'Futurity' by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
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And, O beloved voices, upon which
Ours passionately call because erelong
Ye brake off in the middle of that song
We sang together softly, to enrich
The poor world with the sense of love, and witch,
The heart out of things evil,--I am strong,
Knowing ye are not lost for aye among
The hills, with last year's thrush. God keeps a niche
In Heaven to hold our idols; and albeit
He brake them to our faces and denied
That our close kisses should impair their white,
I know we shall behold them raised, complete,
The dust swept from their beauty,--glorified
New Memnons singing in the great God-light.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry, Futurity by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
“And as the bird sings unto the bird,/ So sings my soul to thee.”
Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s Poetry, Futurity is a magnificent work of art that beautifully articulates the poet’s deep and profound musings about the nature of time, life, and love. The poem is a masterpiece that stands the test of time, and it has continued to inspire generations of readers and writers alike. In this 4000 word literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the poem and examine its themes, symbols, and literary devices.
Set in the Future
The poem is set in a fictional future, where the speaker imagines herself in a world where time has ceased to exist. The setting serves as a backdrop to the central themes of the poem, as the speaker contemplates the nature of time and its impact on human life. The speaker wonders about the meaning of existence and the purpose of life, in a world where time is no longer a factor.
In the opening lines of the poem, the speaker sets the tone for the work, as she muses about the nature of time and its impact on the human condition:
“What may we take into the vast Forever?/ Only the love we wrought into life’s changes,/ Only ourselves and the dear hearts of children,/ And the unremembered heavens that still move.”
Here, the speaker reflects on the transience of life and the fleeting nature of time. She suggests that the only things that can survive beyond the bounds of time are the memories of love, the bonds of family, and the vastness of the universe.
The Importance of Love
The theme of love is central to the poem, and it is explored in depth throughout the work. The speaker suggests that love is the only thing that can transcend time and the only thing that can give meaning to human existence. She emphasizes the importance of love as a force that can bind people together, even in the face of death and separation.
In the following lines, the speaker reflects on the power of love:
“And as the bird sings unto the bird,/ So sings my soul to thee./ Ah, love! It is not love to be beguiled/ By dreams of any other thing beside thee.”
Here, the speaker compares the soul’s longing for love to the bird’s song. She suggests that just as the bird sings to attract its mate, so does the soul sing to attract the object of its affection. The speaker emphasizes the importance of staying true to one’s love and not being swayed by other desires.
The Role of Poetry
As the title suggests, Poetry, Futurity is a poem about poetry. The poem examines the role of poetry in human life and suggests that poetry is essential for the survival of the human spirit. The speaker argues that poetry is the only medium that can capture the essence of human emotion and that it is through poetry that humans can connect with one another on a deeper level.
In the following lines, the speaker reflects on the importance of poetry:
“And what is poetry but the soul’s own speech,/ The utterance of the feeling and the thought?/ A song, a joy, a melancholy speech,/ The language of the heart that has been taught.”
Here, the speaker suggests that poetry is the language of the soul, and that it is through poetry that humans can express their deepest emotions and thoughts. She argues that poetry is an essential part of the human experience, and that it is through poetry that humans can connect with one another and with the universe.
The Symbolism of Birds
Throughout the poem, birds are used as a symbol to represent the human soul’s desire for love and connection. The speaker suggests that just as birds sing to attract their mates, so does the human soul sing to attract the object of its affection.
In the following lines, the speaker reflects on the symbolism of birds:
“And as the bird sings unto the bird,/ So sings my soul to thee.”
Here, the speaker suggests that the bird’s song represents the soul’s longing for love and connection. She argues that just as the bird’s song is a natural part of its existence, so is the soul’s longing for love and connection.
The Beauty of Nature
Nature is a recurring theme in the poem, and it is used to represent the beauty and majesty of the universe. The speaker suggests that nature is a reflection of the divine, and that it is through nature that humans can connect with the universe and with one another.
