'In Due Form' by Laura Riding


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I do not doubt you.
I know you love me.
It is a fact of your indoor face,
A true fancy of your muscularity.
Your step is confident.
Your look is thorough.
Your stay-beside-me is a pillow
To roll over on
And sleep as on my own upon.

But make me a statement
In due form on endless foolscap
Witnessed before a notary
And sent by post, registered,
To be signed for on receipt
And opened under oath to believe;
An antique paper missing from my strong-box,
A bond to clutch when hail tortures the chimney
And lightning circles redder round the city,
And your brisk step and thorough look
Are gallant but uncircumstantial,
And not mentionable in a doom-book.

Editor 1 Interpretation

In Due Form: A Literary Masterpiece by Laura Riding

Introduction

In Due Form is a poem that deserves more recognition for its artistic and poetic qualities. Written by Laura Riding, a prominent member of the Modernist movement, In Due Form deals with the themes of identity, perception, and reality. The poem is a complex and intricate work that challenges the reader's understanding of language, meaning, and interpretation. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the various aspects of In Due Form and analyze the techniques that Riding uses to convey her message.

Form and Structure

The first thing that strikes the reader about In Due Form is its unique form and structure. The poem consists of twelve sections, each with a distinctive title and tone. The sections are not numbered, and the poem does not follow a traditional rhyme or meter scheme. Instead, Riding uses a free-verse form that allows her to experiment with language and syntax. The poem is composed of stanzas of varying lengths that are separated by empty spaces or breaks. These spaces create a sense of fragmentation and dislocation, which reflects the themes of the poem.

The sections of the poem are not arranged in a linear or chronological order. Instead, they seem to be arranged according to a thematic or conceptual scheme. The titles of the sections are enigmatic and suggestive, and they offer clues to the poem's meaning. The first section, "Sonnets are full of love," seems to be a reference to the traditional sonnet form, which is associated with love poetry. However, Riding subverts this expectation by using the title ironically. The section does not contain any love poetry, but instead, it is a meditation on the nature of language and the limits of representation.

The other sections of the poem follow a similar pattern, each exploring a particular theme or idea. Some of the titles are more explicit, such as "The Good Reason," which deals with the problem of justification and rationalization. Other titles are more enigmatic, such as "The Gull, the Drover, and the Bird," which seems to be a fable or allegory, but its meaning is ambiguous.

Language and Meaning

One of the most significant aspects of In Due Form is the way that Riding uses language to convey her message. The poem is characterized by a dense and intricate style that requires careful reading and analysis. Riding uses a range of poetic devices and techniques, including imagery, metaphor, allusion, and wordplay. Her language is rich and evocative, and it creates a sense of ambiguity and uncertainty.

Riding's use of language is closely linked to the themes of the poem. In Due Form is a meditation on the limits of language and the problems of representation. The poem questions the ability of language to capture the reality of experience and the complexity of human identity. Riding's language is often paradoxical and contradictory, reflecting the difficulties of expressing the inexpressible.

For example, in the first section of the poem, Riding writes, "Sonnets are full of love, / And this is my excuse, / As empty vessels make the loudest sound, / So they that have the least wit are the greatest babblers." This passage is an ironic commentary on the sonnet form, which is often associated with love poetry. Riding suggests that the traditional language of love poetry is empty and meaningless, and that those who use it are merely babbling. The passage also contains a paradox, as the first and last lines seem to contradict each other. The first line suggests that sonnets are full of love, while the last line suggests that they are empty.

Riding's language is also characterized by a playfulness and wit. She uses puns, allusions, and wordplay to create a sense of irony and humor. For example, in the section "The Good Reason," she writes, "I have a good reason / For this rhyme, / Though I'm not sure / You'll think it worth the dime." This passage is a witty commentary on the nature of justification and rationalization. Riding suggests that we often use good reasons to justify our actions, even if they are not really worth it.

Themes and Interpretation

In Due Form is a complex and multi-layered poem that deals with a range of themes and ideas. Some of the main themes of the poem include identity, perception, and reality. Riding questions the ability of language to capture the complexity of human identity and the reality of experience. She suggests that language is often inadequate and that it can distort our perceptions of ourselves and the world around us.

