sun Was roll’d together, or had tried his beams Athwart the gloom profound.—The sickly taper, By glimmering through thy low-brow’d misty vaults (Furr’d round with mouldy damps, and ropy slime), Lets fall a supernumerary horror, And only serves to make thy night more irksome. Well do I know thee by thy trusty yew, Cheerless, unsocial plant! that loves to dwell ‘Midst skulls and coffins, epitaphs and worms: Where light-heel’d ghosts, and visionary shades, Beneath the wan cold moon (as fame reports) Embodied, thick, perform their mystic rounds: No other merriment, dull tree! is thine. See yonder hallow’d fane—the pious work Of names once famed, now dubious or forgot, And buried ‘midst the wreck of things which were; There lie interr’d the more illustrious dead. The wind is up: hark! how it howls! Methinks Till now I never heard a sound so dreary: Doors creak, and windows clap, and night’s foul bird, Rook’d in the spire, screams loud: the gloomy aisles Black-plaster’d, and hung round with shreds of ‘scutcheons, And tatter’d coats of arms, send back the sound, Laden with heavier airs, from the low vaults, The mansions of the dead.—Roused from their slumbers, In grim array the grisly spectres rise, Grin horrible, and, obstinately sullen, Pass and repass, hush’d as the foot of night. Again the screech-owl shrieks: ungracious sound! I’ll hear no more; it makes one’s blood run chill. Quite round the pile, a row of reverend elms, Coeval near with that, all ragged show, Long lash’d by the rude winds: some rift half down Their branchless trunks; others so thin at top, That scarce two crows could lodge in the same tree. Strange things, the neighbours say, have happen’d here: Wild shrieks have issued from the hollow tombs; Dead men have come again, and walk’d about; And the great bell has toll’d, unrung, untouch’d! (Such tales their cheer at wake or gossipping, When it draws near to witching time of night.) Oft, in the lone church-yard at night I’ve seen, By glimpse of moonshine chequering through the trees, The schoolboy with his satchel in his hand, Whistling aloud to bear his courage up, And lightly tripping o’er the long flat stones (With nettles skirted, and with moss o’ergrown), That tell in homely phrase who lie below. Sudden he starts! and hears, or thinks he hears, The sound of something purring at his heels; Full fast he flies, and dares not look behind him, Till out of breath he overtakes his fellows; Who gather round, and wonder at the tale Of horrid apparition, tall and ghastly, That walks at dead of night, or takes his stand O’er some new-open’d grave, and, strange to tell! Evanishes at crowing of the cock. The new-made widow too, I’ve sometimes spied, Sad sight! slow moving o’er the prostrate dead: Listless, she crawls along in doleful black, Whilst bursts of sorrow gush from either eye, Past falling down her now untasted cheek. Prone on the lowly grave of the dear man She drops; whilst busy meddling memory, In barbarous succession, musters up The past endearments of their softer hours, Tenacious of its theme. Still, still she thinks She sees him, and, indulging the fond thought, Clings yet more closely to the senseless turf, Nor heeds the passenger who looks that way. Invidious grave!—how dost thou rend in sunder Whom love has knit, and sympathy made one! A tie more stubborn far than nature’s band. Friendship! mysterious cement of the soul; Sweetener of life, and solder of society! I owe thee much: thou hast deserved from me, Far, far beyond what I can ever pay. Oft have I proved the labours of thy love, And the warm efforts of the gentle heart, Anxious to please.—Oh! when my friend and I In some thick wood have wander’d heedless on, Hid from the vulgar eye, and sat us down Upon the sloping cowslip-cover’d bank, Where the pure limpid stream has slid along In grateful errors through the underwood, Sweet murmuring,—methought the shrill-tongued thrush Mended his song of love; the sooty blackbird Mellow’d his pipe, and soften’d every note; The eglantine smelt sweeter, and the rose Assumed a dye more deep; whilst every flower Vied with its fellow-plant in luxury Of dress.—Oh! then the longest summer’s day Seem’d too, too much in haste: still the full heart Had not imparted half! ’twas happiness Too exquisite to last. Of joys departed, Not to return, how painful the remembrance! Dull Grave!—thou spoil’st the dance of youthful blood, Strik’st out the dimple from the cheek of mirth, And every smirking feature from the face; Branding our laughter with the name of madness. Where are the jesters now? the men of health Complexionally pleasant? Where the droll, Whose every look and gesture was a joke To clapping theatres and shouting crowds, And made even thick-lipp’d musing melancholy To gather up her face into a smile Before she was aware? Ah! sullen now, And dumb as the green turf that covers them. Where are the mighty thunderbolts of war? The Roman Cæsars, and the Grecian chiefs, The boast of story? Where the hotbrain’d youth, Who the tiara at his pleasure tore From kings of all the then discover’d globe, And cried, forsooth, because his arm was hamper’d, And had not room enough to do its work?— Alas! how slim, dishonourably slim, And cramm’d into a place we blush to name! Proud Royalty! how alter’d in thy looks! How blank thy features, and how wan thy hue! Son of the morning, whither art thou gone? Where hast thou hid thy many-spangled head, And the majestic menace of thine eyes, Felt from afar? Pliant and powerless now, Like new-born infant wound up in his swathes, Or victim tumbled flat upon its back, That throbs beneath the sacrificer’s knife. Mute must thou bear the strife of little tongues, And coward insults of the base-born crowd, That grudge a privilege thou never hadst, But only hoped for in the peaceful grave, Of being unmolested and alone. Arabia’s gums and odoriferous drugs, And honours by the heralds duly paid In mode and form even to a very scruple: Oh, cruel irony! these come too late; And only mock whom they were meant to honour, Surely there’s not a dungeon slave that’s buried In the highway, unshrouded and uncoffin’d, But lies as soft, and sleeps as sound as he. Sorry pre-eminence of high descent, Above the vulgar born, to rot in state! But see! the well plumed hearse comes nodding on, Stately and slow; and properly attended By the whole sable tribe that painful watch The sick man’s door, and live upon the dead, By letting out their persons by the hour, To mimic sorrow when the heart’s not sad. How rich the trappings, now they’re all unfurl’d And glittering in the sun! Triumphant entries Of conquerors, and coronation pomps, In glory scarce exceed. Great gluts of people Retard the unwieldy show; whilst from the casements And houses’ tops, ranks behind ranks close wedged Hang bellying o’er. But tell us, why this waste? Why this ado in earthing up a carcase That’s fallen into disgrace, and in the nostril Smells horrible?—Ye undertakers, tell us, ‘Midst all the gorgeous figures you exhibit, Why is the principal conceal’d, for which You make this mighty stir?—’Tis wisely done; What would offend the eye in a good picture, The painter casts discreetly into shade. Proud lineage! now how little thou appear’st! Below the envy of the private man! Honour, that meddlesome officious ill, Pursues thee even to death, nor there stops short; Strange persecution! when the grave itself Is no protection from rude sufferance. Absurd to think to overreach the grave, And from the wreck of names to rescue ours! The best-concerted schemes men lay for fame Die fast away: only themselves die faster. The far-famed sculptor, and the laurell’d bard, Those bold insurancers of deathless fame, Supply their little feeble aids in vain. The tapering pyramid, the Egyptian’s pride, And wonder of the world; whose spiky top Has wounded the thick cloud, and long outlived The angry shaking of the winter’s storm; Yet spent at last by the injuries of heaven, Shatter’d with age and furrow’d o’er with years, The mystic cone, with hieroglyphics crusted, At once gives way. Oh, lamentable sight! The labour of whole ages tumbles down, A hideous and mis-shapen length of ruins. Sepulchral columns wrestle, but in vain, With all-subduing Time: his cankering hand With calm deliberate malice wasteth them: Worn on the edge of days, the brass consumes, The busto moulders, and the deep-cut marble, Unsteady to the steel, gives up its charge. Ambition, half convicted of her folly, Hangs down the head, and reddens at the tale. Here, all the mighty troublers of the earth, Who swam to sovereign rule through seas of blood; The oppressive, sturdy, man-destroying villains, Who ravaged kingdoms, and laid empires waste, And in a cruel wantonness of power Thinn’d states of half their people, and gave up To want the rest; now, like a storm that’s spent, Lie hush’d, and meanly sneak behind the covert. Vain thought! to hide them from the general scorn That haunts and dogs them like an injured ghost Implacable. Here, too, the petty tyrant, Whose scant domains geographer ne’er noticed, And, well for neighbouring grounds, of arm as short; Who fix’d his iron talons on the poor, And gripp’d them like some lordly beast of prey; Deaf to the forceful cries of gnawing hunger, And piteous, plaintive voice of misery (As if a slave was not a shred of nature, Of the same common nature with his lord); Now tame and humble, like a child that’s whipp’d, Shakes hands with dust, and calls the worm his kinsman; Nor pleads his rank and birthright: Under ground Precedency’s a jest; vassal and lord, Grossly familiar, side by side consume. When self-esteem, or others’ adulation, Would cunningly persuade us we are something Above the common level of our kind, The Grave gainsays the smooth-complexion’d flattery, And with blunt truth acquaints us what we are. Beauty,—thou pretty plaything, dear deceit! That steals so softly o’er the stripling’s heart, And gives it a new pulse, unknown before, The Grave discredits thee: thy charms expunged, Thy roses faded, and thy lilies soil’d, What hast thou more to boast of? Will thy lovers Flock round thee now, to gaze and do thee homage? Methinks I see thee with thy head low laid, Whilst, surfeited upon thy damask cheek, The high-fed worm, in lazy volumes roll’d, Riots unscared. For this, was all thy caution? For this, thy painful labours at thy glass? To improve those charms and keep them in repair, For which the spoiler thanks thee not. Foul feeder! Coarse fare and carrion please thee full as well, And leave as keen a relish on the sense. Look how the fair one weeps!—the conscious tears Stand thick as dew-drops on the bells of flowers: Honest effusion! the swoln heart in vain Works hard to put a gloss on its distress. Strength, too,—thou surly, and less gentle boast Of those that laugh loud at the village ring! A fit of common sickness pulls thee down With greater ease than e’er thou didst the stripling That rashly dared thee to the unequal fight. What groan was that I heard?—deep groan indeed! With anguish heavy laden; let me trace it: From yonder bed it comes, where the strong man, By stronger arm belabour’d, gasps for breath Like a hard-hunted beast. How his great heart Beats thick! his roomy chest by far too scant To give the lungs full play. What now avail The strong-built, sinewy limbs, and well spread shoulders? See how he tugs for life, and lays about him, Mad with his pains!—Eager he catches hold Of what comes next to hand, and grasps it hard, Just like a creature drowning;—hideous sight! Oh! how his eyes stand out, and stare full ghastly! While the distemper’s rank and deadly venom Shoots like a burning arrow ‘cross his bowels, And drinks his marrow up.—Heard you that groan? It was his last.—See how the great Goliath, Just like a child that brawl’d itself to rest, Lies still.—What mean’st thou then, O mighty boaster! To vaunt of nerves of thine? What means the bull, Unconscious of his strength, to play the coward, And flee before a feeble thing like man, That, knowing well the slackness of his arm, Trusts only in the well-invented knife? With study pale, and midnight vigils spent, The star-surveying sage, close to his eye Applies the sight-invigorating tube; And, travelling through the boundless length of space, Marks well the courses of the far-seen orbs, That roll with regular confusion there, In ecstasy of thought. But, ah, proud man! Great heights are hazardous to the weak head; Soon, very soon, thy firmest footing fails; And down thou dropp’st into that darksome place, Where nor device nor knowledge ever came. Here the tongue-warrior lies, disabled now, Disarm’d, dishonour’d, like a wretch that’s gagg’d, And cannot tell his ails to passers-by. Great man of language!—whence this mighty change, This dumb despair, and drooping of the head? Though strong persuasion hung upon thy lip, And sly insinuation’s softer arts In ambush lay about thy flowing tongue; Alas, how chop-fallen now! Thick mists and silence Rest, like a weary cloud, upon thy breast Unceasing.—Ah! where is the lifted arm, The strength of action, and the force of words, The well-turn’d period, and the well-timed voice, With all the lesser ornaments of phrase? Ah! fled for ever, as they ne’er had been; Razed from the book of fame; or, more provoking, Perchance some hackney hunger-bitten scribbler Insults thy memory, and blots thy tomb With long flat narrative, or duller rhymes, With heavy halting pace that drawl along; Enough to rouse a dead man into rage, And warm with red resentment the wan cheek. Here the great masters of the healing art, These mighty mock defrauders of the tomb, Spite of their juleps and catholicons, Resign to fate.—Proud Æsculapius’ son! Where are thy boasted implements of art, And all thy well-cramm’d magazines of health? Nor hill nor vale, as far as ship could go, Nor margin of the gravel-bottom’d brook, Escaped thy rifling hand;—from stubborn shrubs Thou wrung’st their shy retiring virtues out, And vex’d them in the fire: nor fly, nor insect, Nor writhy snake, escaped thy deep research. But why this apparatus Why this cost? Tell us, thou doughty keeper from the grave, Where are thy recipes and cordials now, With the long list of vouchers for thy cures? Alas! thou speakest not.—The bold impostor Looks not more silly when the cheat’s found out. Here the lank-sided miser, worst of felons, Who meanly stole (discreditable shift!) From back, and belly too, their proper cheer, Eased of a tax it irk’d the wretch to pay To his own carcase, now lies cheaply lodged. By clamorous appetites no longer teased, Nor tedious bills of charges and repairs. But, ah! where are his rents, his comings-in? Ay! now you’ve made the rich man poor indeed; Robb’d of his gods, what has he left behind? O cursed lust of gold! when for thy sake The fool throws up his interest in both worlds; First starved in this, then damn’d in that to come. How shocking must thy summons be, O Death! To him that is at ease in his possessions; Who, counting on long years of pleasure here, Is quite unfurnish’d for that world to come! In that dread moment, how the frantic soul Raves round the walls of her clay tenement, Runs to each avenue, and shrieks for help, But shrieks in vain!—How wishfully she looks On all she’s leaving, now no longer her’s! A little longer, yet a little longer, Oh! might she stay, to wash away her stains, And fit her for her passage.—Mournful sight! Her very eyes weep blood;—and every groan She heaves is big with horror: but the foe, Like a staunch murderer, steady to his purpose, Pursues her close through every lane of life, Nor misses once the track, but presses on; Till, forced at last to the tremendous verge, At once she sinks to everlasting ruin. Sure ’tis a serious thing to die! My soul, What a strange moment it must be, when near Thy journey’s end, thou hast the gulf in view! That awful gulf no mortal e’er repass’d To tell what’s doing on the other side. Nature runs back and shudders at the sight, And every life-string bleeds at thoughts of parting; For part they must: body and soul must part; Fond couple! link’d more close than wedded pair. This wings its way to its Almighty Source, The witness of its actions, now its judge: That drops into the dark and noisome grave, Like a disabled pitcher of no use. If death were nothing, and nought after death; If when men died, at once they ceased to be, Returning to the barren womb of nothing, Whence first they sprung; then might the debauchee Untrembling mouth the heavens:—then might the drunkard Reel over his full bowl, and, when ’tis drain’d, Fill up another to the brim, and laugh At the poor bugbear Death: then might the wretch That’s weary of the world, and tired of life, At once give each inquietude the slip, By stealing out of being when he pleased, And by what way, whether by hemp, or steel. Death’s thousand doors stand open.