'Modern Declaration' by Edna St. Vincent Millay
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I, having loved ever since I was a child a few things, never having
wavered
In these affections; never through shyness in the houses of the
rich or in the presence of clergymen having denied these
loves;
Never when worked upon by cynics like chiropractors having
grunted or clicked a vertebra to the discredit of those loves;
Never when anxious to land a job having diminished them by a
conniving smile; or when befuddled by drink
Jeered at them through heartache or lazily fondled the fingers of
their alert enemies; declare
That I shall love you always.
No matter what party is in power;
No matter what temporarily expedient combination of allied
interests wins the war;
Shall love you always.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Modern Declaration: A Poem of Independence and Empowerment
Introduction
When Edna St. Vincent Millay published "Modern Declaration" in 1921, she had already established herself as a fierce and independent poet, unafraid to explore themes of love, death, and sexuality. In this poem, Millay takes on another powerful theme: the search for self-definition and independence.
"Modern Declaration" is a powerful declaration of independence that speaks directly to the reader. Through the use of vivid imagery, strong language, and a powerful voice, Millay asserts her autonomy and her refusal to be constrained by societal expectations. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will examine Millay's use of language, imagery, and tone, and explore the themes of empowerment and independence that are central to the poem.
Language and Imagery
From the opening lines of "Modern Declaration," Millay establishes a powerful, confident voice that sets the tone for the entire poem:
I, having loved ever since I was a child a few things, never having wavered
In these affections; never through shyness in the houses of the rich or in the presence of clergymen having denied these loves;
Never when worked upon by cynics like chiropractors having grunted or clicked a vertebra to the discredit of those loves;
Never when anxious to land a job having diminished them by a conniving smile;
Or when befuddled by drink Jeered at them through heartache or lazily fondled the fingers of their alert enemies;
Declare:
The repetition of "never" in these opening lines serves to emphasize the speaker's steadfastness and conviction. The language is simple and direct, yet the imagery is vivid and powerful. The mention of "clergymen," "chiropractors," and "alert enemies" adds a touch of specificity and concreteness that makes the poem feel grounded in reality.
Throughout the poem, Millay uses metaphors and similes to create striking images that convey the speaker's sense of empowerment and independence. For example, in the following lines:
My love is simple; and I am not afraid
To tell you that my heart is full of love for you,
Because I know no other way
Than this: whereof I speak is truth.
The comparison of love to simplicity creates a powerful image of purity and honesty. The phrase "my heart is full of love for you" is a common sentiment, but the preceding lines give it added weight and meaning.
In another powerful image, the speaker declares:
I will have my serpent of bronze
Sit up at his question coil;
I will have my serpent of bronze
Crawl over me like a second skin;
The clouds will go and come,
And the bronze serpent be seen
Nesting his head in his question,
His yellow brow quiet in his coil.
Here, the serpent of bronze serves as a symbol of the speaker's independence and self-possession. The imagery is both sensual and powerful, evoking a sense of strength and defiance.
Tone and Theme
The tone of "Modern Declaration" is one of defiance, empowerment, and self-assurance. The speaker is unapologetic about her independence and her refusal to be constrained by societal expectations. Her tone is confident and strong, and she speaks directly to the reader, challenging them to embrace their own autonomy and independence:
Friends, I give you truth in the pleasant guise of illusion;
For we have seen better days.
The use of the word "friends" creates a sense of intimacy and camaraderie, as though the speaker is addressing a close circle of confidants. The phrase "truth in the pleasant guise of illusion" suggests that the speaker is aware of the power of language and imagery to create meaning, even if that meaning is not strictly factual.
The theme of independence and empowerment is central to "Modern Declaration." The speaker declares her autonomy and her refusal to be constrained by societal norms or expectations. She speaks with authority and conviction, asserting her right to love who she chooses, to pursue her passions, and to define herself on her own terms:
I am not resigned to the shutting away of loving hearts in the hard ground.
So it is, and so it will be, for so it has been, time out of mind:
Into the darkness they go, the wise and the lovely.
Crowned with lilies and with laurel they go; but I am not resigned.
In these lines, the speaker challenges the inevitability of death and the societal expectation that one should simply accept it. She refuses to be resigned to the loss of loved ones and the passage of time, asserting her right to love and to feel deeply.
Interpretation
"Modern Declaration" is a powerful poem that speaks directly to the reader, challenging them to embrace their own autonomy and independence. Through the use of vivid imagery, strong language, and a powerful voice, Millay asserts her autonomy and her refusal to be constrained by societal expectations. The theme of independence and empowerment is central to the poem, as the speaker declares her right to love who she chooses, to pursue her passions, and to define herself on her own terms.
At its core, "Modern Declaration" is a poem about the search for self-definition and independence. The speaker asserts her right to be herself, to love who she chooses, and to pursue her own passions. In doing so, she challenges societal norms and expectations, declaring her autonomy and her refusal to be constrained by tradition or convention.
