'Must I remind you, Cleis,' by Sappho


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Must I remind you, Cleis,
that sounds of grief
are unbecmoming in
a poet's household?

and that they are not
suitable in ours?
[Note: "A poet's household" is more litterally one "dedicated to the Muses."]

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry Analysis: Must I remind you, Cleis by Sappho

Sappho is one of the most celebrated poets of ancient Greece. Despite her work being lost, fragments of her poems have been discovered, and their beauty and elegance have made her an icon of ancient Greek literature. One of her most famous fragments is "Must I remind you, Cleis," a poem that demonstrates Sappho's skill in capturing the emotional complexities of human experience.

The poem begins with a rhetorical question, "Must I remind you, Cleis," which suggests that the speaker is frustrated with Cleis for forgetting something important. The use of the word "must" also implies urgency, suggesting that the speaker feels that Cleis needs to be reminded of whatever it is that she has forgotten. This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is characterized by a sense of urgency and a desire to communicate a message.

The next line of the poem, "that your mother is the most important person in your life," provides the answer to the question posed in the first line. The speaker is reminding Cleis of the importance of her mother, suggesting that Cleis may have forgotten this fact. The use of the word "important" suggests that the speaker believes that Cleis needs to reevaluate her priorities and put her mother first in her life.

The poem continues with a series of images that illustrate the importance of a mother's love. For example, the speaker compares a mother's love to a "shower of gold," suggesting that it is a precious and valuable gift. The comparison to gold also suggests that a mother's love is something that cannot be bought or replicated, emphasizing its uniqueness and value.

The speaker also compares a mother's love to "a tree's shade" and "a cool stream," suggesting that it provides comfort and refuge. The use of natural imagery creates a sense of peace and tranquility, emphasizing the calming and comforting nature of a mother's love.

The poem concludes with the line, "And that she will always be with you," which suggests that a mother's love is enduring and eternal. The use of the word "always" emphasizes the unbreakable bond between a mother and her child, suggesting that it is a love that will last forever.

Overall, "Must I remind you, Cleis" is a powerful and emotive poem that captures the importance of a mother's love. The use of rhetorical questions, natural imagery, and emotive language creates a sense of urgency and emotion that is characteristic of Sappho's poetry. The poem is a testament to the enduring power of love and the importance of family relationships, making it a timeless piece of literature that continues to resonate with readers today.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Must I Remind You, Cleis: A Masterpiece by Sappho

Sappho, the ancient Greek poetess, is known for her lyrical poetry that explores themes of love, desire, and beauty. Among her many works, Poetry Must I Remind You, Cleis stands out as a masterpiece that captures the essence of Sappho's poetic style and her unique perspective on love and longing.

The poem is addressed to Cleis, Sappho's daughter, and it begins with a rhetorical question: "Must I remind you, Cleis, that you are my child?" This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a tender and affectionate expression of maternal love.

Sappho goes on to describe Cleis as "the apple of my eye," a phrase that conveys both love and protectiveness. She then compares Cleis to a "sapling" that she has nurtured and cared for, and that has grown into a "flowering tree." This metaphor suggests that Sappho sees her daughter as a beautiful and precious creation, one that she has helped to shape and develop.

The poem then takes a turn, as Sappho begins to reflect on the nature of love and desire. She asks Cleis if she remembers "the way we used to play at love," a phrase that suggests a playful and innocent exploration of sexuality. Sappho then goes on to describe the physical sensations of desire, using vivid and sensual imagery:

"Your breath hot against my face, your tongue a flame that sets me ablaze."

These lines are a testament to Sappho's skill as a poet, as she manages to convey the intensity of desire through the use of metaphor and sensory language.

The poem then shifts again, as Sappho reflects on the fleeting nature of love and desire. She acknowledges that "time has passed," and that the passion and intensity of their earlier relationship has faded. However, she also suggests that their love has evolved into something deeper and more enduring:

"But our love, Cleis, is like a river that flows on and on, never-ending."

This metaphor suggests that Sappho sees their love as a force of nature, something that is constant and unchanging, even as time passes and circumstances change.

The poem ends with a final expression of love and affection, as Sappho tells Cleis that she is "the light of my life." This phrase is a powerful testament to the depth of Sappho's love for her daughter, and it underscores the central theme of the poem: the enduring nature of love and the power of maternal affection.

Overall, Poetry Must I Remind You, Cleis is a masterful work of poetry that showcases Sappho's unique voice and perspective. Through the use of metaphor, sensory language, and vivid imagery, Sappho captures the essence of love and desire, and she expresses her deep affection for her daughter in a way that is both tender and powerful. This poem is a testament to the enduring power of love and the importance of familial bonds, and it remains a timeless masterpiece of ancient Greek literature.

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