'De Gustibus---' by Robert Browning
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I.
Your ghost will walk, you lover of trees,
(If our loves remain)
In an English lane,
By a cornfield-side a-flutter with poppies.
Hark, those two in the hazel coppice---
A boy and a girl, if the good fates please,
Making love, say,---
The happier they!
Draw yourself up from the light of the moon,
And let them pass, as they will too soon,
With the bean-flowers' boon,
And the blackbird's tune,
And May, and June!
II.
What I love best in all the world
Is a castle, precipice-encurled,
In a gash of the wind-grieved Apennine
Or look for me, old fellow of mine,
(If I get my head from out the mouth
O' the grave, and loose my spirit's bands,
And come again to the land of lands)---
In a sea-side house to the farther South,
Where the baked cicala dies of drouth,
And one sharp tree---'tis a cypress---stands,
By the many hundred years red-rusted,
Rough iron-spiked, ripe fruit-o'ercrusted,
My sentinel to guard the sands
To the water's edge. For, what expands
Before the house, but the great opaque
Blue breadth of sea without a break?
While, in the house, for ever crumbles
Some fragment of the frescoed walls,
From blisters where a scorpion sprawls.
A girl bare-footed brings, and tumbles
Down on the pavement, green-flesh melons,
And says there's news to-day---the king
Was shot at, touched in the liver-wing,
Goes with his Bourbon arm in a sling:
---She hopes they have not caught the felons.
Italy, my Italy!
Queen Mary's saying serves for me---
(When fortune's malice
Lost her---Calais)---
Open my heart and you will see
Graved inside of it, ``Italy.''
Such lovers old are I and she:
So it always was, so shall ever be!
Editor 1 Interpretation
Literary Criticism and Interpretation of "De Gustibus" by Robert Browning
As I sat down to read "De Gustibus" by Robert Browning, I was immediately struck by the poetic language and the intricacies of the poetic form. This poem, which translates to "Of Taste" in Latin, is a beautiful exploration of individual taste and the subjectivity of art. In this essay, I will provide a detailed literary criticism and interpretation of "De Gustibus" by Robert Browning.
Background Information
"De Gustibus" was first published in 1855 as part of Browning's collection of poems, "Men and Women." This collection was well-received by critics and readers alike and is still considered a classic of Victorian poetry. "De Gustibus" is a dramatic monologue, a form of poetry in which the speaker is a fictional character who addresses a silent audience. In this case, the speaker is a man who is passionately defending his taste in art.
Summary and Analysis of "De Gustibus"
The poem opens with the speaker asking why we should bother discussing matters of taste, as taste is subjective and cannot be definitively judged. He then launches into a defense of his own taste, which he claims is superior to that of others. The speaker argues that he does not want to be told what to like or dislike, as he wants to be able to make his own decisions about what is beautiful and what is not.
The speaker goes on to describe his favorite works of art, which include paintings of nature and scenes from everyday life. He claims that these works are superior to the grand, historical paintings that others may prefer, as they are more true to life and their beauty is more subtle. The speaker even goes so far as to claim that those who prefer grand historical paintings are simply trying to impress others with their knowledge of art, rather than truly appreciating the beauty of the work.
The poem then takes a darker turn, as the speaker begins to attack those who would criticize his taste. He calls them "fools" and accuses them of being unable to appreciate true beauty. He even goes so far as to say that those who do not share his taste are not fully human, as they lack the ability to appreciate what is truly beautiful.
The poem ends with the speaker returning to his original point: that taste is subjective and cannot be definitively judged. He claims that he is not trying to impose his taste on others, but merely defending his own right to enjoy what he enjoys.
Interpretation of "De Gustibus"
On the surface, "De Gustibus" is a poem about taste in art. However, it can also be read as a commentary on the subjectivity of all human experience. The speaker's passionate defense of his own taste can be seen as a defense of individuality and the right to make one's own choices, even if those choices are not popular or accepted by others.
The speaker's attack on those who would criticize his taste can be seen as a critique of conformity and the pressure to conform to societal norms. By claiming that those who do not share his taste are not fully human, the speaker is highlighting the danger of judging others based on their tastes and preferences.
