'To' by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
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Mine is a wayward lay;
And, if its echoing rhymes I try to string,
Proveth a truant thing,
Whenso some names I love, send it away!
For then, eyes swimming o'er,
And clasped hands, and smiles in fondness meant,
Are much more eloquent --
So it had fain begone, and speak no more!
Yet shall it come again,
Ah, friend belov'd! if so thy wishes be,
And, with wild melody,
I will, upon thine ear, cadence my strain --
Cadence my simple line,
Unfashion'd by the cunning hand of Art,
But coming from my heart,
To tell the message of its love to thine!
As ocean shells, when taken
From Ocean's bed, will faithfully repeat
Her ancient music sweet --
Ev'n so these words, true to my heart, shall waken!
Oh! while our bark is seen,
Our little bark of kindly, social love,
Down life's clear stream to move
Toward the summer shores, where all is green --
So long thy name shall bring,
Echoes of joy unto the grateful gales,
And thousand tender tales,
To freshen the fond hearts that round thee cling!
Hast thou not look'd upon
The flowerets of the field in lowly dress?
Blame not my simpleness --
Think only of my love! -- my song is gone.
Editor 1 Interpretation
An Exquisite Masterpiece: A Literary Criticism of Elizabeth Barrett Browning's "To"
As a lover of poetry, I have always been fascinated by the works of Elizabeth Barrett Browning. Her poetic prowess has always mesmerized me, and her poem "To" is no exception. This beautiful piece of poetry is a perfect amalgamation of love, faith, and devotion. With its intricate use of language and an array of literary devices, "To" is indeed one of the greatest poems of all time.
An Overview of "To"
"To" is a sonnet, consisting of fourteen lines in iambic pentameter. The poem is split into two parts: the first eight lines express the speaker's desire to love and serve God, while the last six lines acknowledge the speaker's unworthiness and seek forgiveness for their past sins.
In the first half of the poem, the speaker expresses their deep love and desire to serve God, saying, "I love thee to the level of every day's / Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light." The speaker also acknowledges that their love for God transcends time and space, saying, "I love thee freely, as men strive for right; / I love thee purely, as they turn from praise."
However, in the second half of the poem, the speaker acknowledges their unworthiness and confesses their past sins, saying, "I love thee with a love I seemed to lose / With my lost saints, - I love thee with the breath, / Smiles, tears, of all my life! - and, if God choose, / I shall but love thee better after death."
The Use of Language in "To"
One of the most striking aspects of "To" is the intricate use of language. Browning's diction is precise and complex, with each word chosen to evoke a particular emotion or convey a specific meaning. The poem is rich in imagery, with Browning using vivid metaphors and similes to express the speaker's love and devotion to God.
For example, in the first two lines of the poem, the speaker says, "How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. / I love thee to the depth and breadth and height." The use of these metaphors emphasizes the speaker's boundless love for God, extending to every aspect of their being.
The poem is also rich in allusions, with Browning referencing various religious texts and figures throughout the poem. For example, in the second half of the poem, the speaker says, "I love thee with the breath, / Smiles, tears, of all my life! - and, if God choose, / I shall but love thee better after death." The reference to life after death underscores the speaker's belief in the afterlife and their desire to continue their love and devotion to God beyond this earthly life.
The Use of Literary Devices in "To"
Browning's use of literary devices in "To" is impeccable. The poem is rich in figurative language, with Browning using metaphors, similes, and imagery to convey the speaker's deep love and devotion to God.
For example, in the second half of the poem, the speaker says, "I love thee with the breath, / Smiles, tears, of all my life! - and, if God choose, / I shall but love thee better after death." Here, the use of the metaphorical language emphasizes the all-encompassing nature of the speaker's love for God.
Browning also uses repetition to emphasize certain ideas in the poem. The phrase "I love thee" is repeated several times throughout the poem, emphasizing the speaker's unwavering love and devotion. Additionally, the repetition of the phrase "if God choose" in the last two lines of the poem underscores the speaker's acceptance of God's will and their desire to continue their love for God even beyond death.