—Who could force The ill pleased guest to sit out his full time, Or blame him if he goes? Sure he does well, That helps himself, as timely as he can, When able.—But if there’s an Hereafter; And that there is, conscience, uninfluenced, And suffer’d to speak out, tells every man; Then must it be an awful thing to die: More horrid yet to die by one’s own hand. Self-murder!—name it not: our island’s shame, That makes her the reproach of neighbouring states. Shall nature, swerving from her earliest dictate, Self-preservation, fall by her own act? Forbid it, Heaven!—Let not upon disgust The shameless hand be foully crimson’d o’er With blood of its own lord.—Dreadful attempt! Just reeking from self-slaughter, in a rage To rush into the presence of our Judge; As if we challenged him to do his worst, And matter’d not his wrath!—Unheard-of tortures Must be reserved for such: these herd together; The common damn’d shun their society, And look upon themselves as fiends less foul. Our time is fix’d; and all our days are number’d; How long, how short, we know not:—this we know, Duty requires we calmly wait the summons, Nor dare to stir till Heaven shall give permission: Like sentries that must keep their destined stand, And wait the appointed hour, till they’re relieved. Those only are the brave who keep their ground, And keep it to the last. To run away Is but a coward’s trick: to run away From this world’s ills, that at the very worst Will soon blow o’er, thinking to mend ourselves, By boldly venturing on a world unknown, And plunging headlong in the dark;—’tis mad! No frenzy half so desperate as this. Tell us, ye dead! will none of you, in pity To those you left behind, disclose the secret? Oh! that some courteous ghost would blab it out; What ’tis you are, and we must shortly be. I’ve heard that souls departed have sometimes Forewarn’d men of their death:—’twas kindly done To knock, and give the alarm.—But what means This stinted charity?—’Tis but lame kindness That does its work by halves.—Why might you not Tell us what ’tis to die? do the strict laws Of your society forbid your speaking Upon a point so nice?—I’ll ask no more: Sullen, like lamps in sepulchres, your shine Enlightens but yourselves. Well, ’tis no matter; A very little time will clear up all, And make us learn’d as you are, and as close. Death’s shafts fly thick!—Here falls the village-swain, And there his pamper’d lord!—The cup goes round; And who so artful as to put it by? ‘Tis long since death had the majority; Yet, strange! the living lay it not to heart. See yonder maker of the dead man’s bed, The Sexton, hoary-headed chronicle; Of hard, unmeaning face, down which ne’er stole A gentle tear; with mattock in his hand Digs through whole rows of kindred and acquaintance, By far his juniors.—Scarce a skull’s cast up, But well he knew its owner, and can tell Some passage of his life.—Thus hand in hand The sot has walk’d with death twice twenty years; And yet ne’er younker on the green laughs louder, Or clubs a smuttier tale: when drunkards meet, None sings a merrier catch, or lends a hand More willing to his cup.—Poor wretch! he minds not, That soon some trusty brother of the trade Shall do for him what he has done for thousands. On this side, and on that, men see their friends Drop off, like leaves in autumn; yet launch out Into fantastic schemes, which the long livers In the world’s hale and undegenerate days Could scarce have leisure for.—Fools that we are! Never to think of death and of ourselves At the same time: as if to learn to die Were no concern of ours.—O more than sottish, For creatures of a day, in gamesome mood, To frolic on eternity’s dread brink Unapprehensive; when, for aught we know, The very first swoln surge shall sweep us in! Think we, or think we not, time hurries on With a resistless, unremitting stream; Yet treads more soft than e’er did midnight thief, That slides his hand under the miser’s pillow, And carries off his prize.—What is this world? What but a spacious burial-field unwall’d, Strew’d with death’s spoils, the spoils of animals Savage and tame, and full of dead men’s bones! The very turf on which we tread once lived; And we that live must lend our carcases To cover our own offspring: in their turns They too must cover theirs.—’Tis here all meet! The shivering Icelander, and sun-burnt Moor; Men of all climes, that never met before; And of all creeds, the Jew, the Turk, the Christian. Here the proud prince, and favourite yet prouder, His sovereign’s keeper, and the people’s scourge, Are huddled out of sight.—Here lie abash’d The great negotiators of the earth, And celebrated masters of the balance, Deep read in stratagems, and wiles of courts. Now vain their treaty skill: death scorns to treat. Here the o’er-loaded slave flings down his burden From his gall’d shoulders;—and when the cruel tyrant, With all his guards and tools of power about him, Is meditating new unheard-of hardships, Mocks his short arm,—and, quick as thought, escapes Where tyrants vex not, and the weary rest. Here the warm lover, leaving the cool shade, The tell-tale echo, and the babbling stream (Time out of mind the favourite seats of love), Fast by his gentle mistress lays him down, Unblasted by foul tongue.—Here friends and foes Lie close; unmindful of their former feuds. The lawn-robed prelate and plain presbyter, Erewhile that stood aloof, as shy to meet, Familiar mingle here, like sister streams That some rude interposing rock had split. Here is the large-limb’d peasant;—here the child Of a span long, that never saw the sun, Nor press’d the nipple, strangled in life’s porch. Here is the mother, with her sons and daughters; The barren wife; the long-demurring maid, Whose lonely unappropriated sweets Smiled like yon knot of cowslips on the cliff, Not to be come at by the willing hand. Here are the prude severe, and gay coquette, The sober widow, and the young green virgin, Cropp’d like a rose before ’tis fully blown, Or half its worth disclosed. Strange medley here! Here garrulous old age winds up his tale; And jovial youth, of lightsome vacant heart, Whose every day was made of melody, Hears not the voice of mirth.—The shrill-tongued shrew, Meek as the turtle-dove, forgets her chiding. Here are the wise, the generous, and the brave; The just, the good, the worthless, the profane; The downright clown, and perfectly well-bred; The fool, the churl, the scoundrel, and the mean; The supple statesman, and the patriot stern; The wrecks of nations, and the spoils of time, With all the lumber of six thousand years. Poor man!—how happy once in thy first state! When yet but warm from thy great Maker’s hand, He stamp’d thee with his image, and, well pleased, Smiled on his last fair work.—Then all was well. Sound was the body, and the soul serene; Like two sweet instruments, ne’er out of tune, That play their several parts.—Nor head, nor heart, Offer’d to ache: nor was there cause they should; For all was pure within: no fell remorse, Nor anxious casting-up of what might be, Alarm’d his peaceful bosom.—Summer seas Show not more smooth, when kiss’d by southern winds Just ready to expire.—Scarce importuned, The generous soil, with a luxuriant hand, Offer’d the various produce of the year, And everything most perfect in its kind. Blessed! thrice-blessed days!—But ah, how short! Blest as the pleasing dreams of holy men; But fugitive like those, and quickly gone. O slippery state of things!—What sudden turns! What strange vicissitudes in the first leaf Of man’s sad history!—To-day most happy, And ere to-morrow’s sun has set, most abject! How scant the space between these vast extremes! Thus fared it with our sire:—not long he enjoy’d His paradise.—Scarce had the happy tenant Of the fair spot due time to prove its sweets, Or sum them up, when straight he must be gone, Ne’er to return again.—And must he go? Can nought compound for the first dire offence Of erring man? Like one that is condemn’d, Fain would he trifle time with idle talk, And parley with his fate. But ’tis in vain; Not all the lavish odours of the place, Offer’d in incense, can procure his pardon, Or mitigate his doom. A mighty angel, With flaming sword, forbids his longer stay, And drives the loiterer forth; nor must he take One last and farewell round. At once he lost His glory and his God. If mortal now, And sorely maim’d, no wonder!—Man has sinn’d. Sick of his bliss, and bent on new adventures, Evil he needs would try: nor tried in vain. (Dreadful experiment! destructive measure! Where the worst thing could happen is success.) Alas! too well he sped:—the good he scorn’d Stalk’d off reluctant, like an ill-used ghost, Not to return; or if it did, its visits, Like those of angels, short and far between: Whilst the black Demon, with his hell-scaped train, Admitted once into its better room, Grew loud and mutinous, nor would be gone; Lording it o’er the man: who now too late Saw the rash error which he could not mend: An error fatal not to him alone, But to his future sons, his fortune’s heirs. Inglorious bondage! Human nature groans Beneath a vassalage so vile and cruel, And its vast body bleeds through every vein. What havoc hast thou made, foul monster, Sin! Greatest and first of ills: the fruitful parent Of woes of all dimensions: but for thee Sorrow had never been,—All-noxious thing, Of vilest nature! Other sorts of evils Are kindly circumscribed, and have their bounds. The fierce volcano, from his burning entrails That belches molten stone and globes of fire, Involved in pitchy clouds of smoke and stench, Mars the adjacent fields for some leagues round, And there it stops. The big-swoln inundation, Of mischief more diffusive, raving loud, Buries whole tracts of country, threatening more; But that too has its shore it cannot pass. More dreadful far than these! Sin has laid waste, Not here and there a country, but a world: Despatching, at a wide-extended blow, Entire mankind; and for their sakes defacing A whole creation’s beauty with rude hands; Blasting the foodful grain, the loaded branches; And marking all along its way with ruin. Accursed thing!—Oh! where shall fancy find A proper name to call thee by, expressive Of all thy horrors?—Pregnant womb of ills! Of tempers so transcendantly malign, That toads and serpents of most deadly kind Compared to thee are harmless.—Sicknesses Of every size and symptom, racking pains, And bluest plagues, are thine.—See how the fiend Profusely scatters the contagion round! Whilst deep-mouth’d slaughter, bellowing at her heels, Wades deep in blood new-spilt; yet for to-morrow Shapes out new work of great uncommon daring, And inly pines till the dread blow is struck. But, hold! I’ve gone too far; too much discover’d My father’s nakedness, and nature’s shame. Here let me pause, and drop an honest tear, One burst of filial duty and condolence, O’er all those ample deserts Death hath spread, This chaos of mankind.—O great man-eater! Whose every day is carnival, not sated yet! Unheard-of epicure, without a fellow! The veriest gluttons do not always cram; Some intervals of abstinence are sought To edge the appetite: Thou seekest none. Methinks the countless swarms thou hast devour’d, And thousands at each hour thou gobblest up, This, less than this, might gorge thee to the full! But, ah! rapacious still, thou gap’st for more: Like one, whole days defrauded of his meals, On whom lank Hunger lays her skinny hand, And whets to keenest eagerness his cravings: As if diseases, massacres, and poison, Famine, and war, were not thy caterers. But know that thou must render up thy dead, And with high interest too.—They are not thine, But only in thy keeping for a season, Till the great promised day of restitution; When loud-diffusive sound from brazen trump Of strong-lung’d cherub shall alarm thy captives, And rouse the long, long sleepers into life, Day-light, and liberty.— Then must thy gates fly open, and reveal The mines that lay long forming under ground, In their dark cells immured; but now full ripe, And pure as silver from the crucible, That twice has stood the torture of the fire And inquisition of the forge. We know, The illustrious Deliverer of mankind, The Son of God, thee foil’d. Him in thy power Thou couldst not hold: self-vigorous he rose, And, shaking off thy fetters, soon retook Those spoils his voluntary yielding lent: (Sure pledge of our releasement from thy thrall!) Twice twenty days he sojourn’d here on earth, And show’d himself alive to chosen witnesses, By proofs so strong, that the most slow-assenting Had not a scruple left. This having done, He mounted up to heaven. Methinks I see him Climb the aërial heights, and glide along Athwart the severing clouds: but the faint eye, Flung backwards in the chase, soon drops its hold; Disabled quite, and jaded with pursuing. Heaven’s portals wide expand to let him in; Nor are his friends shut out: as some great prince Not for himself alone procures admission, But for his train. It was his royal will That where he is, there should his followers be. Death only lies between: a gloomy path, Made yet more gloomy by our coward fears; But not untrod, nor tedious: the fatigue Will soon go off. Besides, there’s no bye-road To bliss. Then why, like ill-condition’d children, Start we at transient hardships in the way That leads to purer air, and softer skies, And a ne’er-setting sun?—Fools that we are! We wish to be where sweets unwithering bloom; But straight our wish revoke, and will not go. So have I seen, upon a summer’s even, Fast by the rivulet’s brink a youngster play: How wishfully he looks to stem the tide! This moment resolute, next unresolved: At last he dips his foot; but as he dips, His fears redouble, and he runs away From the inoffensive stream, unmindful now Of all the flowers that paint the further bank, And smiled so sweet of late.—Thrice welcome death! That after many a painful bleeding step Conducts us to our home, and lands us safe On the long-wish’d-for shore.—Prodigious change! Our bane turn’d to a blessing!—Death, disarm’d, Loses his fellness quite.—All thanks to him Who scourged the venom out!—Sure the last end Of the good man is peace!—How calm his exit! Night dews fall not more gently to the ground, Nor weary, worn-out winds expire so soft. Behold him in the evening-tide of life, A life well spent, whose early care it was His riper years should not upbraid his green: By unperceived degrees he wears away; Yet, like the sun, seems larger at his setting. High in his faith and hopes, look how he reaches After the prize in view! and, like a bird That’s hamper’d, struggles hard to get away: Whilst the glad gates of sight are wide expanded To let new glories in, the first fair fruits Of the fast-coming harvest.—Then, oh then! Each earth-born joy grows vile, or disappears, Shrunk to a thing of nought.—Oh! how he longs To have his passport sign’d, and be dismiss’d! ‘Tis done! and now he’s happy! The glad soul Has not a wish uncrown’d.—Even the lag flesh Rests, too, in hope of meeting once again Its better half, never to sunder more. Nor shall it hope in vain:—the time draws on, When not a single spot of burial earth, Whether on land, or in the spacious sea, But must give back its long-committed dust Inviolate!—and faithfully shall these Make up the full account; not the least atom Embezzled, or mislaid, of the whole tale. Each soul shall have a body ready furnish’d; And each shall have his own.—Hence, ye profane! Ask not how this can be?—Sure the same power That rear’d the piece at first, and took it down, Can re-assemble the loose scatter’d parts, And put them as they were.—Almighty God Has done much more; nor is his arm impair’d Through length of days: and what he can, he will: His faithfulness stands bound to see it done. When the dread trumpet sounds, the slumbering dust, Not unattentive to the call, shall wake; And every joint possess its proper place, With a new elegance of form, unknown To its first state. Nor shall the conscious soul Mistake its partner, but, amidst the crowd, Singling its other half, into its arms Shall rush, with all the impatience of a man That’s new come home; and, having long been absent, With haste runs over every different room, In pain to see the whole. Thrice happy meeting! Nor time, nor death, shall ever part them more. Tis but a night, a long and moonless night; We make the grave our bed, and then are gone. Thus, at the shut of even, the weary bird Leaves the wide air, and in some lonely brake Cowers down, and dozes till the dawn of day, Then claps his well-fledged wings, and bears away.
