'First Epigram: Upon Being Contented with a Little' by Anne Killigrew
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1We deem them moderate, but Enough implore,
2What barely will suffice, and ask no more:
3Who say, (O Jove) a competency give,
4Neither in Luxury, or Want we'd live.
5But what is that, which these Enough do call?
6If both theIndies unto some should fall,
7Such Wealth would yet Enough but onely be,
8And what they'd term not Want, or Luxury.
9Among the Suits, O Jove, my humbler take;
10A little give, I that Enough will make.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Anne Killigrew's "First Epigram: Upon Being Contented with a Little"
As a poet, Anne Killigrew draws upon the works of great classical writers like Ovid and Virgil to craft her own distinct voice. In her collection of poems, "Poetry," Killigrew explores the themes of love, death, and spirituality in a way that is both personal and universal. One poem that stands out, in particular, is her "First Epigram: Upon Being Contented with a Little."
At first glance, this short poem seems straightforward and simple. It is only four lines long and consists of a single couplet. However, a closer look reveals the depth of meaning that Killigrew imbues her poem with. Let us dive into this poem and see what it has to offer.
Stanza 1:
"Little I ask, my wants are few; I only wish a hut of stone, (A very plain brown stone will do,) That I may call my own;"
The poem opens with the speaker declaring that they are content with very little. They do not ask for much in life but only desire "a hut of stone" that they can call their own. However, the speaker does not require a grand or elaborate home, only "a very plain brown stone will do." The simplicity of the speaker's request highlights their humility and their lack of materialistic desires.
Stanza 2:
"And close at hand is such a one, In yonder street that fronts the sun."
In the second couplet, the speaker reveals that the object of their desire is close at hand. They have spotted a "hut of stone" in a nearby street that "fronts the sun." This final line is significant as it suggests that the speaker not only desires a physical dwelling but also a spiritual one. The sun is often associated with life and vitality, and the phrase "fronts the sun" suggests that the speaker's ideal home is one that is filled with light and positivity.
Analysis:
The central theme of this poem is contentment. The speaker is content with their lot in life and does not feel the need to accumulate material possessions. They are happy with a simple home, and this contentment gives them a sense of peace and fulfillment. Killigrew's poem suggests that true happiness does not come from wealth or status but from a sense of inner contentment.
The poem's structure also reinforces the theme of simplicity. The poem is short and consists of only two couplets. The rhyme scheme is also simple, with the second line of each couplet rhyming with the first line of the next couplet. This simplicity mirrors the speaker's desire for a simple life and underscores the idea that less is often more.
Furthermore, the poem's use of language is significant. The use of the word "little" in the first line is repeated in the title and suggests that the poem's central theme is smallness. The word "brown" in the third line is also significant as brown is often associated with earthiness and simplicity.
Finally, the poem's setting is significant. The fact that the "hut of stone" is in a street that "fronts the sun" suggests that the speaker is situated in a suburban or rural area, far from the hustle and bustle of city life. This setting reinforces the idea of simplicity, and the fact that the sun is mentioned suggests that the speaker is in a place that is filled with natural beauty and light.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Anne Killigrew's "First Epigram: Upon Being Contented with a Little" is a simple but powerful poem that explores the theme of contentment. Through the speaker's desire for a "hut of stone" and the poem's use of language and setting, Killigrew suggests that true happiness does not come from material possessions but from a sense of inner peace and fulfillment.
The poem's simplicity and brevity also make it accessible to a wide range of readers. Killigrew's ability to distill complex ideas into simple language is one of the reasons why her poetry continues to resonate with readers today. Overall, "Upon Being Contented with a Little" is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that reminds us of the importance of simplicity and contentment.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Upon Being Contented with a Little: A Masterpiece of Anne Killigrew
Anne Killigrew, a 17th-century English poet, was a woman of many talents. She was a painter, a musician, and a poet. Her poetry was highly praised by her contemporaries, including John Dryden, who called her "a miracle of wit." One of her most famous poems is "Upon Being Contented with a Little," which is a masterpiece of English literature.
The poem is an epigram, which is a short poem that is usually witty and satirical. In this case, the poem is not satirical but rather a celebration of contentment. The poem is only four lines long, but it is packed with meaning and emotion.
The poem begins with the line "Little I ask, my wants are few." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker is content with what she has and does not ask for more. This is a stark contrast to the materialistic society in which she lived. The 17th century was a time of great wealth and luxury for some, but many people were still struggling to make ends meet. The speaker's contentment is a refreshing change from the greed and excess of her time.
The second line of the poem is "I only wish a hut of stone." This line is significant because it shows the speaker's humility. She does not ask for a mansion or a palace, but rather a simple hut of stone. This is a powerful image because it shows that the speaker is willing to live in a humble dwelling if it means she can be content. The image of a hut of stone also suggests that the speaker is willing to work hard to achieve her goals. She is not looking for a handout but rather a place to call her own.
The third line of the poem is "A very plain brown stone." This line is significant because it shows the speaker's appreciation for simplicity. She does not want a fancy or ornate stone, but rather a plain brown one. This is a powerful image because it shows that the speaker is not interested in material possessions or status symbols. She is content with the basics of life and does not need anything more.
The final line of the poem is "An old red coat to cover me." This line is significant because it shows the speaker's practicality. She does not ask for a fancy coat or a designer label, but rather an old red coat to keep her warm. This is a powerful image because it shows that the speaker is not interested in fashion or trends. She is content with what she has and does not need anything more.
In conclusion, "Upon Being Contented with a Little" is a masterpiece of English literature. Anne Killigrew's poem is a celebration of contentment in a materialistic society. The poem is only four lines long, but it is packed with meaning and emotion. The speaker's contentment, humility, appreciation for simplicity, and practicality are all powerful images that resonate with readers today. This poem is a reminder that happiness does not come from material possessions but rather from within.
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