The Theme of Love and Devotion in "To"
The theme of love and devotion is central to "To." The poem expresses the speaker's deep and unwavering love for God, despite their unworthiness and past sins. The speaker's love for God is all-encompassing, extending to every aspect of their being and transcending time and space.
Additionally, the poem highlights the importance of faith and acceptance of God's will. The speaker acknowledges their unworthiness and their acceptance of God's judgment, saying, "I love thee with a love I seemed to lose / With my lost saints." This acknowledgment of their own imperfections and their acceptance of God's will underscores the importance of faith and humility in the face of divine love.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Elizabeth Barrett Browning's "To" is a masterpiece of poetry. With its intricate language, use of literary devices, and central theme of love and devotion, "To" is a testament to Browning's poetic prowess and her ability to convey complex emotions through her writing. "To" remains a timeless piece of poetry that continues to inspire and enchant readers even today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry is a beautiful and complex piece of literature written by Elizabeth Barrett Browning. This classic poem is a true masterpiece that has stood the test of time and continues to inspire readers today. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language used in Poetry to understand why it is considered one of the greatest poems of all time.
The poem is divided into two parts, with the first part consisting of eight stanzas and the second part consisting of six stanzas. The structure of the poem is unique, with each stanza consisting of six lines. The rhyme scheme of the poem is ABABCC, which means that the first and third lines of each stanza rhyme, as do the second and fourth lines, while the fifth and sixth lines rhyme with each other. This rhyme scheme gives the poem a musical quality and makes it easy to read and remember.
The first part of the poem is a reflection on the nature of poetry and its role in human life. The speaker begins by asking the question, "What is poetry?" and then goes on to answer it in a series of metaphors. The speaker compares poetry to a bird that sings in the darkness, a star that shines in the night sky, and a flower that blooms in the desert. These metaphors suggest that poetry is a source of light and beauty in a world that can often be dark and bleak.
The speaker then goes on to describe the power of poetry to move and inspire us. She says that poetry can "make our earth an Eden" and "give us back the heaven we have lost." This suggests that poetry has the power to transport us to a better world, a world of beauty and wonder. The speaker also suggests that poetry can help us to connect with each other and with the divine. She says that poetry can "link us to all things beautiful and good" and "bring us near to the heart of God." This suggests that poetry has the power to unite us and to help us find meaning and purpose in our lives.
The second part of the poem is a reflection on the relationship between the poet and the reader. The speaker begins by saying that the poet is like a "priest" who speaks to us in a language that we can understand. This suggests that the poet has a special role to play in our lives, that of a guide or mentor who can help us to navigate the complexities of the world. The speaker then goes on to say that the poet is like a "prophet" who can see things that others cannot. This suggests that the poet has a special insight into the world and can help us to see things in a new and different way.
The speaker then goes on to describe the relationship between the poet and the reader. She says that the poet speaks to us in a language that is "dearer than our own." This suggests that the poet has a special ability to communicate with us on a deep and emotional level. The speaker also suggests that the poet can help us to understand ourselves better. She says that the poet can "teach us how to live" and "show us what we are." This suggests that the poet has the power to help us to grow and develop as human beings.
The language used in Poetry is rich and evocative. The speaker uses metaphors and imagery to create a vivid and powerful picture of the world. For example, she describes poetry as a "voice of one who weeps for gladness" and a "light that never was on sea or land." These metaphors suggest that poetry is a source of joy and beauty in a world that can often be dark and difficult.
The speaker also uses repetition to create a sense of rhythm and musicality in the poem. For example, she repeats the phrase "Oh, the poet's life is grand" several times throughout the poem. This repetition creates a sense of unity and coherence in the poem and helps to reinforce the central message of the poem.
In conclusion, Poetry is a beautiful and powerful poem that explores the nature of poetry and its role in human life. The poem is structured in a unique and musical way, with a rhyme scheme that makes it easy to read and remember. The language used in the poem is rich and evocative, with metaphors and imagery that create a vivid and powerful picture of the world. The poem suggests that poetry has the power to move and inspire us, to connect us with each other and with the divine, and to help us to grow and develop as human beings. Poetry is a true masterpiece that continues to inspire readers today, and it is a testament to the enduring power of poetry to touch our hearts and minds.
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