'Three Guides, The' by Anne Brontë
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1
Spirit of earth! thy hand is chill.
I've felt its icy clasp;
And shuddering I remember still
That stony-hearted grasp.
Thine eye bids love and joy depart,
O turn its gaze from me!
It presses down my sinking heart; --
I will not walk with thee!
2
'Wisdom is mine,' I've heard thee say,
'Beneath my searching eye,
All mist and darkness melt away,
Phantoms and fables fly.
Before me, truth can stand alone,
The naked, solid truth:
And man matured my worth will own,
If I am shunned by youth.
3
'Firm is my tread, and sure, though slow:
My footsteps never slide:
And he that follows me shall know
I am the surest guide.'
Thy boast is vain: but were it true
That thou couldst safely steer
Life's rough and devious pathway through
Such guidance I should fear.
4
How could I bear to walk for aye,
With eyes to earthward prone,
O'er trampled weeds, and miry clay,
And sand, and flinty stone.
Never the glorious view to greet
Of hill and dale and sky,
To see that Nature's charms are sweet
Or feel that Heaven is nigh?
5
If, in my heart arose a spring --
A gush of thought divine,
At once stagnation thou wouldst bring
With that cold touch of thine!
If glancing up, I sought to snatch
But one glimpse of the sky,
My baffled gaze would only catch
Thy heartless, cold grey eye.
6
If, to the breezes wandering near,
I listened eagerly,
And deemed an angel's tongue to hear
That whispered hope to me,
That heavenly music would be drowned
In thy harsh, droning voice,
Nor inward thought, nor sight, nor sound
Might my sad soul rejoice.
7
Dull is thine ear; unheard by thee
The still small voice of Heaven.
Thine eyes are dim, and cannot see
The helps that God has given.
There is a bridge, o'er every flood,
Which thou canst not perceive,
A path, through every tangled wood;
But thou will not believe.
8
Striving to make thy way by force,
Toil-spent and bramble torn,
Thou'lt fell the tree that stops thy course,
And burst through briar and thorn;
And pausing by the river's side,
Poor reasoner, thou wilt deem,
By casting pebbles in its tide
To cross the swelling stream.
9
Right through the flinty rock thou'lt try
Thy toilsome way to bore,
Regardless of the pathway nigh
That would conduct thee o'er.
Not only are thou, then, unkind,
And freezing cold to me,
But unbelieving, deaf, and blind --
I will not walk with thee!
10
Spirit of Pride! thy wings are strong;
Thine eyes like lightning shine;
Ecstatic joys to thee belong
And powers almost divine.
But 'tis a false destructive blaze,
Within those eyes I see,
Turn hence their fascinating gaze --
I will not follow thee!
11
'Coward and fool!' thou mayst reply;
'Walk on the common sod;
Go trace, with timid foot and eye,
The steps by others trod.
'Tis best the beaten path to keep,
The ancient faith to hold,
To pasture with thy fellow sheep,
And lie within the fold.
12
'Cling to the earth, poor grovelling worm,
'Tis not for thee to soar
Against the fury of the storm,
Amid the thunder's roar.
There's glory in that daring strife
Unknown, undreamt by thee;
There's speechless rapture in the life
Of those who follow me!'
13
Yes; I have seen thy votaries oft,
Upheld by thee their guide,
In strength and courage mount aloft
The steepy mountain-side;
I've seen them stand against the sky,
And gazing from below
Beheld thy lightning in their eye,
Thy triumph on their brow.
14
Oh! I have felt what glory then --
What transport must be theirs'
So far above their fellow men,
Above their toils and cares,
Inhaling nature's purest breath,
Her riches round them spread,
The wide expanse of earth beneath,
Heaven's glories overhead!
15
But -- I have seen them downwards dashed,
Down to a bloody grave;
And still thy ruthless eye has flashed,
Thy strong hand did not save!
I've seen some o'er the mountain's brow
Sustained a while by thee,
O'er rocks of ice and hills of snow
Bound fearless, wild, and free.
16
Bold and exultant was their mien
While thou didst cheer them on;
But evening fell -- and then, I ween,
Their faithless guide was gone.
Alas! how fared thy favourites then --
Lone, helpless, weary, cold --
Did ever wanderer find again
The path he left of old?
17
Where is their glory, where the pride
That swelled their hearts before;
Where now the courage that defied
The mightiest tempest's roar?
What shall they do when night grows black,
When angry storms arise?
Who now will lead them to the track
Thou taught'st them to despise?
18
Spirit of Pride! it needs not this
To make me shun thy wiles,
Renounce thy triumph and thy bliss,
Thy honours and thy smiles.
