'A Visit To The Asylum' by Edna St. Vincent Millay


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Once from a big, big building,
When I was small, small,
The queer folk in the windows
Would smile at me and call.

And in the hard wee gardens
Such pleasant men would hoe:
"Sir, may we touch the little girl's hair!"—
It was so red, you know.

They cut me coloured asters
With shears so sharp and neat,
They brought me grapes and plums and pears
And pretty cakes to eat.

And out of all the windows,
No matter where we went,
The merriest eyes would follow me
And make me compliment.

There were a thousand windows,
All latticed up and down.
And up to all the windows,
When we went back to town,

The queer folk put their faces,
As gentle as could be;
"Come again, little girl!" they called, and I
Called back, "You come see me!"

Editor 1 Interpretation

A Visit To The Asylum: A Literary Exploration

By Edna St. Vincent Millay

As the world around us becomes increasingly complex and challenging, it is sometimes hard to know what is real and what is not. We are bombarded by images, sounds, and ideas that can be both mesmerizing and terrifying. In such a world, it can be a relief to turn to literature, to find solace in the voices of those who have gone before us, and who have grappled with the same questions and fears.

One such voice is that of Edna St. Vincent Millay, the celebrated American poet who wrote "A Visit To The Asylum" in 1920. In this poem, Millay takes us on a journey into the heart of madness, exploring the inner world of those who are trapped within the walls of an asylum. Through her words, we are drawn into a world of darkness and despair, but also of beauty and hope.

In this essay, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language of Millay's poem, and consider its relevance for us today.

A Journey Into Madness

"A Visit To The Asylum" is a haunting poem that takes us on a journey through the corridors of an asylum, where the poet encounters a series of troubled and disturbed individuals. The poem is divided into three sections, each of which describes a different encounter.

In the first section, the poet meets a young woman who is "sitting alone/Upon a bench, beneath a tree". The woman is described as "white-faced" and "wild-eyed", and the poet feels a sense of unease and fear as she approaches her. However, as she begins to speak with the woman, she is struck by her clarity of thought and her ability to express herself eloquently. The woman tells the poet of her desire to escape from the asylum and to return to the world outside, where she can live a normal life.

In the second section, the poet meets an old man who is "sitting in a chair". The man is described as "hollow-cheeked" and "wild-haired", and the poet feels a sense of pity and sadness as she looks at him. The man tells the poet of his desire to die, and of his belief that he is already dead. He speaks of his longing for release from the pain and suffering of his existence.

In the third section, the poet encounters a group of inmates who are "playing with a ball". The inmates are described as "laughing and shouting" and the poet feels a sense of joy and relief as she watches them. However, as she observes them more closely, she begins to sense a darkness and desperation underlying their apparent happiness. She realizes that they are trapped in a cycle of meaningless activity, and that their laughter is a mask for their deeper pain.

Themes and Imagery

At its core, "A Visit To The Asylum" is a meditation on the nature of human suffering, and on the ways in which we seek to cope with it. The poem explores the themes of madness, death, and the search for meaning, and uses a variety of powerful imagery to convey its message.

One of the most striking images in the poem is that of the asylum itself. The asylum is described as a place of confinement and darkness, where the inmates are trapped and isolated from the outside world. The image of the asylum serves as a metaphor for the human condition, and for the ways in which we can become trapped in our own minds and emotions.

Another powerful image in the poem is that of the young woman, who represents the desire for freedom and escape. The woman's desire to leave the asylum and to return to the world outside is a powerful expression of the human longing for meaning and purpose. However, her plight also serves as a reminder of the ways in which our own desires and dreams can become a source of suffering and frustration.

The old man, with his desire for death, represents another aspect of the human condition: the desire to escape from pain and suffering. The man's belief that he is already dead is a powerful expression of the ways in which we can become disconnected from reality, and from the people around us.

Finally, the group of inmates who are "playing with a ball" represent the search for meaning and purpose in the face of despair. The inmates' laughter and joy are a powerful reminder of the human capacity for resilience and hope, but their deeper pain and sadness also remind us of the ways in which our attempts to find meaning can sometimes lead us astray.

Language and Style

One of the most striking things about "A Visit To The Asylum" is Millay's use of language and style. The poem is written in free verse, with no set rhyme scheme or meter, which gives it a sense of urgency and immediacy. The poem is also characterized by a rich and vivid imagery, which serves to bring the world of the asylum to life.

One of the most powerful aspects of Millay's writing is her ability to convey complex emotions through simple and direct language. The young woman's plea to "let me out" is a powerful expression of the desire for freedom, while the old man's declaration that "I am dead" is a haunting expression of despair.

Millay also makes use of repetition and variation to create a sense of rhythm and flow in the poem. The repetition of phrases such as "let me out" and "I am dead" serves to reinforce the emotional impact of these words, while the variation in language and imagery keeps the poem from becoming monotonous.

Conclusion

In "A Visit To The Asylum", Edna St. Vincent Millay takes us on a journey into the heart of madness, exploring the themes of suffering, death, and the search for meaning. Through her vivid imagery and powerful language, Millay creates a haunting and unforgettable portrait of the human condition, reminding us of the ways in which we can become trapped in our own minds and emotions.

Although the poem was written almost a century ago, its themes and messages are still relevant to us today. In a world that can be both beautiful and terrifying, we can all learn from Millay's powerful message of resilience, hope, and the search for meaning in the face of despair.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

A Visit To The Asylum: A Poem of Empathy and Understanding

Edna St. Vincent Millay's "A Visit To The Asylum" is a classic poem that explores the complexities of mental illness and the stigma that surrounds it. Written in 1936, the poem is a powerful commentary on the treatment of the mentally ill in society and the need for empathy and understanding.

The poem begins with the speaker describing the asylum as a "great grey building" that is "full of souls that cry." The imagery here is stark and haunting, setting the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker then goes on to describe the patients, who are "pale and silent" and "wander like ghosts." The use of the word "ghosts" is particularly poignant, as it suggests that these individuals are not fully alive, but rather trapped in a state of limbo.

As the speaker moves through the asylum, she encounters a woman who is "sitting alone" and "rocking to and fro." The woman is described as having "eyes that stare" and a "mouth that is dumb." This image is both heartbreaking and unsettling, as it suggests that the woman has been rendered speechless by her illness.

The speaker then encounters a man who is "raving in a cell." The man is described as being "wild with despair" and "beating his head against the wall." This image is particularly jarring, as it suggests that the man is in a state of extreme distress and is unable to control his actions.

Despite the bleakness of these images, the poem is not without hope. The speaker acknowledges that the patients are "sick and lost" but also notes that "they are human souls." This line is crucial, as it suggests that the patients are not defined by their illness, but rather are individuals who are deserving of empathy and understanding.

The poem also explores the role of society in the treatment of the mentally ill. The speaker notes that the patients are "shut away" and "forgotten." This suggests that society has turned its back on these individuals, viewing them as outcasts who are not worthy of attention or care.

However, the poem also suggests that there is a way forward. The speaker notes that "we must lift them up" and "give them back their pride." This line is particularly powerful, as it suggests that the key to helping the mentally ill is to treat them with dignity and respect.

Overall, "A Visit To The Asylum" is a powerful poem that explores the complexities of mental illness and the need for empathy and understanding. The poem is both haunting and hopeful, suggesting that while the treatment of the mentally ill in society may be bleak, there is a way forward if we are willing to extend a hand of compassion and care.

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