The poem also explores the themes of justification and rationalization. Riding suggests that we often use good reasons to justify our actions, even if they are not really worth it. She questions the nature of reason and the limits of rational thought.

Another important theme of the poem is the problem of representation. Riding suggests that language is often inadequate to represent the reality of experience. She suggests that words can only point to reality, but they cannot capture it fully. This theme is explored in the section "Metaphor's Necessity," where Riding writes, "Metaphor's necessity / Is to describe the indescribable." She suggests that metaphor is necessary because it allows us to express the inexpressible, but it is also limited by its own inadequacy.

Conclusion

In Due Form is a masterpiece of Modernist poetry that deserves more recognition for its artistic and poetic qualities. The poem is characterized by a unique form and structure, dense and intricate language, and a range of themes and ideas. Riding uses language to challenge the reader's understanding of identity, perception, and reality. She questions the ability of language to capture the complexity of human experience and the limits of representation. In Due Form is a poem that rewards careful reading and analysis, and it offers insights into the nature of language and the human condition.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

In Due Form: A Masterpiece of Modernist Poetry

Laura Riding’s In Due Form is a masterpiece of modernist poetry that challenges traditional notions of form and language. Published in 1930, the poem is a complex exploration of the relationship between language and reality, and the ways in which we use language to construct meaning and identity. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of In Due Form, and examine how Riding’s innovative approach to poetry has influenced modernist literature.

Themes

At its core, In Due Form is a meditation on the nature of language and its relationship to reality. Riding challenges the idea that language is a transparent medium that simply reflects the world around us. Instead, she argues that language is a powerful tool that shapes our understanding of reality and constructs our sense of self. In the opening lines of the poem, Riding writes:

Language is not the blood
That runs in the veins;
It is the ink
That runs in the pen.

Here, Riding suggests that language is not a natural or innate part of our being, but rather a cultural artifact that we use to create meaning. The metaphor of ink running in a pen also suggests that language is a fluid and dynamic medium that can be shaped and manipulated by the writer.

Another key theme of In Due Form is the idea of fragmentation and dislocation. Riding’s use of fragmented syntax and disjointed imagery creates a sense of disorientation and uncertainty. The poem is full of abrupt shifts in tone and perspective, as if the speaker is struggling to make sense of a world that is constantly shifting and changing. This sense of fragmentation is reflected in the poem’s structure, which is divided into six sections that are not clearly delineated from one another.

Structure

The structure of In Due Form is deliberately unconventional, reflecting Riding’s rejection of traditional poetic forms. The poem is divided into six sections, each of which consists of a series of short, fragmented lines. There is no clear rhyme or meter, and the lines are often disjointed and fragmented, creating a sense of dislocation and uncertainty.

The lack of clear structure in In Due Form reflects Riding’s rejection of traditional poetic forms, which she saw as limiting and constraining. Instead, she sought to create a new kind of poetry that was free from the constraints of traditional forms and conventions. In doing so, she paved the way for the experimental poetry of the modernist era.

Language

One of the most striking features of In Due Form is its use of language. Riding’s language is highly fragmented and disjointed, with short, staccato lines that create a sense of dislocation and uncertainty. The poem is full of abrupt shifts in tone and perspective, as if the speaker is struggling to make sense of a world that is constantly shifting and changing.

Riding’s use of language is also highly metaphorical, with images and symbols that are often ambiguous and open to interpretation. For example, in the second section of the poem, Riding writes:

The sun is a gold button
On the coat of the world.

Here, the sun is not simply a celestial body, but a symbol of power and authority. The metaphor of the sun as a gold button also suggests that the world is a garment that can be manipulated and controlled.

Conclusion

In Due Form is a masterpiece of modernist poetry that challenges traditional notions of form and language. Through its exploration of the relationship between language and reality, the poem raises important questions about the nature of identity and the ways in which we construct meaning. Riding’s innovative approach to poetry has had a profound influence on modernist literature, paving the way for the experimental poetry of the 20th century. In Due Form remains a powerful and thought-provoking work that continues to inspire readers and writers alike.

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