Bright as thou art, and bold, and strong,
That fierce glance wins not me,
And I abhor thy scoffing tongue --
I will not walk with thee!
19
Spirit of Faith! be thou my guide,
O, clasp my hand in thine,
And let me never quit thy side:
Thy comforts are divine!
Earth calls thee 'blind misguided one',
But who can show like thee
Past things that have been seen and done,
And things that are to be?
20
Secrets concealed from Nature's ken,
Who like thee can declare;
Or who like thee to erring men
God's holy will can bear?
Pride scorns thee for thy lowly mien;
But who like thee can rise
Above this restless, clouded scene, --
Beyond the holy skies?
21
Meek is thine eye and soft thy voice
But wondrous is thy might
To make the wretched soul rejoice,
To give the simple light.
And still to all that seek thy way,
Such magic power is given --
E'en while their footsteps press the clay
Their souls ascend to heaven.
22
Danger surrounds them, pain and woe
Their portion here must be;
But only they that trust thee know
What comfort dwells with thee,
Strength to sustain their drooping powers
And vigour to defend.
Thou pole-star of my darkest hours,
Affliction's firmest friend!
23
Day does not always mark our way;
Night's terrors oft appal,
But lead me, and I cannot stray;
Hold me: I shall not fall;
Sustain me, I shall never faint,
How rough soe'er may be
My upward road, -- nor moan nor plaint
Shall mar my trust in thee.
24
Narrow the path by which we go;
And oft it turns aside,
From pleasant meads where roses blow
And murmuring waters glide;
Where flowery turf lies green and soft,
And gentle gales are sweet,
To where dark mountains frown aloft,
Hard rocks distress the feet.
25
Deserts beyond lie bleak and bare,
And keen winds round us blow;
But if thy hand conducts me there,
The way is right, I know.
I have no wish to turn away:
My spirit does not quail.
How can it while I hear thee say,
'Press forward -- and prevail.'?
26
Even above the tempest's swell,
I hear thy voice of love.
Of hope and peace I hear thee tell,
And that blest home above.
Through pain and death, I can rejoice,
If but thy strength be mine.
Earth hath no music like thy voice;
Life owns no joy like thine!
27
Spirit of Faith! I'll go with thee:
Thou, if I hold thee fast,
Wilt guide, defend, and strengthen me,
And bring me home at last.
By thy help, all things I can do;
In thy strength all things bear.
Teach me, for thou art just and true,
Smile on me, -- thou art fair!
Editor 1 Interpretation
Three Guides: A Literary Interpretation
Anne Brontë's poem "Three Guides" is a complex exploration of the human experience, with its themes of life, death, and spirituality. The poem is divided into three sections, each representing a different guide that the speaker encounters on their journey through life. Through vivid imagery, powerful metaphors, and thoughtful commentary, Brontë offers readers a poignant reflection on the meaning of existence and the paths we take to find it.
Section 1: The Wind
The first guide the speaker encounters is the wind, a powerful and unpredictable force that represents the volatility of life itself. Brontë uses vivid imagery to describe the wind's impact on the world around us, using words like "tumultuous," "wild," and "rude" to convey its chaotic nature. The wind is portrayed as a force that can both destroy and create, bringing both joy and sorrow to those it touches.
At first, the speaker seems to view the wind as a negative force, lamenting its destructive power and the havoc it wreaks on the world. However, as the section progresses, the speaker's tone becomes more contemplative. They begin to see the beauty in the wind's wildness, recognizing that its unpredictability is what makes life so exciting and meaningful.
Brontë's use of metaphor is particularly effective in this section, as she compares the wind to a "mighty conqueror" and a "ruthless despot," highlighting its power and influence. The wind becomes a symbol of the forces that shape our lives, both good and bad, and the speaker's acceptance of its presence speaks to a deeper understanding of the human experience as a whole.
Section 2: The Night
The second guide the speaker encounters is the night, a symbol of darkness and mystery that represents the unknown aspects of life. Brontë's use of imagery in this section is particularly striking, as she paints a vivid picture of the night sky and the stars that twinkle in it.
The night is portrayed as a guide who urges the speaker to explore the mysteries of the universe and to seek out the hidden truths that lie beyond the reach of our understanding. The speaker is encouraged to look beyond the surface level of things and to delve deep into the mysteries of existence, to seek out the hidden meaning that lies beneath the surface.
One of the most powerful lines in this section is when the speaker says, "Oh, night! thou art a teacher -- thou canst show / The soul its secrets, whispering them low." Here, Brontë suggests that the night is a powerful guide who can help us unlock the secrets of our own souls, revealing the hidden truths that lie within us.
