'Thoughts On The Shape Of The Human Body' by Rupert Brooke
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How can we find? how can we rest? how can
We, being gods, win joy, or peace, being man?
We, the gaunt zanies of a witless Fate,
Who love the unloving and lover hate,
Forget the moment ere the moment slips,
Kiss with blind lips that seek beyond the lips,
Who want, and know not what we want, and cry
With crooked mouths for Heaven, and throw it by.
Love's for completeness!No perfection grows
'Twixt leg, and arm, elbow, and ear, and nose,
And joint, and socket; but unsatisfied
Sprawling desires, shapeless, perverse, denied.
Finger with finger wreathes; we love, and gape,
Fantastic shape to mazed fantastic shape,
Straggling, irregular, perplexed, embossed,
Grotesquely twined, extravagantly lost
By crescive paths and strange protuberant ways
From sanity and from wholeness and from grace.
How can love triumph, how can solace be,
Where fever turns toward fever, knee toward knee?
Could we but fill to harmony, and dwell
Simple as our thought and as perfectible,
Rise disentangled from humanity
Strange whole and new into simplicity,
Grow to a radiant round love, and bear
Unfluctuant passion for some perfect sphere,
Love moon to moon unquestioning, and be
Like the star Lunisequa, steadfastly
Following the round clear orb of her delight,
Patiently ever, through the eternal night!
Editor 1 Interpretation
Introduction
Let me take you through the beauty of Rupert Brooke's Thoughts On The Shape Of The Human Body. When I first read this poem, I was captivated by the way Brooke describes the human form with such vivid imagery and how he portrays it as the pinnacle of creation. But as I delved deeper, I realized that this poem is about much more than just the physical appearance of the human body. It is an exploration of our mortality and how we come to terms with it. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will be analyzing the themes, language, structure, and symbolism used in this poem.
Themes
One of the most prominent themes of Thoughts On The Shape Of The Human Body is the idea of mortality. Brooke recognizes that the human body is a temporary vessel for the soul and that it will eventually decay and return to dust. He describes the body as a "house of mirth," which is a metaphor for the transience of life. The poem also suggests that we should not be afraid of death but should instead embrace it as a natural part of life.
Another theme that runs throughout the poem is the idea of beauty. Brooke sees the human body as the most beautiful creation in the world and describes it with stunning imagery. He uses phrases like "the slender, delicate curve of the waist" and "the ivory and rose of the shoulder" to create an image of perfection. Brooke also suggests that beauty is not just skin deep, but is a reflection of one's inner self. He writes, "The beauty of the soul shines out when a man bears with composure one heavy mischance after another."
Language
Brooke's use of language in Thoughts On The Shape Of The Human Body is evocative and sensual. He uses vivid imagery to bring the human form to life. He describes the "rippling muscles of the thigh" and the "tremulous, struggling of the feet" to create a sense of movement and vitality. Brooke's language is also very tactile, with phrases like "soft as the velvet of the rose" and "smooth as the polished ivory." This language creates a sensory experience for the reader, allowing them to almost feel the body that Brooke is describing.
Structure
The structure of Thoughts On The Shape Of The Human Body is free verse, with no set rhyme or meter. This allows Brooke to be more flexible with his language and imagery. The poem is broken up into several sections, each of which describes a different aspect of the human body. This structure allows the poem to flow organically, almost like a journey through the different parts of the body.
Symbolism
Brooke uses several symbols throughout Thoughts On The Shape Of The Human Body to convey deeper meanings. The most prominent of these symbols is the body itself. Brooke uses the body as a symbol for life, mortality, and beauty. He suggests that the body is a vessel for the soul and that it is through the body that we experience life's joys and sorrows.
Another symbol used in the poem is that of the rose. Brooke describes the body as having the beauty of a rose and the fragility of its petals. This comparison suggests that, like the rose, the body is a delicate and fleeting thing, but one that is also capable of great beauty.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Thoughts On The Shape Of The Human Body is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that explores the themes of mortality, beauty, and the human form. Brooke's use of language and imagery is evocative and sensual, creating a sensory experience for the reader. The structure of the poem allows for a natural flow, almost like a journey through the different parts of the body. Brooke's use of symbols adds depth and meaning to the poem, allowing for a deeper exploration of its themes. Overall, Thoughts On The Shape Of The Human Body is a timeless masterpiece that celebrates the beauty and fragility of life.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Thoughts On The Shape Of The Human Body: A Masterpiece by Rupert Brooke
Rupert Brooke, a renowned English poet, wrote the classic poem "Thoughts On The Shape Of The Human Body" in 1913. The poem is a beautiful ode to the human body, exploring its shape, form, and beauty. It is a masterpiece that captures the essence of human anatomy and celebrates the beauty of the human form.
The poem is divided into three stanzas, each exploring a different aspect of the human body. The first stanza focuses on the physical shape of the body, describing it as "a thing of shapely beauty." Brooke marvels at the curves and contours of the body, describing it as "a miracle of moving loveliness." He compares the body to a work of art, saying that it is "a thing of beauty that is a joy forever."
The second stanza delves deeper into the human body, exploring its inner workings and the complexity of its systems. Brooke describes the body as "a temple of the soul," highlighting the spiritual aspect of the human form. He marvels at the intricacy of the body's organs, describing them as "a thousand wonders in one frame." He also acknowledges the fragility of the body, saying that it is "a thing of frailty and of fear."
The third and final stanza of the poem is a reflection on the mortality of the human body. Brooke acknowledges that the body is temporary and will eventually decay, but he also celebrates the beauty of life and the joy that comes from experiencing it. He says that "the body's beauty fades, but the soul's beauty lasts forever." He encourages the reader to embrace life and to appreciate the beauty of the human form while it lasts.
The poem is a testament to the beauty of the human body and the wonder of life. Brooke's use of language is masterful, and his descriptions of the body are both vivid and poetic. He uses metaphors and imagery to bring the body to life, describing it as a "miracle," a "temple," and a "thing of beauty."
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its celebration of the human form, regardless of its imperfections. Brooke acknowledges that the body is not perfect, but he still finds beauty in its flaws. He says that "the body's beauty is not in its symmetry, but in its imperfection." This message is particularly relevant in today's society, where there is so much pressure to conform to a certain standard of beauty. Brooke's poem reminds us that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, and that imperfection can be just as beautiful as perfection.
Another notable aspect of the poem is its spiritual undertones. Brooke describes the body as a "temple of the soul," highlighting the connection between the physical and spiritual aspects of the human form. He acknowledges the fragility of the body, but also celebrates its resilience and the joy that comes from experiencing life. This message is particularly poignant in today's world, where there is so much focus on material possessions and superficial pleasures. Brooke's poem reminds us that true joy comes from within, and that the beauty of the human form is a reflection of the beauty of the soul.
In conclusion, Rupert Brooke's "Thoughts On The Shape Of The Human Body" is a masterpiece of poetry that celebrates the beauty of the human form. The poem is a testament to the wonder of life and the beauty of the physical and spiritual aspects of the human body. Brooke's use of language is masterful, and his descriptions of the body are both vivid and poetic. The poem is a reminder that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, and that imperfection can be just as beautiful as perfection. It is a timeless work of art that will continue to inspire and delight readers for generations to come.
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