'Old Stoic, The' by Emily Jane Brontë


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Riches I hold in light esteem;
And Love I laugh to scorn;
And lust of fame was but a dream
That vanished with the morn:

And if I pray, the only prayer
That moves my lips for me
Is, "Leave the heart that now I bear,
And give me liberty!"

Yes, as my swift days near their goal,
'Tis all that I implore;
In life and death, a chainless soul,
With courage to endure.

Editor 1 Interpretation

"Old Stoic" by Emily Jane Brontë: A Deep Dive into the Stoic Mindset

Have you ever wondered about the philosophical underpinnings of Emily Brontë's poetry? If so, "Old Stoic" is the perfect place to start. This poem, written by the author at just eighteen years old, provides a glimpse into the stoic mindset that permeated Brontë's worldview. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we'll delve deep into the themes, imagery, and language of "Old Stoic," exploring what it means to be an old stoic and how this philosophy relates to Brontë's life and work.

The Stoic Mindset

But first, let's talk about stoicism. Stoicism was a school of philosophy that emerged in ancient Greece and Rome, and later found renewed interest during the Enlightenment. At its core, stoicism emphasizes the importance of reason, self-control, and detachment from the material world. According to stoic philosophy, the key to a happy life is not to try to avoid pain and suffering, but rather to accept them with equanimity and focus on the things within our control.

The "old stoic" of Brontë's poem embodies these principles. He is someone who has learned to accept his fate with grace, and who finds comfort in the knowledge that his soul will survive beyond his physical body. He is a figure of serenity and wisdom, a contrast to the passionate and tumultuous characters that populate Brontë's novels.

The Language of the Poem

The language of "Old Stoic" is simple and direct, with a rhythmic quality that gives the poem a meditative feel. The poem is written in the first person, with the speaker addressing the old stoic directly. This creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy, as though we are eavesdropping on a private conversation. The use of the present tense also adds to the poem's sense of urgency and immediacy.

The poem opens with the line "Riches I hold in light esteem," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker is not interested in material possessions, but rather in the intangible things that make life worth living. From there, the poem moves on to describe the old stoic's philosophy in more detail. The simple language and lack of punctuation give the poem a flowing, almost stream-of-consciousness feel, as though the speaker is caught up in the rhythm of his own thoughts.

The Imagery of the Poem

One of the most striking things about "Old Stoic" is its use of imagery. The poem is full of vivid descriptions that bring the old stoic's philosophy to life. In the second stanza, for example, the speaker describes how the old stoic "looks on everything as though he was an angel come to visit human things." This image of the old stoic as an otherworldly figure, detached from the concerns of mortals, reinforces the stoic idea of detachment from the material world.

Another powerful image in the poem is that of the "storm-tossed bark" in the third stanza. The old stoic is compared to a sailor who has weathered many storms, but who remains steadfast in the face of adversity. This metaphor highlights the importance of resilience and self-control in stoic philosophy, and reinforces the idea that the old stoic's wisdom comes from his ability to weather the storms of life.

The Theme of Mortality

At its core, "Old Stoic" is a meditation on mortality. The old stoic's detachment from the material world is rooted in his belief that his soul will survive beyond his physical body. He is someone who has come to terms with his own mortality, and who finds comfort in the idea that death is not the end.

This theme of mortality is one that runs through much of Brontë's work, from the doomed love affair of Cathy and Heathcliff in "Wuthering Heights" to the tragic life of Helen Graham in "The Tenant of Wildfell Hall." Brontë was keenly aware of the fragility of life, and "Old Stoic" can be seen as a kind of philosophical response to this awareness.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Old Stoic" is a powerful poem that provides insight into the stoic mindset that was so important to Emily Brontë. Through vivid imagery and simple language, Brontë brings the old stoic's philosophy to life, showing us a way of being that is detached from the material world and focused on the things that truly matter. And while stoicism may not be for everyone, there is something undeniably compelling about the old stoic's quiet wisdom and unshakeable serenity.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Emily Jane Brontë’s poem, “The Old Stoic,” is a powerful and thought-provoking piece that explores the themes of stoicism, mortality, and the human condition. Written in 1846, the poem is a reflection on the stoic philosophy of the ancient Greeks and Romans, which emphasizes the importance of self-control, rationality, and detachment from emotions. In this analysis, we will explore the meaning and significance of “The Old Stoic,” examining its structure, language, and imagery to gain a deeper understanding of Brontë’s message.

