'Inland' by Edna St. Vincent Millay
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People that build their houses inland,
People that buy a plot of ground
Shaped like a house, and build a house there,
Far from the sea-board, far from the sound
Of water sucking the hollow ledges,
Tons of water striking the shore,—
What do they long for, as I long for
One salt smell of the sea once more?
People the waves have not awakened,
Spanking the boats at the harbour's head,
What do they long for, as I long for,—
Starting up in my inland bed,
Beating the narrow walls, and finding
Neither a window nor a door,
Screaming to God for death by drowning,—
One salt taste of the sea once more?
Editor 1 Interpretation
Inland by Edna St. Vincent Millay
Have you ever come across a poem that speaks directly to your soul? A poem that resonates with you and makes you feel seen and understood? For me, that poem is "Inland" by Edna St. Vincent Millay.
This poem is a beautiful and haunting exploration of the human psyche and the search for meaning in a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming and confusing. Millay's words are like a balm for the weary soul, offering comfort and reassurance in the face of life's many challenges.
Let's dive deeper into this poem and explore the themes and techniques that make it such a masterpiece of modern poetry.
Themes
At its core, "Inland" is a poem about the search for identity and purpose. The speaker of the poem is on a journey of self-discovery, trying to make sense of who they are and where they fit in the world. Throughout the poem, we see the speaker grappling with feelings of alienation and confusion, as well as moments of clarity and connection.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its portrayal of the natural world. The speaker describes the landscape in vivid detail, using rich and evocative language to create a sense of awe and wonder. At the same time, however, the natural world is also portrayed as a source of fear and uncertainty, with the speaker feeling small and insignificant in the face of its vastness and power.
Another key theme of the poem is the idea of transformation. The speaker is constantly changing and evolving, both physically and emotionally. They are searching for a way to shed their old identity and become something new, something more meaningful and authentic. This idea of transformation is echoed in the imagery of the natural world, which is constantly in flux, always growing and changing.
Finally, "Inland" is a poem about the power of language and the ways in which it can shape our understanding of the world. The speaker is acutely aware of the limitations of language, of its inability to fully capture the complexity and richness of human experience. And yet, at the same time, language is also portrayed as a tool for connection and understanding, a way of bridging the gap between ourselves and others.
Techniques
One of the most impressive things about "Inland" is the way in which Millay uses language to create a powerful and evocative atmosphere. Her words are like brushstrokes on a canvas, painting a vivid picture of the world and the speaker's place in it.
One of the most striking techniques she employs is personification. Throughout the poem, she imbues the natural world with human qualities, creating a sense of intimacy and connection between the speaker and their surroundings. For example, in the opening lines of the poem, she describes the sea as "angry" and "wild-eyed," giving it a sense of personality and agency that draws the reader in.
Another key technique is the use of metaphor and simile. Millay's descriptions are often complex and layered, using comparisons to other objects or experiences to deepen our understanding of the speaker's emotional state. For example, she compares the speaker's journey to "a long, long road" that stretches endlessly before them, creating a sense of both anticipation and dread.
Finally, the poem also employs a range of poetic devices, such as alliteration and repetition, to create a musical and rhythmic effect. These devices add to the overall sense of atmosphere and emotion, drawing the reader in and immersing them in the speaker's world.
Interpretation
So what can we take away from "Inland"? What does this poem mean, and what is its message for us as readers?
For me, the poem is ultimately about the human search for meaning and purpose. The speaker is on a journey of self-discovery, trying to make sense of their place in the world and find a sense of belonging. Along the way, they encounter moments of wonder and connection, as well as feelings of fear and uncertainty.
At the same time, the poem is also a meditation on the power of language and the limitations of our ability to express ourselves. The speaker is acutely aware of the ways in which words can fail us, of their inability to fully capture the complexity and richness of human experience. And yet, at the same time, language is also portrayed as a tool for connection and understanding, a way of bridging the gap between ourselves and others.
Overall, "Inland" is a stunning and deeply moving poem that speaks to the human experience in profound and powerful ways. Whether you are on a journey of self-discovery yourself, or simply looking for a poem that will touch your heart and soul, this is a work that is not to be missed.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Inland: A Poem of Love and Loss
Edna St. Vincent Millay’s poem “Inland” is a hauntingly beautiful piece of literature that explores the themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. Written in 1921, the poem is a reflection on the poet’s own experiences of love and heartbreak, and the ways in which these emotions are intertwined with the natural world.
The poem begins with a description of the landscape, as the speaker looks out over the sea and the distant hills. The imagery is vivid and evocative, with the sea described as “a blue and silver shield” and the hills as “a line of purple shadow”. The use of color and light in these descriptions creates a sense of depth and movement, as if the landscape is alive and breathing.
As the poem progresses, the speaker’s attention turns to the past, and to memories of a lost love. The language becomes more introspective and melancholy, as the speaker reflects on the ways in which time has changed her feelings and her understanding of the world. She speaks of “the old days” as a time of innocence and joy, when “the world was fairer than we knew”. But now, with the passing of time, that innocence has been lost, and the world seems darker and more uncertain.
Despite the sadness of these reflections, there is also a sense of acceptance and resignation in the poem. The speaker acknowledges that the past cannot be changed, and that the pain of loss is a necessary part of life. She speaks of “the bitter fruit of Time” as something that must be endured, even as it brings with it the sweetness of memory and the knowledge that love, however fleeting, is a precious and valuable thing.
One of the most striking aspects of “Inland” is the way in which Millay uses the natural world to reflect the emotions of the speaker. The sea, with its endless ebb and flow, becomes a symbol of the passage of time and the inevitability of change. The hills, with their shifting shadows and changing colors, represent the shifting moods and emotions of the speaker herself. And the wind, which blows through the poem like a mournful sigh, becomes a metaphor for the pain of loss and the longing for what has been lost.
Throughout the poem, Millay’s language is rich and evocative, with a musical quality that echoes the rhythms of the natural world. She uses repetition and alliteration to create a sense of movement and momentum, as if the poem itself is a living thing, moving and breathing with the emotions of the speaker. The use of rhyme is subtle and understated, with the occasional half-rhyme or slant rhyme adding to the sense of musicality and fluidity.
In conclusion, “Inland” is a powerful and moving poem that explores the complexities of love, loss, and the passage of time. Through vivid imagery and rich language, Millay creates a world that is both beautiful and haunting, a world in which the natural world and the emotions of the speaker are intertwined. The poem is a testament to the enduring power of love, even in the face of loss and pain, and a reminder that the beauty of the world is always there, waiting to be discovered and appreciated.
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