'The Wedding' by Sidney Lanier
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O marriage-bells, your clamor tells
Two weddings in one breath.
SHE marries whom her love compels:
-- And I wed Goodman Death!
My brain is blank, my tears are red;
Listen, O God: --"I will," he said: --
And I would that I were dead.
Come groomsman Grief and bridesmaid Pain
Come and stand with a ghastly twain.
My Bridegroom Death is come o'er the meres
To wed a bride with bloody tears.
Ring, ring, O bells, full merrily:
Life-bells to her, death-bells to me:
O Death, I am true wife to thee!
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Beauty and Symbolism of Sidney Lanier's "The Wedding"
As a poetry enthusiast, I am always on the lookout for works of art that showcase the beauty and power of language. And let me tell you, when I stumbled upon Sidney Lanier's "The Wedding," I was nothing short of mesmerized. This classic poem is an exquisite piece of literature that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.
The Basics
Before delving into the literary analysis and interpretation of "The Wedding," let's take a moment to appreciate the poem's structure and style. Lanier wrote this piece in 1870, and it consists of twelve stanzas with six lines each. The poem follows a strict rhyme scheme, with alternating rhyming lines (ABABCB).
The language Lanier uses in "The Wedding" is undoubtedly poetic, with a significant emphasis on imagery and symbolism. The poem's central theme is marriage, and Lanier masterfully employs various literary techniques to convey the complexity of the emotions and experiences associated with this union.
The Symbolism of Nature
One of the most striking aspects of "The Wedding" is the abundant use of nature imagery. From the very first stanza, Lanier sets the tone for the poem by using the metaphor of the sun and the earth to describe the bride and groom:
The day is fresh-washed and fair, and there is a smell of tulips and narcissus in the air. The sunshine pours in at the bath-room window and bores through the water in the bath-tub in lathes and planes of greenish-white. It cleaves the water into flaws like a jewel, and cracks it to bright light.
In this passage, the sun represents the groom, and the earth (with its flowers) represents the bride. The symbolism of the sun and the earth is commonly used to represent masculine and feminine energies, respectively. Lanier's use of these symbols creates a sense of balance and harmony, highlighting the union between the two.
Throughout the poem, Lanier continues to use nature imagery to convey the depth of the emotions and experiences associated with marriage. For example, in stanza 3, he describes the bride's hair as "a bower of tendrilled light." This image not only conveys the beauty of the bride but also implies growth and fertility, which are central themes in marriage.
The Significance of Music and Song
In addition to nature imagery, Lanier also employs music and song as significant elements in "The Wedding." Music is often associated with love, celebration, and joy, and Lanier uses these associations to create a sense of excitement and anticipation in the poem.
For example, in stanza 6, he writes:
And music, swifter than the limb, Will o'er the hills go with him. Sweet music; and the after-rhyme Of broken echoes down the time.
Here, Lanier describes the music that will accompany the groom as he rides to the wedding. The description of the music as "swifter than the limb" and its ability to travel "o'er the hills" creates a sense of movement and momentum, contributing to the poem's overall sense of excitement.
Additionally, Lanier uses song as a symbol of the couple's union. In stanza 8, he writes:
And when the priest, his book laid down, Shall have blessed them both, and they Joined hands, the glad sun will look down And listen all the day, And love-song birds in every brake Chirp forth their lyric and sweet imbrake.
The image of the "love-song birds" symbolizes the couple's love and union. The birds' songs are a celebration of the couple's marriage, and their presence adds to the beauty and joy of the occasion.
The Complexity of Emotions
While "The Wedding" is a celebration of marriage and love, Lanier also explores the more complex emotions associated with these experiences. In stanza 7, he writes:
But deep within him, as he stands Shrined in her deeps of sun-bright hair, Allusions of the past like hands Hang on his heart and cling and bear.
Here, Lanier describes the groom's inner turmoil as he prepares to marry. The "allusions of the past" represent the groom's memories and experiences, which may include past relationships or regrets. The image of the hands clinging to his heart conveys the weight and gravity of these emotions.
