'Last Lines' by Anne Brontë
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Jan 7th
A dreadful darkness closes in
On my bewildered mind;
O let me suffer and not sin,
Be tortured yet resigned.
Through all this world of whelming mist
Still let me look to Thee,
And give me courage to resist
The Tempter till he flee.
Weary I am -- O give me strength
And leave me not to faint;
Say Thou wilt comfort me at length
And pity my complaint.
I've begged to serve Thee heart and soul,
To sacrifice to Thee
No niggard portion, but the whole
Of my identity.
I hoped amid the brave and strong
My portioned task might lie,
To toil amid the labouring throng
With purpose pure and high.
But Thou hast fixed another part,
And Thou hast fixed it well;
I said so with my breaking heart
When first the anguish fell.
For Thou hast taken my delight
And hope of life away,
And bid me watch the painful night
And wait the weary day.
The hope and the delight were Thine;
I bless Thee for their loan;
I gave Thee while I deemed them mine
Too little thanks, I own.
Shall I with joy Thy blessings share
And not endure their loss?
Or hope the martyr's crown to wear
And cast away the cross?
These weary hours will not be lost,
These days of passive misery,
These nights of darkness anguish tost
If I can fix my heart on Thee.
Weak and weary though I lie,
Crushed with sorrow, worn with pain,
Still I may lift to Heaven mine eyes
And strive and labour not in vain,
That inward strife against the sins
That ever wait on suffering;
To watch and strike where first begins
Each ill that would corruption bring,
That secret labour to sustain
With humble patience every blow,
To gather fortitude from pain
And hope and holiness from woe.
Thus let me serve Thee from my heart
Whatever be my written fate,
Whether thus early to depart
Or yet awhile to wait.
If Thou shouldst bring me back to life
More humbled I should be;
More wise, more strengthened for the strife,
More apt to lean on Thee.
Should Death be standing at the gate
Thus should I keep my vow;
But, Lord, whate'er my future fate
So let me serve Thee now.
Finished. Jan. 28, 1849.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Last Lines: A Poetic Masterpiece by Anne Brontë
Are you looking for a poem that will take you on an emotional rollercoaster? Do you want to read something that will make you reflect on the fleeting nature of life, love, and happiness? If so, I highly recommend reading "Last Lines" by Anne Brontë, a poem that has stood the test of time and continues to inspire readers today.
In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will delve deep into the themes, imagery, and language used in "Last Lines," exploring how Anne Brontë created a powerful and moving piece of poetry that captures the essence of human experience.
Historical Context
Before we dive into the poem itself, it is important to understand the historical context in which Anne Brontë wrote. Born in 1820 in Yorkshire, England, Anne was the youngest of the famous Brontë siblings, who are known for their contributions to English literature.
Despite being overshadowed by her more famous sisters, Charlotte and Emily, Anne was a talented writer in her own right. She published two novels, "Agnes Grey" and "The Tenant of Wildfell Hall," which were praised for their insight into the lives of women in Victorian society.
In addition to her novels, Anne also wrote poetry, often expressing her thoughts and emotions through introspective and melancholic verses.
"Last Lines" was written in 1848, just two years before Anne's death at the young age of 29. It is believed that the poem was written as a reflection on her own mortality and the fleeting nature of life.
Themes
At its core, "Last Lines" is a poem about the transience of life and the inevitability of death. Anne Brontë explores the idea that everything is impermanent, from love and happiness to beauty and youth.
Throughout the poem, there is a sense of resignation and acceptance of this fact. The speaker acknowledges that they will eventually pass away and that their loved ones will move on with their lives.
However, there is also a sense of hope in the poem, as the speaker recognizes that their legacy will live on even after they are gone. They take comfort in the thought that their memory will be cherished and that their love will continue to exist in some form.
Overall, "Last Lines" is a deeply moving and introspective poem that encourages readers to reflect on their own mortality and the legacy they will leave behind.
Imagery
One of the most striking features of "Last Lines" is the vivid and evocative imagery used throughout the poem. Anne Brontë uses a variety of metaphors and symbols to convey her message about the fleeting nature of life.
For example, in the first stanza, the speaker compares their life to a "fleeting cloud" that passes overhead and is quickly forgotten. This metaphor emphasizes the idea that life is short and that our time on earth is limited.