The village laborer and the nobleman are placed side by side in death, emphasizing its equality and impartiality.
“Fools that we are! Never to think of death and of ourselves / At the same time.”
Didactic Tone
The speaker chides humanity for neglecting the inevitable reality of death, urging reflection and preparation.
“See yonder maker of the dead man’s bed, / The Sexton, hoary-headed chronicle.”
Personification
The sexton is portrayed as a grim chronicler of death, representing humanity’s intimate relationship with mortality.
“Wild shrieks have issued from the hollow tombs; / Dead men have come again.”
Gothic Imagery
These supernatural elements add to the eerie atmosphere and reflect popular fears and folklore surrounding death.
“Beauty,—thou pretty plaything, dear deceit! / That steals so softly o’er the stripling’s heart.”
Personification and Apostrophe
Beauty is depicted as seductive yet deceptive, luring people into a false sense of immortality, only to be destroyed by death.
“Ambition, half convicted of her folly, / Hangs down the head, and reddens at the tale.”
Personification
Ambition is personified as realizing its own futility when confronted with death’s power, a critique of worldly pride and aspirations.
“Sepulchral columns wrestle, but in vain, / With all-subduing Time.”
Personification and Metaphor
Time is personified as a destroyer that erodes even the grandest monuments, symbolizing the fleeting nature of human legacies.
“Our bane turn’d to a blessing!—Death, disarm’d, / Loses his fellness quite.”
Paradox
Death is paradoxically described as both harmful and beneficial, reflecting the Christian belief in resurrection and eternal life.
“The tapering pyramid, the Egyptian’s pride… Yet spent at last by the injuries of heaven.”
Symbolism and Imagery
The pyramids symbolize human efforts to achieve immortality, but their erosion by time highlights death’s triumph over material things.
“The Son of God, thee foil’d. Him in thy power / Thou couldst not hold.”
Religious Allusion
Refers to Christ’s resurrection, emphasizing hope and victory over death for believers, central to Christian theology.
“When the dread trumpet sounds, the slumbering dust / Not unattentive to the call, shall wake.”
Imagery and Religious Symbolism
The “dread trumpet” evokes the Biblical imagery of the final judgment and resurrection, offering hope for eternal life.
“Like sentries that must keep their destined stand, / And wait the appointed hour.”
Simile
Compares humans awaiting death to soldiers at their posts, emphasizing the inevitability of mortality.
“Strange things, the neighbours say, have happen’d here: / Wild shrieks have issued from the hollow tombs.”
Folklore and Gothic Imagery
Reflects the superstitions surrounding graveyards, adding to the Gothic tone and the fearful perception of death in society.
“Thus, at the shut of even, the weary bird / Leaves the wide air, and in some lonely brake.”
Metaphor
The bird’s flight is a metaphor for the soul leaving the body at death, symbolizing peace and a return to divine rest.
“The Grave gainsays the smooth-complexion’d flattery, / And with blunt truth acquaints us what we are.”
Personification
The grave is personified as revealing harsh truths about human mortality, stripping away the illusions of life.
“Mute must thou bear the strife of little tongues, / And coward insults of the base-born crowd.”
Irony and Personification
Highlights the indignity of death, where even the proud and powerful are silenced and subjected to ridicule or neglect.
“The new-made widow too, I’ve sometimes spied, / Sad sight! slow moving o’er the prostrate dead.”
Pathos
The description of the grieving widow evokes deep sympathy, emphasizing the personal and emotional impact of death.
“Prone on the lowly grave of the dear man / She drops; whilst busy meddling memory…”
Personification
Memory is personified as “busy” and “meddling,” reflecting the torment of loss and the widow’s inability to let go of the past.
“Invidious grave!—how dost thou rend in sunder / Whom love has knit, and sympathy made one!”
Apostrophe and Metaphor
The grave is addressed as an active force that cruelly separates loved ones, illustrating death’s power to disrupt human connections.
“Friendship! mysterious cement of the soul; / Sweetener of life, and solder of society!”
Personification and Apostrophe
Friendship is personified as the force that unites and strengthens human relationships, contrasted with death, which disrupts it.
“O slippery state of things!—What sudden turns! / What strange vicissitudes in the first leaf.”
Metaphor
Life is metaphorically compared to a “leaf,” suggesting fragility and rapid, unpredictable changes in the human condition.
“Man has sinn’d. Sick of his bliss, and bent on new adventures, / Evil he needs would try.”
Allusion
Refers to Adam and Eve’s fall in the Garden of Eden, framing human mortality as a consequence of original sin.
“Accursed thing!—Oh! where shall fancy find / A proper name to call thee by?”
Apostrophe and Exclamation
Sin is addressed as the ultimate source of human suffering and death, with the speaker emphasizing its destructive power.
“Sepulchral columns wrestle, but in vain, / With all-subduing Time.”
Personification
Time is personified as an omnipotent force, reducing even the grandest monuments to ruins, reinforcing the theme of mortality’s inevitability.
“The best-concerted schemes men lay for fame / Die fast away: only themselves die faster.”
Irony
Highlights the futility of human ambition, as even well-planned pursuits of fame are ultimately outpaced by the inevitability of death.
“Methinks the countless swarms thou hast devour’d, / And thousands at each hour thou gobblest up.”
Personification and Hyperbole
Death is personified as a voracious predator, consuming lives in great numbers, emphasizing its relentless and all-encompassing power.
“Death only lies between: a gloomy path, / Made yet more gloomy by our coward fears.”
Paradox
Death is described as both inevitable and terrifying, yet the speaker suggests that fear exaggerates its dreadfulness unnecessarily.
“What is this world? What but a spacious burial-field unwall’d, / Strew’d with death’s spoils.”
Metaphor
The world is metaphorically compared to an open graveyard, emphasizing the ubiquity of death and the fragility of life.
“Strange persecution! when the grave itself / Is no protection from rude sufferance.”
Irony
Even in death, humans are not immune to suffering, as legacies can be tarnished and reputations destroyed, emphasizing death’s indignity.
“The tapering pyramid, the Egyptian’s pride… Yet spent at last by the injuries of heaven.”
Symbolism
The pyramid, symbolizing human ambition for immortality, is ultimately eroded by nature and time, reinforcing mortality’s inevitability.
“Daylight, and liberty.—Then must thy gates fly open, / And reveal the mines that lay long forming underground.”
Religious Imagery
Refers to resurrection and judgment day, with the opening of graves symbolizing divine justice and eternal salvation.
“The illustrious Deliverer of mankind, / The Son of God, thee foil’d.”
Allusion and Religious Imagery
Refers to Christ’s resurrection, portraying Jesus as the conqueror of death and the source of hope for eternal life.
“How calm his exit! Night dews fall not more gently to the ground, / Nor weary, worn-out winds expire so soft.”
Simile
Compares the peaceful death of a virtuous person to natural, gentle processes, highlighting the serenity of a life well-lived.
“Mute must thou bear the strife of little tongues, / And coward insults of the base-born crowd.”
Irony and Personification
Death is ironically powerless to protect the dead from slander and ridicule, highlighting humanity’s pettiness even toward the deceased.
“Each earth-born joy grows vile, or disappears, / Shrunk to a thing of nought.”
Contrast and Religious Reflection
Earthly pleasures are contrasted with spiritual rewards, emphasizing the transitory nature of worldly desires and the permanence of the soul.
“How shocking must thy summons be, O Death! / To him that is at ease in his possessions.”
Apostrophe and Contrast
Death’s call is portrayed as particularly jarring to those who are comfortable in their wealth, contrasting material security with the inevitability of death.
“A little longer, yet a little longer, / Oh! might she stay, to wash away her stains.”
Repetition and Pathos
The repetition reflects the desperate wish for more time to prepare for death and redemption, evoking sympathy for the unprepared soul.
“The Grave gainsays the smooth-complexion’d flattery, / And with blunt truth acquaints us what we are.”
Personification
The grave is personified as an honest truth-teller that strips away life’s pretensions, confronting humans with their mortality.
“Friendship! mysterious cement of the soul; / Sweetener of life, and solder of society!”
Apostrophe and Metaphor
Friendship is addressed as the binding force of human connections, emphasizing its importance before death severs all ties.
“Vain thought! to hide them from the general scorn / That haunts and dogs them like an injured ghost.”
Simile and Irony
The scorn of the living follows even the dead, likened to a relentless ghost, highlighting the futility of escaping judgment.
“Great man of language!—whence this mighty change, / This dumb despair, and drooping of the head?”
Apostrophe and Irony
The once eloquent and powerful orator is now silenced by death, showcasing the ironic futility of earthly talents in the face of mortality.
“Methinks I see him / Climb the aërial heights, and glide along / Athwart the severing clouds.”
Imagery and Religious Symbolism
Describes Christ’s ascension to Heaven, a vision of triumph over death and hope for eternal life, central to Christian eschatology.
“Strange medley here! / Here garrulous old age winds up his tale.”
Irony and Juxtaposition
The grave unites a “medley” of all classes and personalities, underscoring death’s impartiality and leveling power.
“What mean’st thou then, O mighty boaster! / To vaunt of nerves of thine?”
Apostrophe and Irony
The speaker mocks human pride in physical strength, which ultimately proves powerless against death.
“Sepulchral columns wrestle, but in vain, / With all-subduing Time.”
Personification
Time is personified as an invincible force that overcomes even the strongest symbols of human permanence, such as monuments and tombs.
“Fools that we are! / Never to think of death and of ourselves at the same time.”
Didactic Tone and Apostrophe
The speaker directly criticizes humanity for neglecting mortality, encouraging introspection and preparation for death.
“Ambition, half convicted of her folly, / Hangs down the head, and reddens at the tale.”
Personification
Ambition is personified as ashamed of its futility, reflecting the vain pursuits of fame and power in the face of death.
“The illustrious Deliverer of mankind, / The Son of God, thee foil’d.”
Allusion and Religious Imagery
Refers to Christ’s resurrection, portraying it as the ultimate victory over death and a source of hope for humanity.
“Each earth-born joy grows vile, or disappears, / Shrunk to a thing of nought.”
Contrast and Symbolism
Earthly pleasures are fleeting and insignificant compared to the eternal truths revealed by death.
“Then must thy gates fly open, and reveal / The mines that lay long forming underground.”
Religious Imagery
The resurrection is described as graves opening to reveal their “mines,” symbolizing purified souls prepared for divine judgment.
“How calm his exit! Night dews fall not more gently to the ground.”
Simile
The peaceful death of the righteous is likened to soft dew, highlighting the serenity of a virtuous end.
“The tapering pyramid, the Egyptian’s pride… spent at last by the injuries of heaven.”
Symbolism and Irony
The pyramid, a symbol of immortality and human pride, is ultimately eroded by natural forces, underscoring the inevitability of decay.
“Daylight, and liberty.—Then must thy gates fly open, / And reveal the mines that lay long forming underground.”
Religious Symbolism
The gates of the grave opening at resurrection symbolize divine judgment and the promise of eternal life for the faithful.
“Strength, too,—thou surly, and less gentle boast.”
Personification and Apostrophe
Strength is addressed and personified as boastful but ultimately powerless against death, reflecting on human frailty.
“Fools that we are! / To frolic on eternity’s dread brink.”
Didactic Tone
The speaker critiques humanity’s tendency to ignore the seriousness of death, warning against living life frivolously.
“Alas! too well he sped:—the good he scorn’d / Stalk’d off reluctant, like an ill-used ghost.”
Simile and Personification
The “good” that humanity rejects is personified as a mistreated ghost, symbolizing the neglect of virtuous choices in life.
“Sepulchral columns wrestle, but in vain, / With all-subduing Time.”
Personification and Metaphor
Tombs are personified as wrestling with time, emphasizing how even humanity’s most enduring monuments succumb to decay.
“Death’s thousand doors stand open.”
Hyperbole and Symbolism
The phrase highlights the myriad ways death can strike, emphasizing its inevitability and omnipresence.
