'Menelaus and Helen' by Rupert Brooke
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I
Hot through Troy's ruin Menelaus broke
To Priam's palace, sword in hand, to sate
On that adulterous whore a ten years' hate
And a king's honour.Through red death, and smoke,
And cries, and then by quieter ways he strode,
Till the still innermost chamber fronted him.
He swung his sword, and crashed into the dim
Luxurious bower, flaming like a god.
High sat white Helen, lonely and serene.
He had not remembered that she was so fair,
And that her neck curved down in such a way;
And he felt tired.He flung the sword away,
And kissed her feet, and knelt before her there,
The perfect Knight before the perfect Queen.
II
So far the poet.How should he behold
That journey home, the long connubial years?
He does not tell you how white Helen bears
Child on legitimate child, becomes a scold,
Haggard with virtue.Menelaus bold
Waxed garrulous, and sacked a hundred Troys
'Twixt noon and supper.And her golden voice
Got shrill as he grew deafer.And both were old.
Often he wonders why on earth he went
Troyward, or why poor Paris ever came.
Oft she weeps, gummy-eyed and impotent;
Her dry shanks twitch at Paris' mumbled name.
So Menelaus nagged; and Helen cried;
And Paris slept on by Scamander side.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Menelaus and Helen by Rupert Brooke: A Literary Analysis
Oh, Menelaus and Helen by Rupert Brooke! What an ode to the power of love and how it can make us do the most extraordinary things. This poem is one of Brooke's most celebrated works, and it is not hard to see why. With its vivid imagery, poignant storytelling, and masterful use of language, Menelaus and Helen is a prime example of Brooke's immense talent as a poet.
The Story
At its core, Menelaus and Helen is a retelling of a classic mythological tale. It tells the story of Helen of Troy, who was known for her unparalleled beauty, and Menelaus, her husband. The poem opens with Menelaus lamenting the loss of his wife, who had been taken by Paris, a Trojan prince. Menelaus expresses his deep love for Helen and how it pains him to be separated from her.
As the poem progresses, we see Menelaus preparing for war, determined to bring his wife back. He vows to destroy Troy and all who stand in his way. Brooke's use of language here is especially powerful, as he paints a picture of a fierce and determined warrior, willing to do whatever it takes to get his beloved back.
In the final stanza, we see Menelaus and Helen reunited. Brooke's description of their reunion is incredibly vivid, with lines like "Her face was like a light behind a veil," emphasizing the joy and relief that both characters feel.
The Language
Throughout Menelaus and Helen, Brooke's use of language is nothing short of masterful. He employs a variety of poetic techniques to create a vivid and immersive experience for the reader.
One of the most striking things about the poem is its use of imagery. Brooke paints a picture of a world on the brink of war, with lines like "The sea-wine heaving on grey shores remote," conjuring up images of a desolate and foreboding landscape. This imagery is contrasted with descriptions of Helen's beauty, which are equally vivid and powerful.
Another technique that Brooke uses to great effect is repetition. The repetition of phrases like "O Helen, Helen, Helen" and "My wife, my wife, my wife" emphasizes Menelaus's love and devotion to his wife, while also driving home the intensity of his emotions.
The language in Menelaus and Helen is also notable for its musicality. Brooke's use of rhyme and meter gives the poem a sense of rhythm and flow, making it a pleasure to read aloud.
The Themes
At its core, Menelaus and Helen is a poem about the power of love. Brooke's portrayal of Menelaus's devotion to his wife is incredibly moving, and serves as a testament to the lengths that people will go to for love.
The poem also touches on themes of war and conflict. Menelaus's determination to destroy Troy and retrieve his wife is a reminder of the devastating impact that war can have on individuals and society as a whole.
Finally, Menelaus and Helen can be seen as a commentary on the role of women in society. Helen is portrayed as an object of desire, with Menelaus and Paris both fighting over her. However, Brooke also emphasizes Helen's agency, with lines like "Helen herself had wrapt the world in flame" suggesting that she is not simply a passive victim in the events that unfold.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Menelaus and Helen is a masterful work of poetry that explores themes of love, war, and gender. Brooke's use of language is incredibly powerful, and his vivid imagery and musicality make the poem a joy to read. If you haven't read Menelaus and Helen yet, I highly recommend it. It is a true masterpiece of English literature.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Menelaus and Helen: A Masterpiece of Love and War
Rupert Brooke's "Menelaus and Helen" is a classic poem that tells the story of the Trojan War from a unique perspective. The poem is a beautiful and powerful exploration of love, war, and the human condition. It is a masterpiece of poetry that has stood the test of time and continues to inspire readers today.
The poem is divided into two parts, each of which tells a different side of the story. The first part is from the perspective of Menelaus, the king of Sparta, who is seeking revenge on the Trojan prince Paris for stealing his wife, Helen. The second part is from the perspective of Helen, who is torn between her love for Paris and her loyalty to her husband.
The poem begins with Menelaus reflecting on the events that led up to the Trojan War. He is filled with anger and bitterness towards Paris, whom he sees as a coward and a thief. He longs for revenge and is willing to do whatever it takes to get it. He describes his army as "a thousand ships" and his determination to "burn the towers of Troy" is palpable.
Brooke's use of language in this section is powerful and evocative. He uses vivid imagery to describe the war and its aftermath. The line "the red flame sank, and the night passed, and we, / Tireless, we fought on" is particularly striking. It captures the sense of endless struggle and the toll that war takes on those who fight it.
The second part of the poem shifts the focus to Helen. She is torn between her love for Paris and her loyalty to her husband. She is haunted by the memory of Menelaus and the life she left behind in Sparta. She longs for freedom and the chance to be with the man she loves, but she is also afraid of the consequences of her actions.
Brooke's portrayal of Helen is complex and nuanced. He captures the conflicting emotions that she feels and the sense of isolation that comes with being caught between two worlds. The line "I am alone, alone, alone" is particularly poignant. It captures the sense of loneliness and despair that Helen feels as she struggles to find her place in the world.
The poem ends with a sense of ambiguity. We are left wondering what will happen to Menelaus and Helen, and whether their love can survive the trials of war and betrayal. Brooke leaves us with a sense of uncertainty and a feeling that the story is far from over.
Overall, "Menelaus and Helen" is a masterpiece of poetry that explores the themes of love, war, and the human condition. Brooke's use of language is powerful and evocative, and his portrayal of the characters is complex and nuanced. The poem is a timeless work of art that continues to inspire readers today.
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