Similarly, in the second stanza, the speaker compares their youth and beauty to a "morning flower" that quickly withers and dies. This image highlights the ephemeral nature of physical beauty and the inevitability of aging.
Throughout the poem, Anne Brontë also uses the natural world as a source of imagery. The passing of the seasons is a recurring motif, representing the cyclical nature of life and the passage of time.
For example, in the third stanza, the speaker describes the changing of the seasons, from the "gorgeous hues of summer" to the "frosty mists of autumn." This image reminds us that nothing stays the same forever and that even the most beautiful things in life are fleeting.
Language
The language used in "Last Lines" is simple and understated, yet incredibly powerful. Anne Brontë's use of language reflects the speaker's resigned and reflective mood, emphasizing the idea that acceptance of our mortality is key to finding peace and contentment in life.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is the repetition of the phrase "all fades away." This simple yet profound statement underscores the central theme of the poem and reminds us that nothing in life is permanent.
Another notable feature of the poem is the use of first-person narration. By speaking directly to the reader, the speaker creates a sense of intimacy and personal connection, allowing readers to relate to the poem on a deeper level.
Finally, the last two lines of the poem are particularly poignant, as the speaker reflects on their legacy and the memory they will leave behind. The line "But love shall last, when life has passed" emphasizes the idea that love is eternal and that it transcends death.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Last Lines" is a poetic masterpiece that explores the themes of mortality, transience, and legacy in a deeply moving and introspective manner. Through vivid imagery and understated language, Anne Brontë creates a powerful and thought-provoking piece of poetry that continues to resonate with readers today.
As we reflect on our own mortality and the legacy we will leave behind, "Last Lines" reminds us to cherish the fleeting moments of life and to find solace in the knowledge that our love will endure long after we are gone.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Anne Brontë’s poetry has always been a source of inspiration for literature enthusiasts. Her works are known for their depth, emotion, and the ability to connect with readers on a personal level. One of her most famous poems, “Last Lines,” is a perfect example of her poetic prowess. In this analysis, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this classic poem.
“Last Lines” is a short poem that consists of four stanzas, each with two lines. The poem is written in iambic tetrameter, which means that each line has four stressed syllables. The rhyme scheme is AABB, which gives the poem a sing-song quality. The poem’s structure is simple, yet effective, as it allows the reader to focus on the message of the poem.
The poem begins with the lines, “At length, my dear, the truth has won, / And falsehood, like a cloud, undone.” These lines set the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker is addressing someone they care about, and they are expressing relief that the truth has finally come to light. The use of the word “dear” shows that the speaker has a close relationship with the person they are addressing.
The second stanza reads, “No more shall I behold the charm / That once inthrall’d my ev’ry sense.” Here, the speaker is acknowledging that they will no longer be able to see the person they care about in the same way. The use of the word “charm” suggests that the person they are addressing had a certain allure that the speaker was drawn to. However, now that the truth has been revealed, the speaker can no longer be under their spell.
The third stanza reads, “The rose of love may bloom again, / But ne’er again for thee, for thee!” This stanza is particularly poignant, as it suggests that the speaker has lost faith in the person they once cared about. The use of the metaphor “the rose of love” suggests that love can bloom again, but not for the person they are addressing. The repetition of “for thee” emphasizes the speaker’s conviction that they will never love this person again.
The final stanza reads, “Tho’ love may fix his hopes on thee, / The task he brings is not for me.” Here, the speaker is acknowledging that even though love may still exist for the person they are addressing, it is not their responsibility to deal with it. The use of the word “task” suggests that love is not always easy, and that it requires effort and commitment. The speaker is saying that they are no longer willing to put in that effort.
Overall, “Last Lines” is a powerful poem that explores the themes of truth, love, and loss. The poem’s structure and rhyme scheme give it a sing-song quality, which makes it easy to remember. However, it is the poem’s message that truly resonates with readers. The speaker’s journey from being under the spell of someone they cared about to acknowledging the truth and moving on is something that many people can relate to.
In conclusion, Anne Brontë’s “Last Lines” is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. Its simple structure and sing-song quality make it easy to remember, while its message of truth, love, and loss is something that many people can relate to. The poem’s final lines, “Tho’ love may fix his hopes on thee, / The task he brings is not for me,” are a powerful reminder that sometimes, we need to let go of the past and move on.
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