“What groan was that I heard?—deep groan indeed! / With anguish heavy laden.”
Imagery and Pathos
Vivid imagery of suffering evokes sympathy and highlights the physical and emotional weight of dying.
“Strength, too,—thou surly, and less gentle boast.”
Personification and Apostrophe
Strength is personified as proud and rebellious, yet ultimately futile in the face of death.
“Vain thought! to hide them from the general scorn / That haunts and dogs them like an injured ghost.”
Simile
The scorn of the living is compared to a vengeful ghost, symbolizing the futility of trying to escape one’s legacy even in death.
“The high-fed worm, in lazy volumes roll’d, / Riots unscared.”
Personification and Gothic Imagery
The worm is vividly personified as feasting on the dead, emphasizing the grotesque reality of physical decay.
“Mute must thou bear the strife of little tongues, / And coward insults of the base-born crowd.”
Irony and Personification
The dead are portrayed as unable to defend themselves against the living’s gossip and insults, highlighting death’s indignity.
“Methinks the countless swarms thou hast devour’d, / And thousands at each hour thou gobblest up.”
Hyperbole and Personification
Death is personified as a voracious predator consuming lives en masse, emphasizing its relentless and indiscriminate nature.
“The tapering pyramid, the Egyptian’s pride… Yet spent at last by the injuries of heaven.”
Symbolism and Allusion
The pyramids symbolize human ambition and pride, but their erosion by nature underscores the futility of trying to achieve immortality.
“Here the warm lover, leaving the cool shade, / The tell-tale echo, and the babbling stream.”
Imagery and Contrast
Contrasts the idyllic imagery of love and nature with the inevitability of death, disrupting the romantic scene.
“Beauty,—thou pretty plaything, dear deceit!”
Apostrophe and Personification
Beauty is addressed and personified as fleeting and deceptive, reinforcing the theme of physical decay in the grave.
“Great masters of the healing art… resign to fate.”
Irony
Even the most skilled physicians, who work to defy death, ultimately succumb to it themselves, highlighting mortality’s universality.
“What mean’st thou then, O mighty boaster! / To vaunt of nerves of thine?”
Apostrophe and Irony
The speaker mocks humanity’s pride in physical strength, which is powerless in the face of death.
“Daylight, and liberty.—Then must thy gates fly open, / And reveal the mines that lay long forming underground.”
Religious Symbolism and Metaphor
The “gates” of the grave represent resurrection, and “mines” symbolize the purified souls awaiting judgment.
“How calm his exit! Night dews fall not more gently to the ground.”
Simile and Imagery
Compares the peaceful death of the virtuous to the soft falling of dew, evoking a sense of serenity and grace in passing.
“The Grave discredits thee: thy charms expunged, / Thy roses faded, and thy lilies soil’d.”
Imagery and Symbolism
Beauty is reduced to fading flowers, symbolizing the fleeting nature of physical attractiveness in the face of mortality.
“Fools that we are! Never to think of death and of ourselves / At the same time.”
Didactic Tone
The speaker chastises humanity for ignoring mortality, urging self-awareness and preparation for the inevitability of death.
“The illustrious Deliverer of mankind, / The Son of God, thee foil’d.”
Religious Allusion and Imagery
Refers to Christ’s resurrection as the ultimate triumph over death, providing hope for believers.
Line/Excerpt
Literary Device
Explanation of Difficult Phrases & Analysis
“Here the great negotiators of the earth, / And celebrated masters of the balance.”
Irony and Juxtaposition
Even the powerful, skilled politicians and negotiators are reduced to silence by death, demonstrating its impartiality and inevitability.
“The wrecks of nations, and the spoils of time, / With all the lumber of six thousand years.”
Metaphor
Human history and achievements are reduced to “wrecks” and “lumber,” emphasizing the insignificance of worldly endeavors in the face of time.
“The wreck of names to rescue ours!”
Irony
Highlights the futility of striving for fame or legacy, as even the greatest names eventually fade into obscurity.
“When loud-diffusive sound from brazen trump / Of strong-lung’d cherub shall alarm thy captives.”
Religious Symbolism
Refers to the trumpet call of Judgment Day, a Biblical image symbolizing resurrection and divine justice.
“Each soul shall have a body ready furnish’d; / And each shall have his own.”
Religious Imagery
Promises the reuniting of soul and body after resurrection, central to Christian eschatology and hope for eternal life.
“Thrice happy meeting! Nor time, nor death, shall ever part them more.”
Optimism and Religious Tone
Describes the joyous reunion of body and soul, emphasizing the eternal unity promised to the virtuous in the afterlife.
“Thou gap’st for more: / Like one, whole days defrauded of his meals.”
Simile and Hyperbole
Death is likened to a gluttonous being, endlessly consuming lives, reflecting its insatiable and relentless nature.
“How shocking must thy summons be, O Death! / To him that is at ease in his possessions.”
Irony and Contrast
For the wealthy and comfortable, death is portrayed as an unwelcome, jarring event, revealing the fragility of material security.
“Strength, too,—thou surly, and less gentle boast.”
Apostrophe and Personification
Strength is personified and addressed, yet its ultimate weakness against death is exposed, reinforcing the theme of mortality.
“Poor wretch! he minds not, / That soon some trusty brother of the trade / Shall do for him what he has done for thousands.”
Irony
Refers to the gravedigger, who, despite dealing with death daily, will inevitably meet the same fate, showing death’s universal reach.
“See yonder maker of the dead man’s bed, / The Sexton, hoary-headed chronicle.”
Personification and Symbolism
The sexton symbolizes humanity’s ongoing relationship with death, as he “chronicles” its toll while preparing graves.
“O slippery state of things!—What sudden turns! / What strange vicissitudes.”
Exclamation and Metaphor
Life is described as precarious and changeable, reinforcing the unpredictability of human existence and its vulnerability to death.
“How calm his exit! Night dews fall not more gently to the ground.”
Simile and Imagery
The death of the righteous is likened to dew falling gently, suggesting serenity and divine acceptance in their passing.
“Like sentries that must keep their destined stand, / And wait the appointed hour.”
Simile and Religious Tone
Compares humans awaiting death to soldiers awaiting their duty, emphasizing the inevitability of mortality and divine judgment.
“The illustrious Deliverer of mankind, / The Son of God, thee foil’d.”
Religious Allusion
Refers to Jesus Christ’s resurrection, symbolizing his victory over death and offering hope for eternal life to humanity.
“Methinks the countless swarms thou hast devour’d, / And thousands at each hour thou gobblest up.”
Hyperbole and Personification
Death is portrayed as an insatiable predator, consuming countless lives, emphasizing its relentless and universal nature.
“The tapering pyramid, the Egyptian’s pride… Yet spent at last by the injuries of heaven.”
Symbolism and Irony
The pyramids, symbols of immortality, are ironically eroded by nature, showing the ultimate futility of human attempts to defy death.
“Daylight, and liberty.—Then must thy gates fly open, / And reveal the mines that lay long forming underground.”
Religious Imagery and Metaphor
Resurrection is described as the opening of graves, where souls long buried are revealed and liberated, offering hope for salvation.
“Sepulchral columns wrestle, but in vain, / With all-subduing Time.”
Personification and Metaphor
Tombs and monuments “wrestle” with time, emphasizing the futility of trying to preserve human legacies against inevitable decay.
“Here the great negotiators of the earth, / And celebrated masters of the balance.”
Irony and Juxtaposition
Even the powerful, skilled politicians and negotiators are reduced to silence by death, demonstrating its impartiality and inevitability.
“The wrecks of nations, and the spoils of time, / With all the lumber of six thousand years.”
Metaphor
Human history and achievements are reduced to “wrecks” and “lumber,” emphasizing the insignificance of worldly endeavors in the face of time.
“The wreck of names to rescue ours!”
Irony
Highlights the futility of striving for fame or legacy, as even the greatest names eventually fade into obscurity.
“When loud-diffusive sound from brazen trump / Of strong-lung’d cherub shall alarm thy captives.”
Religious Symbolism
Refers to the trumpet call of Judgment Day, a Biblical image symbolizing resurrection and divine justice.
“Each soul shall have a body ready furnish’d; / And each shall have his own.”
Religious Imagery
Promises the reuniting of soul and body after resurrection, central to Christian eschatology and hope for eternal life.
“Thrice happy meeting! Nor time, nor death, shall ever part them more.”
Optimism and Religious Tone
Describes the joyous reunion of body and soul, emphasizing the eternal unity promised to the virtuous in the afterlife.
“Thou gap’st for more: / Like one, whole days defrauded of his meals.”
Simile and Hyperbole
Death is likened to a gluttonous being, endlessly consuming lives, reflecting its insatiable and relentless nature.
“How shocking must thy summons be, O Death! / To him that is at ease in his possessions.”
Irony and Contrast
For the wealthy and comfortable, death is portrayed as an unwelcome, jarring event, revealing the fragility of material security.
“Strength, too,—thou surly, and less gentle boast.”
Apostrophe and Personification
Strength is personified and addressed, yet its ultimate weakness against death is exposed, reinforcing the theme of mortality.
“Poor wretch! he minds not, / That soon some trusty brother of the trade / Shall do for him what he has done for thousands.”
Irony
Refers to the gravedigger, who, despite dealing with death daily, will inevitably meet the same fate, showing death’s universal reach.
“See yonder maker of the dead man’s bed, / The Sexton, hoary-headed chronicle.”
Personification and Symbolism
The sexton symbolizes humanity’s ongoing relationship with death, as he “chronicles” its toll while preparing graves.
“O slippery state of things!—What sudden turns! / What strange vicissitudes.”
Exclamation and Metaphor
Life is described as precarious and changeable, reinforcing the unpredictability of human existence and its vulnerability to death.
“How calm his exit! Night dews fall not more gently to the ground.”
Simile and Imagery
The death of the righteous is likened to dew falling gently, suggesting serenity and divine acceptance in their passing.
“Like sentries that must keep their destined stand, / And wait the appointed hour.”
Simile and Religious Tone
Compares humans awaiting death to soldiers awaiting their duty, emphasizing the inevitability of mortality and divine judgment.
“The illustrious Deliverer of mankind, / The Son of God, thee foil’d.”
Religious Allusion
Refers to Jesus Christ’s resurrection, symbolizing his victory over death and offering hope for eternal life to humanity.
“Methinks the countless swarms thou hast devour’d, / And thousands at each hour thou gobblest up.”
Hyperbole and Personification
Death is portrayed as an insatiable predator, consuming countless lives, emphasizing its relentless and universal nature.
“The tapering pyramid, the Egyptian’s pride… Yet spent at last by the injuries of heaven.”
Symbolism and Irony
The pyramids, symbols of immortality, are ironically eroded by nature, showing the ultimate futility of human attempts to defy death.
“Daylight, and liberty.—Then must thy gates fly open, / And reveal the mines that lay long forming underground.”
Religious Imagery and Metaphor
Resurrection is described as the opening of graves, where souls long buried are revealed and liberated, offering hope for salvation.
“Sepulchral columns wrestle, but in vain, / With all-subduing Time.”
Personification and Metaphor
Tombs and monuments “wrestle” with time, emphasizing the futility of trying to preserve human legacies against inevitable decay.
Themes: “The Grave” by Robert Blair
1. The Inevitability of Death: One of the central themes in “The Grave” is the inevitability and universality of death, which spares no one, regardless of status, strength, or virtue. Blair emphasizes this truth early on, describing the grave as “The appointed place of rendezvous, where all / These travellers meet.” This metaphor portrays death as the ultimate destination for all humanity, emphasizing its impartial nature. The imagery of “Death’s thousand doors” underscores the myriad ways death can come, making it inescapable. Even the mighty, symbolized by “The tapering pyramid, the Egyptian’s pride,” cannot defy death’s power. This theme is central to graveyard poetry, reflecting on the frailty and brevity of human life.
2. The Futility of Human Ambition: Blair critiques humanity’s endless striving for fame, power, and wealth, pointing out the ultimate futility of these pursuits in the face of mortality. He mocks ambition and worldly pride: “The wrecks of nations, and the spoils of time, / With all the lumber of six thousand years,” reducing the legacies of empires and great men to mere ruins. Even grand monuments like the pyramids, built to immortalize their creators, succumb to “the injuries of heaven.” This irony demonstrates the limitations of human efforts to transcend death. Blair further scorns humanity’s desire to preserve a name, writing: “The best-concerted schemes men lay for fame / Die fast away: only themselves die faster.” In doing so, he encourages readers to focus on eternal values rather than temporal achievements.
3. The Power of Resurrection and Christian Hope: Despite its somber tone, “The Grave” ultimately conveys a message of hope through the promise of resurrection and eternal life. Blair draws heavily on Christian theology, presenting death as a transition rather than an end. The reference to Christ’s resurrection as the “illustrious Deliverer of mankind” emphasizes the ultimate triumph over death. He describes the graves opening on Judgment Day: “Then must thy gates fly open, and reveal / The mines that lay long forming underground.” This imagery of resurrection provides a sense of comfort and redemption, affirming that the faithful will be reunited with their loved ones: “Thrice happy meeting! Nor time, nor death, shall ever part them more.”
4. The Deceptive Nature of Physical Beauty: Blair critiques society’s fixation on physical appearance, reminding readers of its fleeting nature in the face of death. He addresses beauty directly: “Beauty,—thou pretty plaything, dear deceit! / That steals so softly o’er the stripling’s heart.” The personification of beauty as a “plaything” and a “deceit” underscores its temporary allure, which is ultimately destroyed by death: “Thy roses faded, and thy lilies soil’d.” The grotesque imagery of worms feeding on the body emphasizes this decay: “The high-fed worm, in lazy volumes roll’d, / Riots unscared.” Blair’s warning serves as a moral lesson, urging readers to value spiritual and moral virtues over superficial qualities.
