'My Shadow' by Robert Louis Stevenson
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From Child's Garden of Verses
I have a little shadow that goes in and out with me,
And what can be the use of him is more than I can see.
He is very, very like me from the heels up to the head;
And I see him jump before me, when I jump into my bed.
The funniest thing about him is the way he likes to grow--
Not at all like proper children, which is always very slow;
For he sometimes shoots up taller like an india-rubber ball,
And he sometimes goes so little that there's none of him at all.
He hasn't got a notion of how children ought to play,
And can only make a fool of me in every sort of way.
He stays so close behind me, he's a coward you can see;
I'd think shame to stick to nursie as that shadow sticks to me!
One morning, very early, before the sun was up,
I rose and found the shining dew on every buttercup;
But my lazy little shadow, like an arrant sleepy-head,
Had stayed at home behind me and was fast asleep in bed.
Editor 1 Interpretation
"My Shadow" by Robert Louis Stevenson: A Literary Criticism
Wow, what a poem! "My Shadow" by Robert Louis Stevenson is a short and simple poem, but it is also a powerful one. It speaks to something deep within us, something primal and universal. In this literary criticism, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language of "My Shadow" and try to understand what makes it such a timeless classic.
Background and Context
Robert Louis Stevenson was a Scottish author who lived from 1850 to 1894. He is best known for his novels, such as "Treasure Island" and "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde," but he also wrote poetry throughout his life. "My Shadow" was first published in his collection "A Child's Garden of Verses" in 1885. The collection is a series of poems about childhood experiences and emotions, and it has become a beloved classic of children's literature.
"My Shadow" is a very simple poem, but it is also a very powerful one. It speaks to something deep within us, something primal and universal.
Themes
The main theme of "My Shadow" is the duality of human nature. The poem explores the idea that every person has a shadow, and that this shadow is a part of them that they cannot escape. The shadow is always there, following them around, but it is also separate from them. The poem suggests that the shadow represents the darker, more mysterious aspects of our personalities, the parts of ourselves that we don't fully understand or control.
Another theme of the poem is the idea of self-discovery. The speaker of the poem is a child who is just beginning to understand the world around them. They are fascinated by their shadow and want to know more about it. The shadow becomes a symbol of the child's own curiosity and desire for knowledge.
Imagery
The imagery of "My Shadow" is simple but powerful. The poem describes the shadow as "long and black," with "knobby knees" and "pointed hat." These images help to create a vivid picture of the shadow in the reader's mind. The shadow is personified, given human-like qualities that make it seem almost like a separate being.
The poem also uses imagery of light and darkness to create a sense of mystery and uncertainty. The shadow is always there, lurking in the darkness, but it is also dependent on the light. Without light, there can be no shadow. This creates a sense of unease, as if the shadow is something that can never be fully understood or controlled.
Language
The language of "My Shadow" is simple and straightforward, but it is also very effective. The poem is written in iambic tetrameter, which gives it a steady and rhythmic flow. The rhyme scheme is AABB, which also adds to the poem's sense of order and structure.
The language of the poem is also very visual. The descriptions of the shadow and its movements help to create a picture in the reader's mind. For example, the poem describes the shadow as "measuring the steps I take" and "slipping in behind me." These phrases help to create a sense of movement and action, even though the poem is just describing a shadow.
Interpretation
So, what does "My Shadow" mean? At its core, the poem is about the human condition. It is about the fact that we all have a shadow, a part of ourselves that we cannot escape. This shadow represents the darker, more mysterious aspects of our personalities, the parts of ourselves that we don't fully understand or control.
The poem suggests that this shadow is always with us, following us around, but it is also separate from us. We cannot control it, but we can learn to accept it and even embrace it. This idea of self-acceptance is a powerful one, and it is something that we can all relate to.
The poem is also about self-discovery. The speaker of the poem is a child who is just beginning to understand the world around them. They are fascinated by their shadow and want to know more about it. This curiosity and desire for knowledge is something that we can all relate to, no matter our age.