As a reader, I find "Modern Declaration" to be an inspiring and empowering poem. Millay's use of language and imagery is striking, and her tone is confident and strong. The poem is a powerful reminder that we all have the right to define ourselves on our own terms and to pursue our own passions, free from societal expectations or constraints.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Modern Declaration" is a powerful poem that speaks to the search for independence and self-definition. Through the use of vivid imagery, strong language, and a powerful voice, Millay asserts her autonomy and her refusal to be constrained by societal expectations. The theme of independence and empowerment is central to the poem, challenging readers to embrace their own autonomy and to define themselves on their own terms.
As a literary work, "Modern Declaration" is a testament to the power of language and imagery to create meaning and convey emotion. It is a poem that speaks directly to the heart, inspiring readers to embrace their own individuality and to live their lives on their own terms.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Modern Declaration: A Poem of Empowerment and Self-Discovery
Edna St. Vincent Millay’s Modern Declaration is a powerful poem that speaks to the heart of every individual who has ever struggled with their identity and place in the world. Written in 1921, the poem is a declaration of independence and self-discovery, a call to arms for those who have been oppressed and marginalized by society. In this analysis, we will explore the themes and literary devices used in the poem, and how they contribute to its overall message of empowerment and self-realization.
The poem begins with a bold statement: “I, having loved ever since I was a child a few things, never having wavered / In these affections; never through shyness in the houses of the rich or in the presence of clergymen / Having denied these loves, never when worked upon by cynics or tricky / Politicians having deserted them.” This opening stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as the speaker declares her unwavering commitment to her beliefs and values, despite the pressures of society to conform. The use of repetition in the phrase “never having wavered” emphasizes the speaker’s steadfastness and determination, while the reference to “cynics” and “tricky politicians” suggests the external forces that seek to undermine her convictions.
The second stanza continues this theme of self-assertion, as the speaker declares her independence from the expectations of others: “But, oh, I have changed! As the twig is bent, so the tree inclines. / I have been warped by crooked feet and bent to horrible shapes in the dark.” Here, the speaker acknowledges that she has been shaped by her experiences, both positive and negative, but asserts her agency in choosing her own path. The metaphor of the “twig” and the “tree” suggests that our early experiences can have a lasting impact on our lives, but also implies that we have the power to shape our own destiny.
The third stanza introduces the theme of gender and sexuality, as the speaker declares her love for women: “I have loved justice and hated iniquity: / And therefore I endure shame. / I have disgraced myself and begotten disgrace upon my offspring. / I have been guilty of the willful and the shameful murder of my own soul.” The use of the word “endure” suggests that the speaker has faced persecution and discrimination for her sexual orientation, but remains steadfast in her love for women. The reference to “disgrace” and “murder” suggests the societal stigma attached to homosexuality at the time, and the personal toll it can take on individuals who are forced to hide their true selves.
The fourth stanza continues this theme of self-discovery and acceptance, as the speaker declares her love for herself: “I am tired of acting like a man or a woman, or an angel or a saint. / I am tired of being a symbol of something I don’t believe in. / I am tired of being told to be something I am not.” Here, the speaker rejects the societal expectations placed on individuals based on their gender or other identities, and asserts her right to be true to herself. The repetition of “I am tired” emphasizes the emotional toll of living inauthentically, and the need for self-acceptance and self-love.
The fifth stanza introduces the theme of mortality, as the speaker reflects on the fleeting nature of life: “I am the specter of a fallen king / Who dreamed of Heaven. / The laugh in the eyes of a girl of nineteen / Who has thought of nothing but her dress.” The juxtaposition of the fallen king and the young girl emphasizes the transience of life, and the importance of living in the present moment. The reference to “Heaven” suggests the speaker’s desire for something beyond this world, while the mention of the girl’s dress suggests the superficiality of societal expectations.
The sixth and final stanza brings the poem full circle, as the speaker reaffirms her commitment to her values and beliefs: “I shall forget you presently, my dear, / So make the most of this, your little day, / Your little month, your little half a year, / Ere I forget, or die, or move away.” Here, the speaker acknowledges the impermanence of life, but also asserts her agency in choosing how to live it. The repetition of “your little” emphasizes the fleeting nature of time, and the need to make the most of every moment.
In terms of literary devices, Modern Declaration makes use of several techniques to convey its message of empowerment and self-discovery. The use of repetition, as noted earlier, emphasizes the speaker’s unwavering commitment to her beliefs and values. The metaphor of the “twig” and the “tree” suggests the lasting impact of early experiences on our lives, while the reference to “crooked feet” and “horrible shapes” suggests the negative impact of societal pressures. The use of gender and sexuality as themes underscores the importance of self-acceptance and self-love, while the reference to mortality emphasizes the need to live in the present moment.
In conclusion, Modern Declaration is a powerful poem that speaks to the heart of every individual who has ever struggled with their identity and place in the world. Through its themes of self-assertion, self-discovery, and self-love, the poem encourages us to be true to ourselves and to live our lives on our own terms. Its use of literary devices such as repetition, metaphor, and theme contribute to its overall message of empowerment and self-realization. As we navigate the complexities of modern life, the words of Edna St. Vincent Millay remind us of the importance of staying true to ourselves and living our lives with purpose and passion.
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