5. Death as a Leveler: A key theme in “The Grave” is the leveling power of death, which erases social, economic, and personal distinctions. Blair reflects on how the grave renders all equal, from the rich and powerful to the poor and humble: “Here the warm lover, leaving the cool shade… / Here friends and foes lie close; unmindful of their former feuds.” Death unites everyone, regardless of their worldly accomplishments or failures. The grave is described as the place where “the great negotiators of the earth” and “the downright clown” lie side by side. This universal equality highlights the transient nature of earthly hierarchies, underscoring the futility of pride and privilege.
6. The Emotional Impact of Death: Blair explores the profound emotional effects of death on the living, particularly the grief of those left behind. The image of the mourning widow vividly captures this pain: “The new-made widow too, I’ve sometimes spied, / Sad sight! slow moving o’er the prostrate dead.” Her sorrow is portrayed as deeply physical and unrelenting, as she clings to her loved one’s grave: “She drops; whilst busy meddling memory, / In barbarous succession, musters up / The past endearments of their softer hours.” This depiction of memory as “meddling” underscores how grief replays cherished moments, intensifying the pain of loss. Blair’s exploration of mourning evokes empathy and reflects the lasting bond between the living and the dead.
Literary Theories and “The Grave” by Robert Blair
Literary Theory
Application to “The Grave”
References from the Poem
Formalism/New Criticism
Focuses on the poem’s structure, language, and literary devices to explore its themes of mortality and the afterlife.
The use of personification (e.g., “Death’s thousand doors stand open”) and Gothic imagery (e.g., “Where nought but silence reigns”) enhances the tone of fear and mystery surrounding death. The poem’s carefully constructed rhythm and imagery reinforce its meditative nature.
Christian Theology
Explores the religious themes of resurrection, divine judgment, and the promise of eternal life, central to the poem’s meditation on death.
The poem directly references Christian beliefs, such as the resurrection: “Then must thy gates fly open, and reveal / The mines that lay long forming underground.” It also celebrates Christ’s victory over death: “The Son of God, thee foil’d.”
Gothic Criticism
Examines the dark, eerie tone and use of supernatural imagery that evoke fear and mystery, typical of Gothic literature.
The Gothic imagery includes ghosts and the supernatural: “Light-heel’d ghosts, and visionary shades, / Beneath the wan cold moon.” The description of the grave as a “cheerless, unsocial plant!” adds to the macabre atmosphere of the poem.
Existentialism
Explores human life’s fragility, the inevitability of death, and the search for meaning in the face of mortality, as portrayed in the poem.
The speaker reflects on death’s leveling power: “Here friends and foes lie close; unmindful of their former feuds.” The existential crisis is evident in “Fools that we are! Never to think of death and of ourselves at the same time.”
Critical Questions about “The Grave” by Robert Blair
1. How does Blair use imagery to depict the physical and emotional aspects of death in “The Grave”?
Blair employs vivid and often grotesque imagery to capture both the physical realities of death and its emotional resonance. The physical decay of the body is starkly illustrated in lines like “The high-fed worm, in lazy volumes roll’d, / Riots unscared,” where worms feeding on the body emphasize the inevitable degradation of physical beauty and strength. The grave is described as a “low-brow’d misty vault,” invoking an eerie and claustrophobic setting. On the emotional side, Blair portrays the sorrow of the living through poignant images, such as the mourning widow who “crawls along in doleful black,” clutching the grave of her loved one. Her grief is intensified by the torment of memory, described as “busy meddling memory” that cruelly reminds her of past joys. Through this dual use of imagery, Blair bridges the physical and emotional dimensions of death, making it both a tangible and deeply human experience.
2. How does Blair explore the theme of the afterlife in the context of Christian theology?
Blair’s reflections on the afterlife are deeply rooted in Christian theology, emphasizing both the fear of judgment and the hope of resurrection. He presents the grave not as a final resting place but as a transitional phase leading to divine judgment: “Then must thy gates fly open, and reveal / The mines that lay long forming underground.” This metaphor of the grave as a gate underscores the promise of resurrection and the ultimate accountability of souls. Christ’s resurrection is celebrated as the victory over death: “The illustrious Deliverer of mankind, / The Son of God, thee foil’d.” This triumph serves as a source of comfort and redemption for believers. At the same time, Blair warns of the consequences of unpreparedness, describing the frantic soul at death’s door: “Her very eyes weep blood;—and every groan / She heaves is big with horror.” Through these contrasts, Blair encapsulates the duality of Christian eschatology: the grave is both a symbol of fear for the unrepentant and a gateway to eternal life for the faithful.
3. In what ways does Blair critique human pride and ambition in “The Grave”?
Blair critiques human pride and ambition by highlighting their ultimate futility in the face of death. He mocks the grandiose pursuits of legacy and fame, pointing out how even the most monumental achievements crumble under the passage of time. For example, he references the pyramids as symbols of human ambition, only to reveal their vulnerability to decay: “The tapering pyramid, the Egyptian’s pride… Yet spent at last by the injuries of heaven.” Similarly, he derides the obsession with preserving one’s name, calling it a “vain thought to hide them from the general scorn.” This critique extends to all forms of earthly power, as even the “great negotiators of the earth” and “celebrated masters of the balance” are ultimately reduced to silence in the grave. Blair’s scorn for human vanity serves as a moral lesson, urging readers to prioritize spiritual values over worldly ambitions that inevitably fade.
4. How does Blair portray the universality of death in “The Grave”?
Blair emphasizes death’s universal nature, portraying it as the great equalizer that spares no one, regardless of their social status or personal achievements. He states plainly: “The appointed place of rendezvous, where all / These travellers meet.” This metaphor likens life to a journey, with death as the inevitable destination shared by all. Blair juxtaposes different figures—rich and poor, virtuous and wicked—to underscore this point: “Here the warm lover… Here friends and foes lie close; unmindful of their former feuds.” Even the mighty are not exempt, as the “great negotiators of the earth” and “celebrated masters of the balance” are laid to rest alongside the humble. The grave, therefore, becomes a space where earthly distinctions dissolve, reflecting the impartiality and inevitability of death. Blair’s portrayal not only confronts readers with mortality but also encourages reflection on the values that truly endure beyond the grave.
Literary Works Similar to “The Grave” by Robert Blair
“Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard” by Thomas Gray Similarity: Both poems meditate on death’s universality and its leveling power, with Gray reflecting on the lives of the humble and forgotten, much like Blair’s portrayal of the grave as a meeting place for all.
“Thanatopsis” by William Cullen Bryant Similarity: This poem, like Blair’s, explores death as a natural and inevitable part of life, offering solace through its connection to nature and the cyclical order of existence.
“The Deserted Village” by Oliver Goldsmith Similarity: Although Goldsmith focuses on societal decay, his reflections on the transient nature of human settlements and lives parallel Blair’s themes of mortality and impermanence.
“Death Be Not Proud” by John Donne Similarity: Both poems personify death to challenge its power, with Donne’s work emphasizing death’s defeat through spiritual redemption, resonating with Blair’s Christian hope of resurrection.
Representative Quotations of “The Grave” by Robert Blair
Quotation
Context
Theoretical Perspective
“The appointed place of rendezvous, where all / These travellers meet.”
The speaker describes the grave as a universal meeting place for all humanity.
Existentialism: Reflects the inevitability of death and its role as the ultimate equalizer for all human beings.
“Death’s thousand doors stand open.”
Emphasizes the omnipresence of death and its many pathways.
Gothic Criticism: The ominous imagery conveys death as a constant and unavoidable force, aligning with Gothic themes.
“Thy long-extended realms, and rueful wastes! / Where nought but silence reigns.”
Describes the grave as a vast and desolate domain.
Formalism: Uses personification and imagery to evoke the oppressive and eerie nature of death’s dominion.
“The Son of God, thee foil’d. Him in thy power / Thou couldst not hold.”
Refers to Christ’s resurrection as the ultimate victory over death.
Christian Theology: Highlights the hope of eternal life and the triumph of spiritual salvation over mortality.
“Here friends and foes lie close; unmindful of their former feuds.”
Observes how death eliminates all earthly divisions and conflicts.
Moral Philosophy: Illustrates the leveling power of death, which erases societal and personal distinctions.
“The high-fed worm, in lazy volumes roll’d, / Riots unscared.”
Depicts the physical decay of the body in the grave.
Naturalism: Focuses on the biological realities of death, stripping away the romanticized notions of mortality.
“Then must thy gates fly open, and reveal / The mines that lay long forming underground.”
Refers to resurrection and divine judgment on Judgment Day.
Religious Symbolism: The grave’s opening represents the hope and fear of eternal judgment and salvation.
“The tapering pyramid, the Egyptian’s pride… Yet spent at last by the injuries of heaven.”
Critiques humanity’s futile attempts to achieve immortality through monuments.
Irony: Highlights the transience of human ambition and the futility of trying to defy death through material accomplishments.
“Fools that we are! Never to think of death and of ourselves / At the same time.”
Criticizes humanity’s tendency to ignore mortality until it is unavoidable.
Existentialism: Encourages reflection on life’s purpose and preparation for death, emphasizing self-awareness.
“Thrice happy meeting! Nor time, nor death, shall ever part them more.”
Describes the joyous reunion of body and soul after resurrection.
Christian Theology: Expresses hope for eternal unity in the afterlife, reinforcing the promise of spiritual redemption.
Phillips, Siobhan. “The Daily Living of Robert Frost.” PMLA, vol. 123, no. 3, 2008, pp. 598–613. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/25501879. Accessed 23 Jan. 2025.
Rogers, Thomas. Robert Blair and’The Grave’. University of Pennsylvania, 1955.
Means, James. “A Reading of the Grave.” Studies in Scottish Literature 12.4 (1975): 270-281.
“Amoretti: Sonnet 75” by Edmund Spenser first appeared in 1595 as part of the “Amoretti” sonnet sequence, a collection dedicated to chronicling his courtship of Elizabeth Boyle.
Introduction: “Amoretti: Sonnet 75” by Edmund Spenser
“Amoretti: Sonnet 75” by Edmund Spenser first appeared in 1595 as part of the “Amoretti” sonnet sequence, a collection dedicated to chronicling his courtship of Elizabeth Boyle. This poem stands out for its contemplative meditation on the themes of love, immortality, and the transcendent power of poetry. Its popularity as a textbook poem lies in its timeless exploration of human desires for permanence in the face of impermanence. The speaker attempts to immortalize his beloved by writing her name on the sand, only for the waves to wash it away, symbolizing the inevitability of decay: “But came the waves and washed it away.” His beloved challenges his futile efforts, calling them vain: “Vayne man, that doest in vaine assay / A mortall thing so to immortalize.” However, the speaker asserts that poetry can transcend mortality, promising that her virtues and their love will endure through his verse: “My verse your vertues rare shall eternize, / And in the hevens wryte your glorious name.” The poem’s enduring appeal lies in its masterful interplay of ephemeral and eternal, making it a cornerstone of Renaissance love poetry and a compelling study of art’s power to defy time.
Text: “Amoretti: Sonnet 75” by Edmund Spenser
One day I wrote her name upon the strand, But came the waves and washed it away: Agayne I wrote it with a second hand; But came the tyde, and made my paynes his pray. “Vayne man,” sayd she, “that doest in vaine assay A mortall thing so to immortalize; For I my selve shall lyke to this decay, And eke my name bee wyped out lykewize.” “Not so,” quod I; “let baser things devize To dy in dust, but you shall live by fame: My verse your vertues rare shall eternize, And in the hevens wryte your glorious name. Where, when as death shall all the world subdew, Our love shall live, and later life renew.”
Annotations: “Amoretti: Sonnet 75” by Edmund Spenser
The repetition of the “i” sound in “live” and “life” emphasizes the eternal quality of their love.
Themes: “Amoretti: Sonnet 75” by Edmund Spenser
1. Mortality and Impermanence: One of the central themes of the sonnet is the transience of life and human endeavors in the face of time and nature. This is introduced in the opening lines, where the speaker writes his beloved’s name on the sand, only for the waves to wash it away: “One day I wrote her name upon the strand, / But came the waves and washed it away.” The act of writing in the sand symbolizes human attempts to preserve something ephemeral, while the waves and tide represent time and the inevitability of decay. The beloved reinforces this theme when she remarks, “For I my selve shall lyke to this decay, / And eke my name bee wyped out lykewize.” Her acknowledgment of her mortality emphasizes the fleeting nature of human existence, highlighting the natural cycle of life and death.
2. Immortality Through Art: In contrast to the inevitability of decay, the sonnet explores the theme of immortality through the enduring power of poetry. The speaker vehemently rejects the idea that his beloved’s virtues and their love will succumb to time, declaring, “My verse your vertues rare shall eternize, / And in the hevens wryte your glorious name.” Here, he positions his poetic work as a medium that transcends physical decay, promising to immortalize her and their love through verse. By claiming that “Our love shall live, and later life renew,” the speaker suggests that art has the power to overcome mortality, preserving emotions and virtues for future generations. This theme reflects Renaissance ideals of human creativity as a means of achieving immortality.
3. Love’s Eternal Nature: The poem also delves into the timeless nature of true love. While mortality looms over the physical body, the speaker argues that love exists beyond the constraints of time. He boldly asserts, “Not so, quod I; let baser things devize / To dy in dust, but you shall live by fame.” This statement elevates their love to something that surpasses the ordinary and the perishable, suggesting that it will persist even after death. The concluding couplet, “Where, when as death shall all the world subdew, / Our love shall live, and later life renew,” portrays love as a force capable of defying death itself, renewing life and continuing in perpetuity.
4. Conflict Between Human Effort and Nature: Another underlying theme is the tension between human effort and nature’s overpowering forces. The speaker’s repeated attempts to write his beloved’s name on the sand symbolize humanity’s struggle against the inevitable. Despite his efforts, the waves and tide, representing nature’s supremacy, continuously erase his work: “But came the tyde, and made my paynes his pray.” This cyclical conflict highlights the futility of trying to control or halt natural processes, as well as humanity’s desire to leave a mark in a world dominated by impermanence.
