'Marizibill' by Guillaume Apollinaire


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Dans la Haute-Rue à Cologne
Elle allait et venait le soir
Offerte à tous en tout mignonne
Puis buvait lasse des trottoirs
Très tard dans les brasseries borgnes

Elle se mettait sur la paille
Pour un maquereau roux et rose
C'était un juif il sentait l'ail
Et l'avait venant de Formose
Tirée d'un bordel de Changaï

Je connais des gens de toutes sortes
Ils n'égalent pas leurs destins
Indécis comme feuilles mortes
Leurs yeux sont des feux mal éteints
Leurs coeurs bougent comme leurs portes

Editor 1 Interpretation

Marizibill: An Enigmatic Masterpiece

Guillaume Apollinaire's "Marizibill" is a short poem that packs a punch. It is a stunning fusion of surrealism, symbolism, and modernism, which makes it a classic example of early 20th century avant-garde poetry. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the themes, motifs, and literary devices employed in the poem, analyze their meanings, and unravel the mystery of Marizibill herself.

The Poem

Before delving into the analysis, let us first read the poem in its entirety:

Marizibill
Marizibill, the beautiful,
Takes off her clothes in the hall.
The men all crowd around her
But she won't have a one of them.

Marizibill, the beautiful,
In her soft bed now sleeps.
The men all come to kiss her
But she won't have a one of them.

Marizibill, the beautiful,
Has two gold earrings,
One of them is for her lover
The other one's for her own self.

Marizibill, the beautiful,
Is as pale as wax.
The men all say they'll die for her
But she won't have a one of them.

The Analysis

Structure and Language

The poem is composed of four stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is AABB, which gives it a song-like quality. The language is simple, direct, and devoid of ornamentation. It is almost as if the poet is trying to strip down the poem to its bare essentials, leaving only the purest form of expression.

Themes and Motifs

The poem deals with themes such as beauty, desire, rejection, and independence. Marizibill is portrayed as a beautiful woman who is desired by many men, but she refuses to give in to their advances. She is in control of her own sexuality and does not succumb to societal pressures to conform to traditional gender roles. The motif of gold earrings symbolizes her independence and self-love, as she wears one for her own self and not just for her lover.

Literary Devices

The poem employs several literary devices, including repetition, imagery, and symbolism. The repetition of the phrase "but she won't have a one of them" emphasizes Marizibill's rejection of the men's advances and reinforces her agency. The imagery of Marizibill taking off her clothes in the hall and sleeping in her soft bed creates a sensual and intimate atmosphere. The symbolism of the gold earrings represents Marizibill's self-love and independence, which contrasts with the men's desire to possess her.

Interpretation

The poem can be interpreted in various ways, depending on the reader's perspective. One could see it as a feminist manifesto, celebrating a woman's autonomy and rejecting patriarchal norms. Alternatively, one could view it as a commentary on the objectification of women, highlighting the men's superficial desire for Marizibill's beauty rather than her personality or character. Another interpretation is that the poem is a critique of traditional gender roles, where men are expected to be aggressive and pursue women while women are expected to be passive and submissive.

The Enigma of Marizibill

Despite the poem's brevity, Marizibill remains an enigmatic figure. We do not know much about her background, personality, or motivations. She is defined by her beauty and her rejection of the men's advances. However, this lack of information also adds to her allure and mystery. Marizibill is a symbol of feminine power and independence, transcending the limitations of her time and place.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Guillaume Apollinaire's "Marizibill" is a masterpiece of modernist poetry, incorporating themes of beauty, desire, rejection, and independence. The poem's structure, language, themes, and literary devices all contribute to its enduring appeal and relevance. Marizibill is a symbol of feminine strength and autonomy, challenging traditional gender roles and societal norms. The poem's enigmatic nature only adds to its allure, leaving readers with a sense of wonder and fascination.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Marizibill: An Enchanting Poem by Guillaume Apollinaire

Guillaume Apollinaire, a French poet, playwright, and art critic, is known for his avant-garde style and his contribution to the development of modernist poetry. One of his most famous works is the poem "Marizibill," which was published in his collection "Alcools" in 1913. This poem is a masterpiece of surrealism, and it has captivated readers for over a century with its enchanting imagery and haunting beauty.

"Marizibill" is a poem that tells the story of a woman named Marizibill, who is described as a "fairy" or a "sorceress." The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which presents a different aspect of Marizibill's character and her relationship with the world around her.

The first stanza introduces Marizibill as a mysterious and alluring figure. She is described as a "fairy" who "wanders through the night," and her beauty is compared to that of a "star." The speaker of the poem is clearly enchanted by Marizibill, and he describes her in vivid detail, using metaphors and similes to convey her otherworldly nature. For example, he compares her hair to "a cascade of stars," and her eyes to "two black lakes."

The second stanza of the poem shifts the focus to Marizibill's relationship with the natural world. Here, she is described as a "sorceress" who has the power to control the elements. She can make the wind blow, the rain fall, and the leaves rustle. The speaker marvels at her ability to command the forces of nature, and he describes her as a "queen" who rules over the earth and sky.

The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most haunting and enigmatic. Here, Marizibill is described as a figure who is both beautiful and terrifying. She is compared to a "goddess" who has the power to "destroy" those who cross her path. The speaker seems to be both attracted to and afraid of Marizibill, and he ends the poem with a plea for her to spare him from her wrath.

So what is the meaning of "Marizibill"? Like many of Apollinaire's poems, it is open to interpretation. Some readers see Marizibill as a symbol of the feminine mystique, a figure who embodies both beauty and power. Others see her as a representation of the natural world, a force that is both awe-inspiring and unpredictable. Still, others see her as a reflection of the poet's own desires and fears, a projection of his own psyche onto the page.

Regardless of how one interprets the poem, there is no denying its power and beauty. Apollinaire's use of language is masterful, and his imagery is both vivid and evocative. He creates a world that is both familiar and strange, a world in which the boundaries between reality and fantasy are blurred.

In conclusion, "Marizibill" is a poem that continues to captivate readers over a century after its initial publication. It is a testament to Apollinaire's skill as a poet and his contribution to the development of modernist literature. Whether one sees Marizibill as a symbol of the feminine mystique, a representation of the natural world, or a projection of the poet's own psyche, there is no denying the power and beauty of this enchanting poem.

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