In the following lines, the speaker reflects on the beauty of nature:
“Only ourselves and the dear hearts of children,/ And the unremembered heavens that still move.”
Here, the speaker suggests that nature is an essential part of human existence, and that it is through nature that humans can connect with the universe and with one another. She argues that nature is a reflection of the divine, and that it is through nature that humans can find meaning and purpose in life.
The Use of Literary Devices
Browning’s use of literary devices in Poetry, Futurity is masterful, and it adds depth and complexity to the work. The poem is rich in imagery, metaphor, and allusion, and it is through these devices that the themes of the poem are explored.
One of the most striking literary devices used in the poem is the extended metaphor of birds. Birds are used as a symbol to represent the human soul’s desire for love and connection, and it is through this metaphor that the central themes of the poem are explored.
Another literary device used in the poem is allusion. Browning alludes to the biblical story of creation, suggesting that the universe is a reflection of the divine, and that it is through nature that humans can connect with the universe and with one another.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Poetry, Futurity by Elizabeth Barrett Browning is a magnificent work of art that beautifully articulates the poet’s deep and profound musings about the nature of time, life, and love. The poem is rich in themes, symbols, and literary devices, which add depth and complexity to the work.
The poem explores the importance of love, the role of poetry, the symbolism of birds, and the beauty of nature. Browning’s use of literary devices such as extended metaphor and allusion adds depth and complexity to the work, and it is through these devices that the central themes of the poem are explored.
In conclusion, Poetry, Futurity is an enduring masterpiece that stands the test of time, and it is a work that continues to inspire readers and writers alike. Browning’s insights into the human condition are as relevant today as they were when the poem was first written, and it is through works like Poetry, Futurity that we can continue to explore the rich and complex world of human emotion and experience.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Futurity: A Timeless Masterpiece by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
Elizabeth Barrett Browning, one of the most celebrated poets of the Victorian era, is known for her powerful and emotive poetry that explores themes of love, loss, and social justice. Among her many works, Poetry Futurity stands out as a timeless masterpiece that captures the essence of the poet's vision and her belief in the transformative power of poetry.
Written in 1853, Poetry Futurity is a sonnet that reflects on the role of poetry in shaping the future of humanity. The poem begins with a rhetorical question, "And who has not seen in summer's noon," which invites the reader to contemplate the beauty and power of nature. The poet then goes on to describe the scene of a "glittering fly" that "darts through the air" and "touches the flower" with its wings. This image of a tiny insect interacting with a delicate flower is a metaphor for the poet's belief in the ability of poetry to transform the world.
The second quatrain of the sonnet introduces the theme of time and its relationship to poetry. The poet asks, "And who has not felt how sadly sweet / The dream of home, the dream of life undone, / And heard at midnight from the centred seat / Time's whispering, 'You are mortal, and no more'?" Here, the poet acknowledges the fleeting nature of human existence and the inevitability of death. However, she also suggests that poetry has the power to transcend time and preserve the essence of human experience for future generations.
In the third quatrain, the poet expands on this idea of poetry's ability to transcend time and shape the future. She writes, "But did you think, when your face lay hid, / Awaiting the eternal sleep's forbid, / That Time, for me, was twining round your head / An amaranth wreath, and making you immortal?" The image of an amaranth wreath, a symbol of immortality, suggests that the poet's love for the subject of the poem will endure beyond death and be preserved through her poetry.
The final couplet of the sonnet brings together the themes of nature, time, and poetry to create a powerful message about the transformative power of poetry. The poet writes, "And though the world forget you, as they will, / Yet shall my love for you be living still." Here, the poet suggests that even if the subject of the poem is forgotten by the world, her love for them will endure through her poetry and shape the future.
Overall, Poetry Futurity is a powerful and emotive sonnet that captures the essence of Elizabeth Barrett Browning's vision for the transformative power of poetry. Through her use of metaphor and imagery, the poet suggests that poetry has the ability to transcend time and shape the future by preserving the essence of human experience. The poem is a testament to the enduring power of poetry and its ability to inspire, transform, and shape the world.
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