5. Vanity and Humility: The sonnet reflects on human vanity and the speaker’s defiance of it. The beloved chastises the speaker, calling him a “vayne man” for attempting to immortalize her name in a mortal medium. Her words reveal the futility and arrogance of attempting to control mortality. However, the speaker’s response shifts this perspective, offering poetry as a more profound solution. His assertion that “let baser things devize / To dy in dust” shows his belief that art, unlike the physical world, is not bound by the vanity of fleeting existence but instead has the power to achieve a more meaningful permanence.
6. The Interplay of Realism and Idealism: The dialogue between the speaker and his beloved represents a conflict between realism and idealism. The beloved adopts a realistic perspective, accepting the inevitability of death and the futility of physical preservation: “For I my selve shall lyke to this decay.” In contrast, the speaker embodies idealism, proposing that poetry and love can overcome the boundaries of time and decay. His idealistic vision elevates their love to a spiritual and eternal plane, suggesting that it can “live by fame” and continue in “later life.” This tension enriches the poem, offering both a grounded acknowledgment of mortality and a hopeful vision of transcendence.
7. Renaissance Humanism: The sonnet reflects Renaissance humanist ideals, particularly the belief in the power of human creativity and intellect to transcend limitations. By declaring that his verse will “eternize” his beloved’s virtues and inscribe her “glorious name” in the heavens, the speaker underscores the role of the artist as a creator of lasting beauty and truth. This aligns with the Renaissance emphasis on individual achievement and the potential of art to challenge the transience of life.
Literary Theories and “Amoretti: Sonnet 75” by Edmund Spenser
This approach focuses on the poem’s structure, language, and literary devices without considering external factors like authorial intent or historical context.
The formal use of dialogue between the speaker and his beloved enhances the thematic tension between mortality (“Vayne man”) and immortality (“eternize”). The sonnet’s rhyme scheme (ABAB BCBC CDCD EE) reflects the Spenserian form, reinforcing the poem’s sense of order and timelessness.
While predating the Romantic movement, the poem embodies Romantic themes such as the eternal nature of love and the redemptive power of art and creativity.
The speaker’s declaration, “My verse your vertues rare shall eternize,” reflects the Romantic belief in art’s ability to immortalize human emotions. The imagery of waves washing away the name symbolizes nature’s sublime and uncontrollable power.
This theory focuses on the reader’s interpretation and emotional engagement with the poem, emphasizing how different readers might perceive its message about love and mortality.
Readers may empathize with the speaker’s desire to preserve love against the forces of time, expressed in “Our love shall live, and later life renew.” Others may align with the beloved’s skepticism in “that doest in vaine assay / A mortall thing so to immortalize.”
This theory highlights the Renaissance ideal of human creativity and the belief that individuals can achieve immortality through intellectual and artistic achievements.
The speaker’s assertion, “And in the hevens wryte your glorious name,” exemplifies humanist confidence in poetry’s power to transcend mortality. The celebration of virtues (“My verse your vertues rare”) aligns with Renaissance ideals of celebrating human excellence.
Critical Questions about “Amoretti: Sonnet 75” by Edmund Spenser
1. How does Spenser explore the tension between mortality and immortality in the poem “Amoretti: Sonnet 75”?
Spenser explores the tension between mortality and immortality by juxtaposing the transient nature of human life with the enduring power of art. The opening lines depict the futility of trying to preserve something mortal as the speaker writes his beloved’s name on the sand, only for the waves to wash it away: “But came the waves and washed it away.” This imagery highlights the inevitability of decay, as the beloved herself acknowledges in her reproach: “For I my selve shall lyke to this decay.” However, the speaker challenges this acceptance of mortality by asserting that his poetry will preserve her virtues and their love: “My verse your vertues rare shall eternize.” Through this argument, Spenser presents poetry as a medium that transcends the ephemeral nature of human existence, suggesting that while physical life fades, art can immortalize emotional and spiritual truths.
2. What role does the natural world play in the poem “Amoretti: Sonnet 75″‘s exploration of impermanence?
The natural world is central to the poem’s meditation on impermanence, symbolizing the unstoppable forces of time and decay. The waves and tide are personified as active agents that erase the speaker’s attempts to immortalize his beloved’s name: “But came the tyde, and made my paynes his pray.” This imagery underscores the power of nature to undo human efforts, reflecting its dominance over mortal endeavors. The cyclicality of the tide represents the relentless passage of time, which erodes physical existence and human legacies. Yet, by contrast, the speaker offers art and poetry as a way to counteract nature’s erasure, asserting that the immortalizing power of verse can defy nature’s temporal constraints: “And in the hevens wryte your glorious name.” This duality emphasizes both nature’s inevitability and art’s capacity to transcend it.
3. How does Spenser use dialogue to convey differing perspectives on immortality in “Amoretti: Sonnet 75”?
Spenser employs dialogue between the speaker and his beloved to highlight their contrasting perspectives on immortality. The beloved adopts a realistic, perhaps skeptical view, chastising the speaker for his vain attempts to immortalize her name in the sand: “Vayne man,” sayd she, “that doest in vaine assay / A mortall thing so to immortalize.” Her words reflect a pragmatic understanding of mortality, emphasizing the futility of preserving something inherently transient. In contrast, the speaker offers an idealistic rebuttal, asserting that poetry can immortalize her virtues and preserve their love for eternity: “My verse your vertues rare shall eternize.” This interplay of perspectives enriches the poem by presenting both the acceptance of human limitations and the aspiration to overcome them through creativity and art.
4. In what ways does the poem “Amoretti: Sonnet 75” reflect Renaissance humanist ideals?
The poem reflects Renaissance humanist ideals through its celebration of human creativity and the belief in the transformative power of art. Renaissance humanism emphasized the potential of individuals to achieve greatness and leave lasting legacies through intellectual and artistic pursuits. The speaker’s confidence in the immortalizing power of poetry is a direct expression of this belief: “My verse your vertues rare shall eternize, / And in the hevens wryte your glorious name.” This declaration underscores the humanist notion that art can defy the temporal limitations of the physical world, preserving human virtues and achievements for future generations. Additionally, the emphasis on individual excellence, as seen in the focus on the beloved’s “vertues rare,” aligns with the Renaissance celebration of human potential and individuality. Through this lens, the poem serves as both a personal love declaration and a broader assertion of the enduring value of human creativity.
Literary Works Similar to “Amoretti: Sonnet 75” by Edmund Spenser
“Sonnet 18” by William Shakespeare Similarity: Both poems explore the theme of immortality through poetry, with Shakespeare declaring that his beloved will live eternally through his verse: “So long as men can breathe or eyes can see, / So long lives this, and this gives life to thee.”
“Ozymandias” by Percy Bysshe Shelley Similarity: Shelley reflects on the impermanence of human efforts and the power of time, mirroring Spenser’s meditation on the futility of writing in sand and the immortalizing power of art.
“The Canonization” by John Donne Similarity: Donne, like Spenser, elevates the power of love to transcend mortality, asserting that the lovers’ story will be eternalized in poetic legend: “We can die by it, if not live by love, / And if unfit for tombs and hearse, / Our legend be.”
“A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning” by John Donne Similarity: Both poems emphasize the spiritual and eternal nature of love, with Donne asserting that true love is not diminished by physical separation, much like Spenser’s declaration of love surviving death.
Representative Quotations of “Amoretti: Sonnet 75” by Edmund Spenser
Curbet, Joan. “EDMUND SPENSER’S BESTIARY IN THE ‘AMORETTI’ (1595).” Atlantis, vol. 24, no. 2, 2002, pp. 41–58. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/41055069. Accessed 23 Jan. 2025.
CUMMINGS, PETER M. “Spenser’s Amoretti as an Allegory of Love.” Texas Studies in Literature and Language, vol. 12, no. 2, 1970, pp. 163–79. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/40754092. Accessed 23 Jan. 2025.
“To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time” by Robert Herrick first appeared in 1648 in his collection Hesperides.
Introduction: “To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time” by Robert Herrick
“To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time” by Robert Herrick first appeared in 1648 in his collection Hesperides. This timeless poem encapsulates the fleeting nature of youth and the urgency of seizing life’s opportunities before they fade. The central theme is carpe diem, or “seize the day,” urging readers to embrace the vitality of youth and act decisively while time allows. The opening stanza sets the tone with the iconic lines, “Gather ye rose-buds while ye may, / Old Time is still a-flying,” using the metaphor of withering flowers to symbolize the ephemeral nature of life. Herrick’s vivid imagery of the sun’s arc (“The glorious lamp of heaven, the sun, / The higher he’s a-getting, / The sooner will his race be run”) highlights the inexorable passage of time. Its enduring popularity as a textbook poem lies in its universal appeal, lyrical style, and succinct moral lesson, culminating in the counsel: “Then be not coy, but use your time.” By blending evocative metaphors with a resonant philosophical message, Herrick’s poem remains a classic exhortation to savor life’s fleeting moments.
Text: “To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time” by Robert Herrick
Gather ye rose-buds while ye may,
Old Time is still a-flying;
And this same flower that smiles today
Tomorrow will be dying.
The glorious lamp of heaven, the sun,
The higher he’s a-getting,
The sooner will his race be run,
And nearer he’s to setting.
That age is best which is the first,
When youth and blood are warmer;
But being spent, the worse, and worst
Times still succeed the former.
Then be not coy, but use your time,
And while ye may, go marry;
For having lost but once your prime,
You may forever tarry.
Annotations: “To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time” by Robert Herrick
The poem adopts a teaching tone to convince readers to act before it’s too late.
Universal Theme
“For having lost but once your prime”
The universal idea of making the most of one’s youth resonates across cultures and eras.
Themes: “To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time” by Robert Herrick
1. The Fleeting Nature of Time: The poem emphasizes the swift passage of time, urging the reader to seize opportunities before they disappear. Herrick encapsulates this theme with the line, “Old Time is still a-flying,” which personifies time as a relentless force that is always in motion. The imagery of the sun’s journey across the sky in “The glorious lamp of heaven, the sun, / The higher he’s a-getting, / The sooner will his race be run” symbolizes the inevitable arc of life, from its peak to its decline. This theme highlights life’s brevity, reminding readers that every moment wasted is an opportunity lost.
2. Carpe Diem (Seize the Day): “To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time” is a quintessential example of the carpe diem tradition, urging the audience to make the most of their youth and vitality. The iconic opening line, “Gather ye rose-buds while ye may,” serves as both a metaphor and a call to action. The “rose-buds” symbolize fleeting opportunities, particularly those associated with youth and love. The didactic tone in “Then be not coy, but use your time” reinforces this theme, encouraging readers to act decisively and embrace life’s chances before it’s too late.
3. The Beauty and Vitality of Youth: Herrick celebrates youth as the prime of life, a time of vigor and passion. He states, “That age is best which is the first, / When youth and blood are warmer,” portraying youth as a period of heightened energy and emotional intensity. However, he juxtaposes this with the inevitable decline of aging in “But being spent, the worse, and worst / Times still succeed the former.” The poem suggests that youth is not only the most beautiful stage of life but also the most opportune, reinforcing the urgency to cherish and utilize it.
4. The Consequences of Hesitation: The poem warns against the dangers of delaying action and failing to seize life’s opportunities. The final stanza, “For having lost but once your prime, / You may forever tarry,” delivers a somber message: once youth is gone, it cannot be reclaimed, and the resulting regret may linger indefinitely. The phrase “forever tarry” underscores the irreversible nature of missed opportunities. Herrick uses this theme to persuade readers to overcome hesitation and take bold steps while they are still able.
Literary Theories and “To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time” by Robert Herrick
Examines the gendered address in the poem, particularly its advice to “virgins,” which reflects societal expectations of women’s roles and behaviors in Herrick’s time. It emphasizes marriage as a woman’s primary purpose during youth.
“Then be not coy, but use your time, / And while ye may, go marry;” suggests urgency for women to marry while youthful.
Highlights the class implications of the poem’s themes. The focus on seizing the day may resonate differently for individuals of varying socioeconomic backgrounds, with privileged classes better positioned to “gather rose-buds.”
The focus on leisure and love in “Gather ye rose-buds while ye may” assumes a freedom from labor that many did not have.
Explores the subconscious fear of aging and death that permeates the poem. Herrick’s repeated emphasis on fleeting time reflects an inner anxiety about mortality and loss, particularly the loss of youth and vitality.
“Old Time is still a-flying; / And this same flower that smiles today / Tomorrow will be dying.” symbolizes mortality.
Considers the poem in its historical and cultural context, reflecting the 17th-century carpe diem tradition and societal norms of marriage, youth, and morality. The poem mirrors contemporary anxieties about time and human limitations.
The sun metaphor in “The glorious lamp of heaven, the sun” aligns with 17th-century cosmological and religious symbolism.
Critical Questions about “To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time” by Robert Herrick
1. How does the poem reflect the concept of time and its impact on human life?
The poem portrays time as an unstoppable and fleeting force, emphasizing its impact on human life and opportunities. Herrick personifies time in “Old Time is still a-flying,” suggesting that it is perpetually in motion and waits for no one. This depiction creates a sense of urgency, reminding readers that every moment that passes is irretrievable. The metaphor of the wilting flower in “And this same flower that smiles today / Tomorrow will be dying” reinforces the transience of beauty and youth, illustrating how time erodes even the most vibrant aspects of life. By linking the passage of time to natural imagery like flowers and the sun, Herrick conveys that time’s effects are both inevitable and universal, underscoring the need to act decisively.
2. What role does the theme of carpe diem play in the poem?
Carpe diem, or “seize the day,” is the central theme of the poem, urging readers to embrace life’s opportunities while they still can. This message is encapsulated in the opening line, “Gather ye rose-buds while ye may,” where the “rose-buds” symbolize fleeting moments of beauty, youth, and vitality. The speaker’s advice to “use your time” reflects a didactic tone, emphasizing the importance of making the most of one’s prime years before they pass. The concluding lines, “For having lost but once your prime, / You may forever tarry,” serve as a cautionary warning about the consequences of hesitation. Through this theme, Herrick advocates for an active and intentional approach to life, where one capitalizes on opportunities before they vanish.