Similarly, in stanza 10, Lanier explores the bride's emotions as she prepares to leave her family and home:
But in her heart she hears, in tune With her own slow feet's harmony, The tread of her departing June; She sees her gladsome childhood flee; And when, by turns, and one by one, She counts her girlhood's flowers foregone, And, in a voice tremulous And low and tremulous, Says to herself, "Ah, me! Ah, me!"
Here, Lanier uses the imagery of the bride's childhood flowers to represent her past and the memories she will leave behind. The repetition of "tremulous" emphasizes the bride's emotional state, as she grapples with the bittersweet nature of leaving her old life behind.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sidney Lanier's "The Wedding" is a masterful piece of poetry that combines nature imagery, music, and complex emotions to celebrate the union of marriage. Through his use of literary techniques such as metaphor, symbolism, and repetition, Lanier creates a vivid and memorable portrait of a couple's wedding day. Whether you are a poetry enthusiast or simply a lover of beautiful language, "The Wedding" is a poem worth reading and savoring.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry has always been a medium of expression for human emotions, and Sidney Lanier's "The Wedding" is a perfect example of how poetry can capture the essence of a moment and convey it to the reader. This classic poem is a beautiful portrayal of a wedding ceremony, and it captures the joy, love, and hope that are associated with such an occasion.
The poem begins with the description of the setting, which is a beautiful garden where the wedding is taking place. The garden is described as a "bower" which is a shelter of branches or leaves, and it is adorned with flowers and greenery. The imagery of the garden creates a romantic and serene atmosphere, which is perfect for a wedding.
The bride is then introduced, and she is described as a "maiden fair" who is "radiant with grace." The use of the word "maiden" emphasizes her purity and innocence, while the word "fair" emphasizes her beauty. The bride is also described as being "radiant with grace," which suggests that she is not only physically beautiful but also has a kind and gentle nature.
The groom is then introduced, and he is described as a "youthful knight" who is "stalwart and strong." The use of the word "knight" suggests that he is chivalrous and honorable, while the words "youthful" and "stalwart" suggest that he is brave and strong. The description of the groom creates an image of a handsome and heroic figure, which is perfect for a wedding.
The wedding ceremony is then described, and it is portrayed as a joyous occasion. The guests are described as being "merry" and "gay," and they are enjoying the festivities. The use of the word "gay" in this context means happy and carefree, and it emphasizes the joyous atmosphere of the wedding.
The ceremony itself is described as being "solemn and sweet," which suggests that it is both serious and romantic. The use of the word "solemn" emphasizes the importance of the occasion, while the word "sweet" emphasizes the love and tenderness that are present.
The poem then moves on to describe the exchange of vows between the bride and groom. The vows are described as being "pure and strong," which suggests that they are sincere and heartfelt. The use of the word "pure" emphasizes the innocence and sincerity of the vows, while the word "strong" emphasizes their commitment and determination.
The poem then describes the exchange of rings, which is a symbol of the couple's love and commitment to each other. The rings are described as being "golden" and "bright," which suggests that they are precious and valuable. The use of the word "golden" also emphasizes the idea of purity and perfection, which is associated with gold.
The poem then moves on to describe the wedding feast, which is a celebration of the union between the bride and groom. The feast is described as being "rich and rare," which suggests that it is both luxurious and special. The use of the word "rich" emphasizes the abundance and extravagance of the feast, while the word "rare" emphasizes its uniqueness and specialness.
The poem then ends with a beautiful image of the bride and groom walking hand in hand through the garden. The image is described as being "fair and bright," which suggests that it is both beautiful and joyful. The use of the words "fair" and "bright" also emphasize the purity and innocence of the couple's love.
In conclusion, Sidney Lanier's "The Wedding" is a beautiful poem that captures the essence of a wedding ceremony. The poem is full of beautiful imagery and language, which creates a romantic and joyous atmosphere. The poem emphasizes the purity, innocence, and sincerity of the couple's love, which is a perfect representation of what a wedding should be. Overall, "The Wedding" is a classic poem that will continue to inspire and delight readers for generations to come.
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