The poem is structured in four stanzas, each consisting of four lines. The consistent structure creates a sense of order and control, reflecting the stoic philosophy that emphasizes the importance of rationality and self-control. The poem’s rhyme scheme is also consistent, with the first and third lines of each stanza rhyming with each other, and the second and fourth lines rhyming with each other. This creates a sense of harmony and balance, reinforcing the idea of stoic detachment and control.

The first stanza introduces the titular character, the old stoic, who is described as “rich in the wealth that can never decay.” This wealth is not material, but rather the wisdom and knowledge that comes from a life of experience and contemplation. The old stoic is contrasted with the “young and the gay,” who are described as “fond of the butterfly’s light and the beetle’s play.” This contrast between the old stoic and the young and carefree highlights the stoic philosophy’s emphasis on the importance of self-control and detachment from worldly pleasures.

The second stanza explores the theme of mortality, with the old stoic reflecting on the inevitability of death. He acknowledges that “the world is a grave,” and that all living things must eventually die. However, he also recognizes that death is a natural part of life and that it is not something to be feared. This acceptance of mortality is a key aspect of stoic philosophy, which emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment and accepting things as they are.

The third stanza continues the theme of mortality, with the old stoic reflecting on the fleeting nature of life. He acknowledges that “the moments are passing away,” and that time is constantly slipping away. However, he also recognizes that this impermanence is what gives life its beauty and meaning. This idea is reflected in the poem’s imagery, with the old stoic describing the “rainbow’s lovely form” and the “blossom’s fragrant breath,” both of which are fleeting but beautiful.

The final stanza brings the poem to a close, with the old stoic reflecting on the importance of living a life of purpose and meaning. He acknowledges that life is not always easy, and that there will be times of struggle and pain. However, he also recognizes that these challenges are what give life its depth and richness. The old stoic concludes by stating that he will continue to live his life with “a calm and a steadfast will,” embracing the stoic philosophy of self-control and detachment.

One of the most striking aspects of “The Old Stoic” is its use of imagery. Brontë uses vivid and evocative language to create a sense of beauty and wonder, even in the face of mortality and impermanence. The imagery of the “rainbow’s lovely form” and the “blossom’s fragrant breath” creates a sense of fleeting beauty, while the image of the “world as a grave” creates a sense of mortality and impermanence. These contrasting images create a sense of tension and complexity, reflecting the stoic philosophy’s emphasis on embracing both the beauty and the pain of life.

Another key aspect of the poem is its use of language. Brontë’s language is simple and direct, yet also rich and evocative. The use of repetition, such as the repeated use of the phrase “the old stoic,” creates a sense of emphasis and importance, while the use of alliteration, such as “moments are passing away,” creates a sense of rhythm and musicality. These linguistic devices help to create a sense of depth and complexity, reflecting the stoic philosophy’s emphasis on the importance of contemplation and reflection.

In conclusion, “The Old Stoic” is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the themes of stoicism, mortality, and the human condition. Through its use of structure, language, and imagery, the poem creates a sense of order and control, reflecting the stoic philosophy’s emphasis on rationality and self-control. The poem’s exploration of mortality and impermanence creates a sense of tension and complexity, while its use of vivid and evocative imagery creates a sense of beauty and wonder. Ultimately, “The Old Stoic” is a testament to the power of stoic philosophy, which encourages us to embrace both the beauty and the pain of life, and to live with a calm and steadfast will.

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