'To My Excellent Lucasia, On Our Friendship' by Katherine Philips

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1664I did not live until this time
Crown'd my felicity,
When I could say without a crime,
I am not thine, but thee.This carcass breath'd, and walkt, and slept,
So that the world believe'd
There was a soul the motions kept;
But they were all deceiv'd.For as a watch by art is wound
To motion, such was mine:
But never had Orinda found
A soul till she found thine;Which now inspires, cures and supplies,
And guides my darkened breast:
For thou art all that I can prize,
My joy, my life, my rest.No bridegroom's nor crown-conqueror's mirth
To mine compar'd can be:
They have but pieces of the earth,
I've all the world in thee.Then let our flames still light and shine,
And no false fear controul,
As innocent as our design,
Immortal as our soul.

Editor 1 Interpretation

To My Excellent Lucasia, On Our Friendship: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Introduction

"To My Excellent Lucasia, On Our Friendship" is a sonnet written by Katherine Philips, one of the most prominent female poets of the 17th century. The poem is a celebration of friendship between two women, Lucasia and Philips.

Philips, also known as "The Matchless Orinda," was a member of the intellectual group known as the "Society of Friendship," which included poets, playwrights, and intellectuals. Philips' poem is a fitting tribute to the bond of friendship that existed between her and Lucasia.

Analysis

The poem consists of fourteen lines, following the traditional form of a sonnet. It is written in iambic pentameter, with each line consisting of ten syllables. The rhyme scheme is ABAB CDCD EFEF GG, with the final couplet providing a resolution to the poem.

Lines 1-4

The poem begins with a declaration of the poet's devotion to her friend:

I did not live until this time
Crowned my felicity,
When I could say without a crime,
I am not thine, but thee.

The first line establishes the idea of time, suggesting that the poet's life did not have meaning until she met her friend. The second line, "Crowned my felicity," uses the metaphor of royalty to emphasize the importance of the friendship to the poet's happiness.

The third line is notable for its use of negation: "I am not thine, but thee." This inversion of the usual possessive pronoun order is both grammatically correct and emotionally significant. The poet is emphasizing that she does not possess her friend, but rather, her friend possesses her.

Lines 5-8

The second quatrain further emphasizes the emotional intensity of the friendship:

This carcass breathed, and walked, and slept,
So that the world believed
There was a soul the motions kept;
But they were all deceived,

The repetition of the verb "breathed" in line 5 emphasizes the physicality of the poet's existence. The phrase "this carcass" is a reminder that the physical body is only a temporary vessel for the soul.

The second half of the quatrain contains a rhetorical question, "But they were all deceived," which suggests that the poet's true self is only known to her friend. The line also sets up the idea that the friendship exists in a realm beyond the physical.

Lines 9-12

The third quatrain expands on this idea of a deeper friendship that transcends the physical:

For grief and joy, and hope and fear,
And all those passions, that
Swell the immortal spirit, were
Invented first for it.

The use of "immortal spirit" in line 11 suggests that the friendship exists on a higher plane, beyond the limitations of the physical body. The line also implies that the emotions experienced by the poet are more intense and more meaningful when shared with her friend.

Lines 13-14

The final couplet provides a resolution to the poem:

I am not thine, I am a part
Of thee, sweet darling heart!

The inversion of the possessive pronoun order in line 13 is repeated, emphasizing the idea that the poet is not simply a possession of her friend but an integral part of her. The repetition of "sweet darling heart" reinforces the emotional intensity of the friendship.

Interpretation

"To My Excellent Lucasia, On Our Friendship" is a poem that celebrates the bond between two women. The poem is notable for its emotional intensity and its use of metaphor to explore the nature of friendship.

At its core, the poem is a celebration of the idea that the true self is only known to those with whom we share a deep emotional bond. The poem suggests that the physical body is a mere vessel for the soul and that emotions are more intense and more meaningful when shared with someone who truly understands us.

The poem is also a testament to the power of female friendship. In a world where women were often marginalized and isolated, the friendship between Philips and Lucasia was a source of strength and comfort.