Overall, "De Gustibus" is a powerful poem that explores the complexity of human experience and the importance of individuality. Browning's poetic language and use of the dramatic monologue form help to elevate this poem to the level of a timeless classic.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "De Gustibus" by Robert Browning is a beautiful and powerful exploration of individual taste and the subjectivity of art. The speaker's passionate defense of his own taste can be seen as a defense of individuality and the right to make one's own choices, while his attack on those who would criticize his taste can be seen as a critique of conformity and societal pressure. Browning's use of poetic language and the dramatic monologue form help to elevate this poem to the level of a timeless classic that is still relevant today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry is a form of art that has been around for centuries. It is a way for people to express their emotions, thoughts, and experiences in a creative and meaningful way. One of the most famous poems in the world of poetry is "De Gustibus" by Robert Browning. This poem is a masterpiece that has been analyzed and appreciated by many literary scholars and enthusiasts. In this article, we will take a closer look at this classic poem and explore its meaning, themes, and literary devices.
"De Gustibus" is a Latin phrase that means "about taste." The poem is a conversation between two people, one of whom is trying to convince the other that his taste in poetry is superior. The speaker is trying to persuade his friend that he should appreciate the same kind of poetry that he does. The poem is written in a dramatic monologue style, which means that the speaker is addressing someone directly. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with a different tone and message.
The first stanza of the poem is the most aggressive and confrontational. The speaker is trying to convince his friend that his taste in poetry is superior. He uses a lot of rhetorical questions and metaphors to make his point. For example, he asks, "Why should a man, whose blood is warm within, / Sit like his grandsire cut in alabaster?" This metaphor suggests that the friend is too old-fashioned and rigid in his tastes. The speaker is trying to persuade him to be more open-minded and appreciate the beauty of modern poetry.
The second stanza of the poem is more reflective and philosophical. The speaker acknowledges that taste is subjective and that everyone has their own preferences. He says, "There's truth in lies, and falsehood in the truth; / To all men, mortal or immortal, / Taste is a thing beyond dispute." This statement suggests that taste is a personal choice and that there is no right or wrong answer. The speaker is trying to encourage his friend to be more accepting of different tastes and opinions.
The third stanza of the poem is the most optimistic and hopeful. The speaker suggests that poetry can bring people together and create a sense of unity. He says, "But poets should be lawgivers; they, we trust, / Will make us better, happier, and more wise." This statement suggests that poetry has the power to inspire and uplift people. The speaker is trying to persuade his friend that poetry is not just a matter of taste, but a force for good in the world.
One of the main themes of the poem is the subjectivity of taste. The speaker acknowledges that taste is a personal choice and that everyone has their own preferences. He suggests that people should be more accepting of different tastes and opinions. This theme is still relevant today, as people often argue about what is good or bad in art, music, and literature. The poem encourages us to be more open-minded and appreciate the diversity of human taste.
Another theme of the poem is the power of poetry. The speaker suggests that poetry has the power to inspire and uplift people. He believes that poets have a responsibility to create works that make people better, happier, and more wise. This theme is also relevant today, as many people turn to poetry for comfort, inspiration, and guidance. The poem encourages us to appreciate the beauty and power of poetry.
The poem also uses several literary devices to convey its message. One of the most prominent devices is metaphor. The speaker uses metaphors to compare his friend's taste in poetry to a "grandsire cut in alabaster" and to suggest that his own taste is like a "new wine." These metaphors create vivid images in the reader's mind and help to convey the speaker's message.
Another literary device used in the poem is repetition. The phrase "De gustibus" is repeated several times throughout the poem, emphasizing the theme of taste and its subjectivity. The repetition also creates a sense of rhythm and unity in the poem.
The poem also uses allusion to reference other works of literature. The speaker mentions "Homer's heroes" and "Dante's dream," suggesting that his taste in poetry is influenced by these great works. The allusions create a sense of depth and richness in the poem, as the reader is reminded of other great works of literature.
In conclusion, "De Gustibus" is a classic poem that explores the subjectivity of taste and the power of poetry. The poem encourages us to be more open-minded and accepting of different tastes and opinions. It also reminds us of the beauty and power of poetry to inspire and uplift people. The poem uses several literary devices, including metaphor, repetition, and allusion, to convey its message. Overall, "De Gustibus" is a masterpiece of poetry that continues to inspire and enlighten readers today.
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