3. How does Herrick portray the concept of youth in contrast to old age?
Herrick celebrates youth as the most vibrant and desirable stage of life while presenting old age as a period of decline. He asserts, “That age is best which is the first, / When youth and blood are warmer,” portraying youth as a time of heightened energy, passion, and potential. However, this idealization of youth is juxtaposed with the inevitability of aging in “But being spent, the worse, and worst / Times still succeed the former.” The contrast between these stages of life highlights the transient nature of youth and the diminishing opportunities that accompany aging. By framing youth as the pinnacle of human existence, Herrick reinforces the urgency to act before it is too late.
4. In what ways does the poem address societal expectations and values?
The poem reflects the societal expectations of Herrick’s time, particularly regarding marriage and the role of women. The direct address to “virgins” suggests an audience of young, unmarried women, emphasizing the importance of seizing opportunities, particularly in love and marriage. The lines “And while ye may, go marry;” reflect the cultural norm that a woman’s prime years were tied to her marriageability and societal contributions through family. Herrick’s admonition “Then be not coy, but use your time” critiques hesitation and implies that fulfilling societal roles is both urgent and inevitable. Through this lens, the poem not only advocates for carpe diem but also mirrors the expectations placed on individuals to conform to societal values within a limited window of time.
Literary Works Similar to “To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time” by Robert Herrick
“To His Coy Mistress” by Andrew Marvell Shares the carpe diem theme, urging a lover to seize the moment before time erases their chances for love and pleasure.
“Ode on a Grecian Urn” by John Keats Although it examines the permanence of art, the poem contrasts this with the transient nature of human life and experience, resonating with Herrick’s themes.
An opening metaphor advising the audience to seize opportunities while they last, symbolizing the fleeting nature of youth and beauty.
Carpe Diem: Reflects the urgency of living fully; Feminist Theory: Targets societal expectations, particularly for women, regarding youth and marriage.
“Old Time is still a-flying”
Personifies time as a relentless force moving swiftly, emphasizing life’s transience.
Psychoanalytic Theory: Reveals an underlying fear of mortality and fleeting existence.
“And this same flower that smiles today / Tomorrow will be dying.”
Uses the imagery of a wilting flower to highlight the inevitability of aging and loss.
Symbolism: Represents the ephemeral nature of beauty; New Historicism: Reflects the 17th-century view of life’s brevity.
“The glorious lamp of heaven, the sun”
The sun is metaphorically described as a “lamp” representing vitality, life, and the passage of time.
Cosmic Imagery: Links human life to natural cycles; Ecocriticism: Suggests harmony between human existence and natural forces.
“The higher he’s a-getting, / The sooner will his race be run”
Describes the sun’s ascent as a metaphor for life reaching its peak and hastening toward decline.
Marxist Theory: Highlights the universal experience of time, regardless of social status; Psychoanalytic Theory: Anxieties of decline and aging.
“That age is best which is the first, / When youth and blood are warmer”
Celebrates youth as the prime of life, filled with vitality and passion.
Romanticism: Glorifies youth and its emotional intensity; Feminist Theory: Reinforces societal expectations of youth’s importance for women.
“But being spent, the worse, and worst / Times still succeed the former.”
Contrasts the vigor of youth with the inevitable decline of aging, warning of life’s progressive deterioration.
Existentialism: Reflects on the unavoidable decay of life and the need to find meaning in fleeting moments.
“Then be not coy, but use your time”
Urges readers to overcome hesitation and embrace life’s opportunities.
Carpe Diem: Advocates decisive action in the face of time’s fleeting nature; Feminist Theory: Advises women to act within societal roles.
“And while ye may, go marry;”
Encourages marriage during youth, reflecting societal norms of Herrick’s time.
New Historicism: Reflects the 17th-century social expectation of women to marry while young; Feminist Theory: Examines gendered pressures to conform.
“For having lost but once your prime, / You may forever tarry.”
Warns of the irreversible nature of missed opportunities and the regret that follows.
Psychoanalytic Theory: Highlights the fear of lost potential; Carpe Diem: Stresses seizing the moment to avoid lifelong regret.
Suggested Readings: “To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time” by Robert Herrick
Yoshimura, Kiyoshi. “Samuel Beckett: His Use of Quotations in ‘Happy Days.’” The Harp, vol. 1, 1985, pp. 21–25. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/20533292. Accessed 19 Jan. 2025.
Jeremy Treglown. “Scepticism and Parody in the Restoration.” The Modern Language Review, vol. 75, no. 1, 1980, pp. 18–47. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/3727889. Accessed 19 Jan. 2025.
Herrick, Robert. “To the virgins, to make much of time.” Seventeenth-Century British Poetry: 1603 1660 (1963): 195-96.
“The Flea” by John Donne first appeared in 1633 as part of his posthumously published collection Songs and Sonnets.
Introduction: “The Flea” by John Donne
“The Flea” by John Donne first appeared in 1633 as part of his posthumously published collection Songs and Sonnets. This witty and playful metaphysical poem uses the imagery of a flea to explore themes of love, physical union, and persuasion. Donne’s speaker argues that since the flea has already mingled the blood of both himself and his lover, their union should not be seen as a sin or dishonor. The poem is known for its clever logic, bold metaphors, and dramatic tone shifts, as seen in lines such as “Mark but this flea, and mark in this, / How little that which thou deniest me is.” Over time, “The Flea” has gained popularity as a textbook poem due to its rich use of conceits, its exploration of Renaissance attitudes toward love, and its ability to provoke discussion about the boundaries of poetic wit and persuasion. These elements make it a compelling study for students of literature, blending humor, argumentation, and profound insight into human relationships.
Text: “The Flea” by John Donne
Mark but this flea, and mark in this,
How little that which thou deniest me is;
It sucked me first, and now sucks thee,
And in this flea our two bloods mingled be;
Thou know’st that this cannot be said
A sin, nor shame, nor loss of maidenhead,
Yet this enjoys before it woo,
And pampered swells with one blood made of two,
And this, alas, is more than we would do.
Oh stay, three lives in one flea spare,
Where we almost, nay more than married are.
This flea is you and I, and this
Our marriage bed, and marriage temple is;
Though parents grudge, and you, w’are met,
And cloistered in these living walls of jet.
Though use make you apt to kill me,
Let not to that, self-murder added be,
And sacrilege, three sins in killing three.
Cruel and sudden, hast thou since
Purpled thy nail, in blood of innocence?
Wherein could this flea guilty be,
Except in that drop which it sucked from thee?
Yet thou triumph’st, and say’st that thou
Find’st not thy self, nor me the weaker now;
‘Tis true; then learn how false, fears be:
Just so much honor, when thou yield’st to me,
Will waste, as this flea’s death took life from thee.
“Met” subtly implies physical intimacy without stating it explicitly.
And cloistered in these living walls of jet.
Imagery
Describes the flea’s glossy black body, enhancing its visual impact.
Symbolism
The flea’s body represents a private space for their union.
Though use make you apt to kill me,
Hyperbole
Exaggerates her rejection as akin to killing him, heightening emotional stakes.
Irony
Ironically accuses her of cruelty despite her inaction.
Let not to that, self-murder added be,
Hyperbole
Killing the flea is dramatized as self-murder, emphasizing its symbolic significance.
Religious Allusion
References the sinfulness of self-murder, adding moral weight to his plea.
And sacrilege, three sins in killing three.
Hyperbole
Killing the flea is exaggerated as a grave sin, with “three sins” underscoring its symbolic importance.
Religious Imagery
Frames the flea as sacred to heighten its symbolic value.
Tricolon
The mention of “three sins” creates a rhetorical structure for impact.
Cruel and sudden, hast thou since
Alliteration
The repeated “s” sound emphasizes the speaker’s accusatory tone.
Direct Address
Engages her directly to make his reaction more personal and immediate.
Purpled thy nail, in blood of innocence?
Imagery
Vividly describes the flea’s blood on her nail to symbolize its innocence.
Symbolism
The flea’s blood represents the triviality of her objections.
Wherein could this flea guilty be,
Rhetorical Question
Challenges her logic by questioning the flea’s supposed guilt.
Personification
Attributes innocence to the flea, making it seem wrongly accused.
Except in that drop which it sucked from thee?
Imagery
Highlights the flea’s minor act of sucking blood, mocking the exaggerated significance she gives it.
Irony
The flea’s trivial action is contrasted with her dramatic response.
Yet thou triumph’st, and say’st that thou
Irony
Points out the irony of her feeling victorious over killing a flea.
Direct Address
Conversational tone directly engages her, keeping the dialogue personal.
Find’st not thy self, nor me the weaker now;
Irony
Acknowledges her claim that killing the flea had no effect, subtly mocking her reasoning.
Understatement
Downplays the impact of her action to draw attention to its insignificance.
‘Tis true; then learn how false, fears be:
Argumentation
Logical reasoning undermines her fears about intimacy.
Irony
Her admission is used ironically to highlight her unfounded fears.
Just so much honor, when thou yield’st to me,
Metaphor
Compares her honor to the flea’s life, suggesting its insignificance.
Persuasion
Attempts to convince her that giving in is as trivial as killing the flea.
Will waste, as this flea’s death took life from thee.
Simile
Compares the loss of her honor to the insignificant loss caused by the flea’s death.
Irony
The flea’s death, used to make a point, mocks the exaggerated importance she attaches to her resistance.
Themes: “The Flea” by John Donne
1. Physical Union and Love: One of the central themes in “The Flea” is the speaker’s desire for physical union with his lover, which he presents as natural and inconsequential. The flea becomes a symbol for this union, as it has mingled their blood, representing their closeness without any societal judgment or sin. The speaker argues, “And in this flea our two bloods mingled be,” emphasizing the physical connection that the flea achieves effortlessly, which he believes should also apply to their relationship. He further downplays the act by asserting, “How little that which thou deniest me is,” suggesting that her refusal is trivial in comparison to the natural mingling of their lives, as symbolized by the flea. Through this, Donne explores the tension between societal norms and physical desires, framing love and union as an ordinary and natural phenomenon.
2. Marriage and Religious Sanctity: Marriage and its sanctity are explored metaphorically in the poem, as the speaker elevates the flea to represent a sacred bond. He declares, “This flea is you and I, and this / Our marriage bed, and marriage temple is,” transforming the flea’s body into a sacred space where their union is legitimized, free from societal and parental constraints. The reference to a “marriage temple” invokes religious imagery, equating their physical connection to a holy act. The speaker also criticizes societal interference in love, stating, “Though parents grudge, and you, w’are met,” presenting the flea as a space where their union transcends such opposition. By using the flea as a conceit for marriage, Donne challenges traditional notions of sanctity, blending the physical and spiritual in his exploration of love.
3. The Power of Persuasion: Throughout “The Flea,” the speaker uses wit and logical reasoning to persuade his lover, showcasing the theme of rhetorical power in romantic persuasion. He crafts an elaborate argument around the flea, using its actions as a metaphor for the harmlessness of physical intimacy. The line, “‘Tis true; then learn how false, fears be,” encapsulates his attempt to dismantle her fears by drawing parallels between the insignificant consequences of the flea’s death and the supposed loss of honor in yielding to him. The use of rhetorical questions, such as “Wherein could this flea guilty be, / Except in that drop which it sucked from thee?” forces her to reconsider the gravity of her rejection. Donne’s speaker exemplifies the art of persuasion, using intellect, humor, and emotional appeals to win his lover over.
4. Mortality and the Triviality of Life: Mortality and the fleeting nature of life are subtly addressed in the poem, particularly through the death of the flea. The speaker uses the flea’s death to highlight the insignificance of her concerns, arguing, “Just so much honor, when thou yield’st to me, / Will waste, as this flea’s death took life from thee.” By comparing the act of yielding to love with the flea’s inconsequential death, Donne underscores how fears of dishonor are often exaggerated. The flea’s short-lived existence, reduced to “that drop which it sucked from thee,” serves as a reminder of life’s brevity and how trivial many human concerns can be. This theme aligns with the carpe diem philosophy often found in metaphysical poetry, encouraging the audience to embrace life and love without undue fear or hesitation.
Literary Theories and “The Flea” by John Donne
Literary Theory
Explanation
Application to The Flea
Metaphysical Criticism
Focuses on the use of conceits (extended metaphors) and intellectual reasoning to explore abstract ideas.
Donne uses the flea as a conceit to symbolize the union of the speaker and his lover. The line “And in this flea our two bloods mingled be” reflects his witty, intellectual argument that their union is as natural as the flea’s act of sucking blood.
Examines gender dynamics, power relations, and the representation of women in literature.
The speaker’s persuasive tone in “How little that which thou deniest me is” suggests a power dynamic where the woman’s choice is trivialized, reflecting historical gender inequalities. The woman’s silence highlights her marginalized voice.
Explores human desires, emotions, and unconscious motivations in literary texts.
The speaker’s argument, “Just so much honor, when thou yield’st to me, / Will waste, as this flea’s death took life from thee,” reveals his underlying desire to rationalize intimacy by reducing its emotional and social significance. This reflects subconscious manipulation.
Analyzes how historical and cultural contexts influence a text’s meaning and interpretation.
The societal norms of Donne’s era, where virginity and chastity were highly valued, are critiqued in the poem. The speaker’s claim, “A sin, nor shame, nor loss of maidenhead,” challenges these cultural beliefs, suggesting a rebellion against conservative moralities.
Critical Questions about “The Flea” by John Donne
1. How does Donne use the conceit of the flea to challenge traditional views of love and intimacy?
In “The Flea,” Donne employs the flea as an elaborate conceit to challenge conventional notions of love, chastity, and societal norms surrounding intimacy. By arguing that the mingling of their blood within the flea is a symbolic union, he downplays the moral and physical consequences of intimacy. The line, “And in this flea our two bloods mingled be,” redefines physical union in a trivial and natural context, suggesting that it is as inconsequential as a flea’s bite. Furthermore, the speaker’s rhetorical question, “Thou know’st that this cannot be said / A sin, nor shame, nor loss of maidenhead,” critiques societal norms that stigmatize physical relationships. The conceit not only challenges these norms but also reflects Donne’s wit in presenting love as a balance of intellect and passion.
