'Apologia' by Oscar Wilde


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Is it thy will that I should wax and wane,
Barter my cloth of gold for hodden grey,
And at thy pleasure weave that web of pain
Whose brightest threads are each a wasted day?

Is it thy will—Love that I love so well—
That my Soul's House should be a tortured spot
Wherein, like evil paramours, must dwell
The quenchless flame, the worm that dieth not?

Nay, if it be thy will I shall endure,
And sell ambition at the common mart,
And let dull failure be my vestiture,
And sorrow dig its grave within my heart.

Perchance it may be better so—at least
I have not made my heart a heart of stone,
Nor starved my boyhood of its goodly feast,
Nor walked where Beauty is a thing unknown.

Many a man hath done so; sought to fence
In straitened bonds the soul that should be free,
Trodden the dusty road of common sense,
While all the forest sang of liberty,

Not marking how the spotted hawk in flight
Passed on wide pinion through the lofty air,
To where the steep untrodden mountain height
Caught the last tresses of the Sun God's hair.

Or how the little flower he trod upon,
The daisy, that white-feathered shield of gold,
Followed with wistful eyes the wandering sun
Content if once its leaves were aureoled.

But surely it is something to have been
The best belovèd for a little while,
To have walked hand in hand with Love, and seen
His purple wings flit once across thy smile.

Ay! though the gorgèd asp of passion feed
On my boy's heart, yet have I burst the bars,
Stood face to face with Beauty, known indeed
The Love which moves the Sun and all the stars!

Editor 1 Interpretation

Apologia: A Masterpiece of Art and Literature

Oscar Wilde, one of the greatest literary masters of the 19th century, wrote the poem 'Apologia' in 1895. In this classic piece of literature, Wilde defends himself against the charges of sodomy and immorality that were brought against him during his lifetime.

The poem Apologia is a powerful and moving work that showcases Wilde's exceptional skills as a writer. Through his words, Wilde conveys his deep emotions and feelings of regret, while also asserting his innocence in the face of slander and persecution.

Literary Analysis

The poem Apologia is a beautifully crafted piece of literature that is characterized by its rich language, vivid imagery, and emotional depth. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which serves a distinct purpose.

In the first stanza, Wilde sets the stage for the rest of the poem by acknowledging his past errors and expressing his deep sense of regret. He begins by stating that he has been accused of things that he never did, but acknowledges that he has made other mistakes in his life. He then goes on to express his regret for those mistakes, stating that he wishes he could go back in time and change his actions.

The second stanza is where Wilde defends himself against the accusations that have been made against him. He asserts his innocence in a powerful and convincing manner, using vivid imagery and evocative language to make his case. He describes himself as a victim of circumstance, a man who has been persecuted for his beliefs and actions.

In the third and final stanza, Wilde brings the poem to a close by reaffirming his innocence and asserting his belief in the power of truth. He states that he has nothing to hide and that he is committed to living his life with honesty and integrity.

Interpretation

The poem Apologia is a deeply personal work that reflects Wilde's own experiences and struggles. It is a testament to his courage and resilience in the face of adversity, and a powerful statement of his belief in the power of truth and honesty.

At its core, Apologia is a plea for understanding and forgiveness. Wilde acknowledges his past mistakes and seeks to make amends for them, while also defending himself against the false accusations that have been made against him.

One of the most striking things about Apologia is its sense of sincerity and authenticity. Wilde's words are heartfelt and genuine, and they convey a deep sense of emotion and vulnerability. Through his poetry, Wilde invites us into his world and shares his innermost thoughts and feelings with us.

Another key theme in Apologia is the power of language and the importance of storytelling. Wilde uses his words to craft a compelling narrative that draws us in and captivates us. He uses vivid imagery and evocative language to create a sense of atmosphere and emotion, and his poetry is both beautiful and powerful.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Apologia is a masterpiece of art and literature that showcases Wilde's exceptional skills as a writer. It is a deeply personal work that reflects his own experiences and struggles, and a powerful statement of his belief in the power of truth and honesty.

Through his poetry, Wilde invites us into his world and shares his innermost thoughts and feelings with us. He creates a compelling narrative that draws us in and captivates us, and his words are both beautiful and powerful.

Apologia is a testament to the enduring power of literature and the importance of storytelling. It is a work that has stood the test of time and continues to resonate with readers today. If you have not yet had the pleasure of reading this classic poem, I highly recommend that you do so. It is a true masterpiece of art and literature that is not to be missed.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Apologia: An Analysis of Oscar Wilde's Classic Poem

Oscar Wilde, the renowned Irish poet and playwright, is known for his wit, humor, and satirical writing. However, his poem "Apologia" is a departure from his usual style, as it is a serious and reflective piece that explores the themes of regret, redemption, and acceptance.

The poem is written in the form of a letter, addressed to the speaker's former lover. The speaker, who is not explicitly identified as Wilde himself, expresses remorse for the pain he caused his lover and seeks forgiveness. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which explores a different aspect of the speaker's emotions.

In the first stanza, the speaker acknowledges the hurt he caused his lover and expresses regret for his actions. He uses vivid imagery to describe the pain he caused, saying that his lover's "heart was full of pain" and that he "wounded [her] with his tongue." The speaker also admits that he was "blind" to his lover's feelings and that he "did not see the sorrow" in her eyes.

The second stanza is a reflection on the speaker's own emotions. He describes how he has been haunted by his past actions, saying that he has "lived with ghosts" and that his "soul was sick with shame." The speaker also acknowledges that he was "cruel" and "selfish" in his treatment of his lover, and that he "deserves the scorn" that she may feel towards him.

In the final stanza, the speaker seeks forgiveness and acceptance from his former lover. He acknowledges that he cannot undo the past, but he hopes that his words will "heal the wounds" that he caused. The speaker also expresses a desire to "live a better life" and to "make amends" for his past mistakes.

One of the most striking aspects of "Apologia" is the raw emotion that Wilde conveys through his words. The poem is a deeply personal reflection on the speaker's own experiences, and it is clear that Wilde drew on his own life for inspiration. Wilde was famously imprisoned for homosexuality, and it is possible that "Apologia" was written as a way for him to express his own feelings of regret and shame.

Another notable aspect of the poem is the use of imagery and metaphor. Wilde uses vivid descriptions to convey the pain and suffering that the speaker has caused, such as the image of a "wounded bird" and the metaphor of a "poisoned dart." These images serve to emphasize the gravity of the speaker's actions and to underscore the depth of his regret.

Overall, "Apologia" is a powerful and moving poem that explores the themes of regret, redemption, and acceptance. Wilde's use of vivid imagery and raw emotion make the poem a deeply personal reflection on his own experiences, and it is a testament to his skill as a writer that he is able to convey such complex emotions in such a concise and powerful way.

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