Finally, the poem is about the mystery and uncertainty of life. The shadow represents the unknown, the parts of ourselves that we cannot fully understand. The poem suggests that we should not be afraid of this mystery, but embrace it and explore it. This is a powerful message, and it speaks to the human desire for understanding and meaning.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "My Shadow" by Robert Louis Stevenson is a timeless classic of poetry. It speaks to something deep within us, something primal and universal. The poem explores the themes of duality, self-discovery, and mystery, using vivid imagery and simple but effective language. It is a poem that has something to say to all of us, no matter our age or background. If you have not read "My Shadow" before, I encourage you to do so. It is a poem that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry My Shadow: A Classic Tale of Self-Discovery
Robert Louis Stevenson's poem "My Shadow" is a timeless classic that has captured the hearts of readers for generations. The poem is a simple yet profound exploration of the human psyche, and it speaks to the universal experience of self-discovery. In this article, we will take a closer look at the poem and explore its themes, symbolism, and literary devices.
The poem begins with the speaker introducing his shadow, which he describes as a constant companion that follows him wherever he goes. The shadow is personified as a separate entity, with its own will and desires. The speaker notes that his shadow is always with him, even when he is alone, and that it mimics his every move.
The shadow, in this context, can be seen as a metaphor for the unconscious mind. It is a part of the speaker that he is not fully aware of, yet it is always present and influencing his actions. The shadow is also a symbol of the speaker's innermost desires and fears, which he may not be fully conscious of.
As the poem progresses, the speaker begins to question the nature of his shadow. He wonders if it has a life of its own, or if it is simply a reflection of himself. He notes that his shadow is sometimes larger or smaller than he is, depending on the position of the sun. This observation can be seen as a metaphor for the changing nature of the self, which is influenced by external factors such as time and circumstance.
The speaker also notes that his shadow can be frightening at times, especially when it appears to be larger than he is. This fear can be seen as a reflection of the speaker's own insecurities and doubts. The shadow represents the parts of himself that he is afraid to confront, and the fear he feels is a result of his own internal struggles.
As the poem comes to a close, the speaker reflects on the nature of his shadow and what it represents. He notes that his shadow is always with him, even in the darkest of times. He realizes that his shadow is a part of him, and that he cannot escape it. However, he also recognizes that his shadow is not something to be feared, but rather something to be embraced.
The final lines of the poem are particularly powerful: "And when I'm very good and kind / I'll slip away and leave it behind." This statement can be seen as a metaphor for the process of self-discovery. The speaker realizes that he must confront his shadow and come to terms with his innermost desires and fears in order to move forward. Only then can he leave his shadow behind and become the best version of himself.
In terms of literary devices, Stevenson employs a number of techniques to convey the themes of the poem. The use of personification, for example, gives the shadow a sense of agency and autonomy. The shadow is not simply a passive reflection of the speaker, but rather a separate entity with its own desires and motivations.
Stevenson also uses imagery to great effect in the poem. The image of the shadow as a constant companion is particularly powerful, as it conveys the idea that our innermost selves are always with us, even when we are alone. The changing size of the shadow also serves as a powerful metaphor for the changing nature of the self.
Finally, the poem's structure is worth noting. The poem is written in quatrains, with a consistent rhyme scheme (ABAB). This structure gives the poem a sense of order and symmetry, which contrasts with the chaotic nature of the shadow. The use of a consistent rhyme scheme also gives the poem a sense of musicality, which adds to its emotional impact.
In conclusion, "My Shadow" is a classic poem that speaks to the universal experience of self-discovery. Through the use of powerful imagery, metaphor, and literary devices, Stevenson conveys the idea that our innermost selves are always with us, and that we must confront our fears and desires in order to become the best version of ourselves. The poem is a timeless reminder that the journey of self-discovery is a lifelong process, and that we must embrace all aspects of ourselves in order to truly thrive.
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