2. How does the speaker’s use of persuasion reflect power dynamics in the poem?
The speaker in “The Flea” employs intellectual reasoning and emotional manipulation to persuade his lover, revealing an imbalance of power in their relationship. He dismisses her concerns about intimacy by describing her resistance as insignificant: “How little that which thou deniest me is.” Through this statement, he undermines her autonomy, trivializing her objections to frame his argument as logical and undeniable. The use of religious imagery, such as “Our marriage bed, and marriage temple is,” adds moral pressure, equating their union to a sacred act. Additionally, the speaker’s plea to spare the flea, “Oh stay, three lives in one flea spare,” dramatizes his argument, further attempting to dominate her through rhetoric. This dynamic reveals a gendered imbalance, where the speaker’s intellectual control overshadows her voice.
3. What role does religious imagery play in the poem’s argument about love and morality?
Religious imagery in “The Flea” serves to elevate the act of physical union and challenge the moral conventions of the time. By referring to the flea as a “marriage bed, and marriage temple,” the speaker uses sacred language to frame their connection as holy and legitimate. This imagery contrasts with societal and religious views of chastity as a moral virtue, as the speaker argues that their union within the flea is free of “sin, nor shame, nor loss of maidenhead.” Furthermore, the line, “And sacrilege, three sins in killing three,” imbues the flea’s death with religious gravity, exaggerating its significance to parallel societal concerns about intimacy. Through this, Donne critiques rigid moral codes, presenting love and physical desire as natural and, when framed through religious terms, even sacred.
4. How does the death of the flea symbolize the resolution of conflict in the poem?
The death of the flea in “The Flea” symbolizes the resolution of the speaker’s argument, as it eliminates the physical metaphor that the speaker uses to persuade his lover. When the lover kills the flea, the speaker sarcastically comments on her triumph, noting, “Purpled thy nail, in blood of innocence?” Here, the flea’s death is used to mock her fears about intimacy, as it has caused no tangible harm. The speaker concludes with the lesson: “‘Tis true; then learn how false, fears be.” By equating the consequences of the flea’s death to the loss of honor she associates with intimacy, the speaker highlights the triviality of her concerns. This resolution reinforces the poem’s central argument that societal fears and stigmas about love and intimacy are baseless.
Literary Works Similar to “The Flea” by John Donne
“To His Coy Mistress” by Andrew Marvell Similar in its use of wit and persuasion, this poem employs logical reasoning and vivid imagery to convince the speaker’s lover to embrace physical intimacy before time runs out.
“The Garden” by Andrew Marvell Both poems reflect metaphysical themes, with “The Garden” using rich imagery and philosophical reflections on love and nature as central ideas.
“The Collar” by George Herbert Although this poem is more religious in tone, it shares a metaphysical style and a reflective exploration of inner conflict and desires, resonating with the intellectual depth of “The Flea.”
Representative Quotations of “The Flea” by John Donne
Bach, Rebecca Ann. “(Re)Placing John Donne in the History of Sexuality.” ELH, vol. 72, no. 1, 2005, pp. 259–89. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/30029970. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.
JONES, R. T. “JOHN DONNE’S ‘SONGS AND SONETS’: THE POETIC VALUE OF ARGUMENT.” Theoria: A Journal of Social and Political Theory, no. 51, 1978, pp. 33–42. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/41803782. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.
Rudnytsky, Peter L. “‘The Sight of God’: Donne’s Poetics of Transcendence.” Texas Studies in Literature and Language, vol. 24, no. 2, 1982, pp. 185–207. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/40754680. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.
The poem “The Apparition” by John Donne first appeared in 1633 in the posthumous collection Songs and Sonnets.
Introduction: “The Apparition” by John Donne
The poem “The Apparition” by John Donne first appeared in 1633 in the posthumous collection Songs and Sonnets. This striking metaphysical work is delivered as a dramatic monologue in which the speaker confronts his former lover with bitterness and resentment, vowing to haunt her after death. Through powerful imagery and biting sarcasm, the poem explores themes of unrequited love, vengeance, guilt, and human vulnerability. With its masterful blend of emotional intensity and intellectual depth, “The Apparition” has earned enduring popularity and remains a prominent example of Donne’s innovative and evocative poetic style.
Text: “The Apparition” by John Donne
When by thy scorn, O murd’ress, I am dead
And that thou think’st thee free
From all solicitation from me,
Then shall my ghost come to thy bed,
And thee, feign’d vestal, in worse arms shall see;
Then thy sick taper will begin to wink,
And he, whose thou art then, being tir’d before,
Will, if thou stir, or pinch to wake him, think
Thou call’st for more,
And in false sleep will from thee shrink;
And then, poor aspen wretch, neglected thou
Bath’d in a cold quicksilver sweat wilt lie
A verier ghost than I.
What I will say, I will not tell thee now,
Lest that preserve thee; and since my love is spent,
The tone is ominous and vengeful, emphasizing the speaker’s bitterness and desire for retribution.
Themes: “The Apparition” by John Donne
Revenge and Bitterness: Revenge is a dominant theme in “The Apparition,” where the speaker’s rejection by his beloved fuels his desire to haunt her after death. From the outset, he addresses her as “O murd’ress,” accusing her of metaphorically killing him with her scorn. This accusation frames his emotional pain as an act of violence, justifying his plans for retribution. The speaker envisions himself as a ghost coming to her bed, a vivid image of his desire to disrupt her peace even in death: “Then shall my ghost come to thy bed.” The bitter tone and menacing imagery underscore his transformation from a heartbroken lover into a vengeful spirit. His ultimate goal is not reconciliation but to make her “painfully repent” for her actions, highlighting how deeply her rejection has wounded him.
Hypocrisy and False Virtue: Donne explores the theme of hypocrisy by accusing the beloved of feigning chastity and virtue. The speaker refers to her as a “feign’d vestal,” mocking her pretense of being pure and untouched. He predicts that her actions will lead to humiliation, as she will find herself in the arms of an unworthy lover: “in worse arms shall see.” This criticism of her duplicity reflects the speaker’s frustration with her rejection and suggests that her outward behavior does not align with her true character. By exposing her perceived hypocrisy, “The Apparition” critiques the societal expectations of virtue and the consequences of failing to uphold them.
Fear and Guilt: The poem vividly portrays the beloved’s future guilt and fear, which the speaker imagines as retribution for her cruelty. He describes her as trembling and terrified, comparing her to a “poor aspen wretch,” a metaphor for her shaking vulnerability. The image of her “bath’d in a cold quicksilver sweat” reinforces the physical manifestation of her guilt and fear, suggesting that her actions will haunt her more than his ghost. The taper “begin[ning] to wink” symbolizes the eerie atmosphere and her growing terror, as the speaker emphasizes her internal torment. This theme reflects Donne’s exploration of the psychological consequences of moral and emotional wrongdoing.
Power Dynamics in Love and Rejection: “The Apparition” also examines the shifting power dynamics in love, where rejection reverses the roles of victim and oppressor. At the beginning, the speaker is the victim of her scorn, addressing her with bitterness as he laments his death caused by her rejection. However, as the poem progresses, he imagines reclaiming power through his haunting: “What I will say, I will not tell thee now.” By withholding his final message, he exerts control over her emotions, turning her confidence into fear and dependence. The dynamic culminates in her imagined transformation into “a verier ghost than I,” suggesting that her guilt and regret will overpower her, leaving her emotionally lifeless. This theme illustrates Donne’s exploration of how rejection alters relationships and the balance of power within them.
Literary Theories and “The Apparition” by John Donne
Examines how gender roles, power dynamics, and patriarchal norms influence literature and its themes.
The speaker accuses the beloved of being a “feign’d vestal,” critiquing her perceived hypocrisy and rejecting her agency. The poem reflects a patriarchal perspective where the speaker attempts to control and shame the woman for her choices. Her guilt and fear, described as “poor aspen wretch,” reflect the societal expectations placed on women to maintain chastity and virtue.
Focuses on unconscious desires, emotions, and conflicts within characters, often referencing Freudian concepts.
The speaker’s obsessive desire for revenge reveals unresolved feelings of rejection and loss. His fantasy of haunting her in death, saying “my ghost come to thy bed,” illustrates his inability to let go of his emotional pain. The references to her future guilt and terror, such as “bath’d in a cold quicksilver sweat,” suggest projection of his own feelings of inadequacy onto her.
Considers how readers interpret and emotionally react to a text, focusing on individual experiences.
Readers may sympathize with the speaker’s pain or critique his vengeful intentions, depending on their perspective. For example, the line “Then thy sick taper will begin to wink” could evoke fear of supernatural revenge or pity for both characters’ suffering. This theory highlights the diverse ways readers engage with the poem’s themes of love, rejection, and guilt.
Metaphysical Poetics
Analyzes the metaphysical elements, including wit, intellectual exploration, and use of conceits.
The poem’s central conceit—a ghost haunting the beloved—is characteristic of metaphysical poetry, blending physical and emotional concepts. Lines like “A verier ghost than I” use paradox and irony to challenge conventional ideas of guilt and spiritual presence. The intellectual wit in his detailed revenge fantasy, juxtaposed with his emotional bitterness, exemplifies Donne’s metaphysical style.
Critical Questions about “The Apparition” by John Donne
How does Donne’s use of the ghost metaphor reflect themes of revenge and emotional pain?
The ghost metaphor in “The Apparition” is central to the speaker’s expression of revenge and unresolved emotional pain. By imagining himself as a ghost haunting his beloved, the speaker symbolizes how his love and hurt will linger even after death: “Then shall my ghost come to thy bed.” This metaphor reflects the intensity of his emotional wounds, as his presence becomes an eternal reminder of her rejection. The haunting is both literal and symbolic, emphasizing how deeply her scorn affects him, causing him to imagine a scenario where his bitterness continues to exert power over her. The metaphor also underscores the idea of inescapable guilt, as the speaker envisions her future torment: “Bath’d in a cold quicksilver sweat wilt lie.” Donne’s use of the ghost thus transcends the physical realm, illustrating the emotional and psychological consequences of love and rejection.
How does Donne portray power dynamics in love and relationships in the poem?
In “The Apparition,” Donne explores shifting power dynamics between the speaker and the beloved, highlighting the complexities of love and rejection. At the beginning of the poem, the speaker positions himself as the victim of her scorn, addressing her as “O murd’ress” and lamenting his metaphorical death caused by her rejection. However, the speaker reclaims power by envisioning himself as a ghost capable of haunting and controlling her emotions: “What I will say, I will not tell thee now.” By withholding his final words, he exerts psychological dominance, leaving her to fear the unknown. This shift in power is further reinforced as the speaker imagines her becoming “a verier ghost than I,” consumed by guilt and emotional torment. The poem critiques the imbalance of power in relationships, demonstrating how rejection can lead to bitterness and the desire for revenge.
How does Donne’s depiction of the beloved reflect societal expectations of women during his time?
Donne’s depiction of the beloved in “The Apparition” reflects the societal expectations of chastity and virtue imposed on women during the 17th century. The speaker sarcastically refers to her as a “feign’d vestal,” accusing her of pretending to be virtuous while engaging in hypocritical behavior. This criticism reveals the speaker’s frustration with her perceived failure to adhere to societal ideals of purity and loyalty. Furthermore, the emphasis on her future guilt and terror, described as “poor aspen wretch,” illustrates how women were often judged harshly for their actions, with emotional suffering viewed as a form of moral punishment. Donne’s portrayal of the beloved exposes the rigid gender norms of his era, which demanded that women conform to ideals of innocence and fidelity while allowing men greater freedom in expressing desire and resentment.
How does Donne use irony to enhance the poem’s tone and themes?
Irony is a key device in “The Apparition,” used to heighten the poem’s tone of bitterness and its themes of rejection and guilt. The speaker’s declaration that the beloved will feel “free / From all solicitation from me” is ironic, as he immediately follows this with his plan to haunt her in death, ensuring she is never truly free from him. Additionally, the speaker’s claim that she will become “a verier ghost than I” is laced with irony, as the beloved, who once caused his metaphorical death, will now be the one haunted by guilt and emotional emptiness. This reversal of roles underscores the speaker’s desire to reclaim power and inflict psychological suffering. The ironic tone adds complexity to the poem, blending wit with resentment, and serves to emphasize the destructive nature of unreciprocated love and lingering bitterness.
Literary Works Similar to “The Apparition” by John Donne
“La Belle Dame sans Merci” by John Keats Similarity: Both poems explore themes of unrequited love and emotional torment, with an eerie, supernatural tone underscoring the speaker’s suffering.
“The Raven” by Edgar Allan Poe Similarity: This poem shares a dark, haunting atmosphere and the presence of a spectral figure that symbolizes loss, despair, and unrelenting emotional pain.
“Porphyria’s Lover” by Robert Browning Similarity: Like Donne’s poem, this dramatic monologue delves into obsession, rejection, and the power dynamics of love, using vivid imagery and unsettling themes.
“Annabel Lee” by Edgar Allan Poe Similarity: Both poems depict the enduring pain of a lost or unattainable love, with the speaker imagining a continuing connection beyond death.
“The Sick Rose” by William Blake Similarity: This short poem also uses symbolic imagery to portray the destructive consequences of love, secrecy, and emotional betrayal.
Representative Quotations of “The Apparition” by John Donne
Dubrow, Heather. “RESIDENT ALIEN: JOHN DONNE.” Echoes of Desire: English Petrarchism and Its Counterdiscourses, Cornell University Press, 1995, pp. 203–48. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/10.7591/j.ctt207g5n1.10. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.
Dubrow, Heather. “RESIDENT ALIEN: JOHN DONNE.” Echoes of Desire: English Petrarchism and Its Counterdiscourses, Cornell University Press, 1995, pp. 203–48. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/10.7591/j.ctt207g5n1.10. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.
Guss, Donald L. “Donne’s Petrarchism.” The Journal of English and Germanic Philology, vol. 64, no. 1, 1965, pp. 17–28. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/27714581. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.