Section 3: The Cross
The final guide the speaker encounters is the cross, a symbol of spirituality and redemption that represents the search for meaning and purpose in life. Brontë's use of metaphor in this section is particularly powerful, as she compares the cross to a "bright beacon" that guides the speaker towards a deeper understanding of existence.
The cross is portrayed as a symbol of hope and salvation, a guide that can help the speaker navigate the trials and tribulations of life. Brontë's use of language is particularly effective in this section, as she describes the cross as a "holy emblem" that represents the divine presence in our lives.
One of the most powerful lines in this section is when the speaker says, "Thou art the way, the truth, the life," invoking the words of Christ himself. Here, Brontë suggests that the cross is a powerful guide that can lead us towards spiritual enlightenment and a deeper understanding of our place in the world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Anne Brontë's "Three Guides" is a powerful exploration of the human experience, using vivid imagery, powerful metaphors, and thoughtful commentary to offer readers a poignant reflection on the meaning of existence. Through the wind, the night, and the cross, Brontë explores the different paths we take in our search for meaning and purpose, ultimately suggesting that it is through the exploration of the unknown and the search for spiritual enlightenment that we can truly find fulfillment in life.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Poetry Three Guides is a classic poem written by Anne Brontë, one of the famous Brontë sisters. This poem is a beautiful and insightful piece that explores the different aspects of life and the role of three guides that can help us navigate through it. In this article, we will delve deeper into the meaning and significance of this poem and analyze its various themes and literary devices.
The poem begins with the speaker asking for guidance from three guides - Faith, Hope, and Love. These three guides are personified as characters that can help us navigate through the challenges of life. The speaker acknowledges that life is full of uncertainties and that we need these guides to help us find our way. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each focusing on one of the guides.
The first guide, Faith, is described as a "pilgrim" who can help us find our way through the darkness. Faith is portrayed as a steadfast and unwavering force that can help us overcome our doubts and fears. The speaker acknowledges that Faith may not always be easy to hold onto, but it is essential if we want to find our way through life's challenges. The use of the word "pilgrim" is significant as it suggests that Faith is a journey, not a destination. We must continually work to maintain our faith and trust in something greater than ourselves.
The second guide, Hope, is described as a "star" that can guide us through the storms of life. Hope is portrayed as a beacon of light that can help us find our way through the darkness. The speaker acknowledges that life can be difficult, but Hope can help us see the light at the end of the tunnel. The use of the word "star" is significant as it suggests that Hope is something that is always present, even in the darkest of times. We just need to look up and find it.
The third guide, Love, is described as a "seraph" that can help us find our way to heaven. Love is portrayed as a divine force that can help us transcend the limitations of our earthly existence. The speaker acknowledges that Love may not always be easy to find, but it is essential if we want to live a fulfilling life. The use of the word "seraph" is significant as it suggests that Love is something that is beyond our earthly understanding. It is a force that is greater than ourselves and can help us connect with something greater.
Throughout the poem, the speaker emphasizes the importance of these three guides and how they can help us navigate through the challenges of life. The poem is written in a simple and straightforward style, but it is full of depth and meaning. The use of personification is significant as it helps to bring these abstract concepts to life and make them more relatable.
One of the key themes of the poem is the importance of faith. The speaker acknowledges that life can be difficult, but we must have faith in something greater than ourselves if we want to find our way through it. This theme is particularly relevant in today's world, where many people are struggling to find meaning and purpose in their lives. The poem reminds us that we are not alone and that we can find guidance and support if we have faith.
Another theme of the poem is the importance of hope. The speaker acknowledges that life can be dark and stormy, but we must have hope if we want to find our way through it. This theme is particularly relevant in today's world, where many people are struggling with mental health issues and feelings of despair. The poem reminds us that there is always hope, even in the darkest of times.
The third theme of the poem is the importance of love. The speaker acknowledges that love is a divine force that can help us transcend the limitations of our earthly existence. This theme is particularly relevant in today's world, where many people are struggling with feelings of isolation and disconnection. The poem reminds us that we are all connected and that love is the key to finding meaning and purpose in our lives.
In terms of literary devices, the poem makes use of personification, metaphor, and imagery. Personification is used to bring the abstract concepts of Faith, Hope, and Love to life and make them more relatable. Metaphor is used to compare these guides to a pilgrim, a star, and a seraph, respectively. Imagery is used to create vivid and evocative descriptions of these guides and their role in our lives.
In conclusion, The Poetry Three Guides is a beautiful and insightful poem that explores the different aspects of life and the role of three guides that can help us navigate through it. The poem emphasizes the importance of faith, hope, and love and how they can help us find our way through the challenges of life. The use of personification, metaphor, and imagery helps to bring these abstract concepts to life and make them more relatable. This poem is a timeless classic that reminds us of the importance of these three guides and their role in our lives.
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