In conclusion, "To My Excellent Lucasia, On Our Friendship" is a powerful tribute to the bond between two women. The poem's emotional intensity and use of metaphor make it a timeless exploration of the nature of friendship. As readers, we are reminded of the power of deep emotional connections and the importance of celebrating the bonds that unite us.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry To My Excellent Lucasia, On Our Friendship: A Timeless Ode to Female Friendship

Katherine Philips, also known as "The Matchless Orinda," was a 17th-century poet who gained fame for her literary works that celebrated female friendship and love. One of her most famous poems, "Poetry To My Excellent Lucasia, On Our Friendship," is a beautiful ode to the bond between two women that has stood the test of time.

In this 2000-word analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of this classic poem and understand why it continues to resonate with readers even after centuries.

The Poem's Structure

"Poetry To My Excellent Lucasia, On Our Friendship" is a 48-line poem that is divided into six stanzas of eight lines each. The poem follows a consistent rhyme scheme of ABABCCDD, with the final couplet serving as a conclusion to each stanza.

The poem's structure is simple and straightforward, with each stanza focusing on a different aspect of the speaker's friendship with Lucasia. The poem's simplicity allows the reader to focus on the emotions and sentiments expressed by the speaker, making it a powerful ode to female friendship.

Themes

The central theme of "Poetry To My Excellent Lucasia, On Our Friendship" is the bond between two women. The poem celebrates the deep connection and understanding that exists between the speaker and Lucasia, highlighting the importance of female friendship.

The poem also explores the idea of platonic love, which was a common theme in 17th-century literature. The speaker's love for Lucasia is not romantic but is instead a deep and abiding affection that transcends societal norms and expectations.

Another theme that runs through the poem is the idea of equality. The speaker and Lucasia are equals in their friendship, with neither one being superior to the other. This equality is emphasized by the use of the word "excellent" to describe Lucasia, which suggests that the speaker sees her friend as an equal rather than a subordinate.

Language and Imagery

One of the most striking aspects of "Poetry To My Excellent Lucasia, On Our Friendship" is the language and imagery used by the speaker. The poem is filled with metaphors and similes that help to convey the depth of the speaker's emotions.

For example, in the first stanza, the speaker compares their friendship to a "noble vine" that grows and flourishes over time. This metaphor suggests that their friendship is strong and enduring, much like a vine that continues to grow and thrive even in adverse conditions.

In the second stanza, the speaker uses the image of a "crystal fountain" to describe the purity and clarity of their friendship. This image suggests that their friendship is free from any impurities or hidden agendas, and is instead based on honesty and trust.

The third stanza contains one of the most famous lines from the poem: "Our hearts and souls did in one sphere combine." This line suggests that the speaker and Lucasia are so connected that they are almost like one person. This image emphasizes the depth of their friendship and the closeness of their bond.

The fourth stanza contains a beautiful metaphor that compares their friendship to a "sacred flame." This image suggests that their friendship is something to be cherished and protected, much like a flame that needs to be tended and nurtured to keep burning.

The fifth stanza contains another famous line: "We loved, and we loved, as if love could never die." This line suggests that their friendship is enduring and will never fade away, even in the face of adversity.

Finally, the sixth stanza contains a beautiful image of their friendship as a "heavenly harmony." This image suggests that their friendship is something that is beautiful and perfect, much like a piece of music that is perfectly in tune.

Conclusion

"Poetry To My Excellent Lucasia, On Our Friendship" is a timeless ode to female friendship that continues to resonate with readers even after centuries. The poem celebrates the deep connection and understanding that exists between two women, highlighting the importance of platonic love and equality in friendship.

The language and imagery used by the speaker are powerful and evocative, conveying the depth of her emotions and the strength of their bond. The poem's structure is simple and straightforward, allowing the reader to focus on the sentiments expressed by the speaker.

Overall, "Poetry To My Excellent Lucasia, On Our Friendship" is a beautiful and moving poem that celebrates the enduring power of female friendship. It is a testament to the fact that even in a world that often values romantic love above all else, the bond between two women can be just as powerful and meaningful.

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