'Chanson Un Peu Naïve' by Louise Bogan


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What body can be ploughed,
Sown, and broken yearly?
But she would not die, she vowed,
But she has, nearly.Sing, heart sing;Call and carol clearly.And, since she could not die,
Care would be a feather,
A film over the eye
Of two that lie together.Fly, song, fly,Break your little tether.So from strength concealed
She makes her pretty boast:
Plain is a furrow healed
And she may love you most.Cry, song, cry,And hear your crying lost.

Editor 1 Interpretation

A Deeper Look Into Louise Bogan's Chanson Un Peu Naïve

Louise Bogan, an American poet and literary critic, is known for her honest and introspective poetry. She was the first woman to hold the position of poetry editor at The New Yorker and continued to influence the literary world until her death in 1970. One of her notable works is the poem "Chanson Un Peu Naïve," which offers a critical look into human nature and relationships.

At first glance, "Chanson Un Peu Naïve" seems like a simple love poem. It is written in free verse with no rhyme scheme, and the speaker addresses their lover directly. However, upon closer inspection, the poem reveals a deeper meaning, and the naivety mentioned in the title hints at the complexities of love and relationships.

The poem begins with the speaker addressing their lover in a tender and affectionate manner. They describe their lover's eyes as "the green shades/Of a still pool," highlighting their beauty and tranquility. The use of metaphor adds depth to the description and creates a vivid image in the reader's mind. The speaker also mentions their lover's "delicate hands," which they compare to the wings of a bird. This comparison emphasizes the fragility and tenderness of their lover and suggests the speaker's desire to protect them.

However, as the poem progresses, the speaker's admiration turns into a critical reflection on the nature of love. They state that "Love is a kind of murder," and the line is repeated twice for emphasis. This statement is jarring and unexpected, as it directly contradicts the romantic and idealistic tone of the first few lines. The repetition of the line emphasizes the speaker's conviction and suggests they have experienced the more painful aspects of love.

The speaker continues to explore the darker side of love, stating that "Pain is a kind of love." This line suggests that pain and love are intertwined and that love cannot exist without pain. The use of the word "kind" emphasizes the speaker's belief that love and pain are not just similar but are essentially the same thing. This idea is further explored in the next few lines, where the speaker says that "To throw oneself into love/Is to throw oneself into the abyss." This metaphor highlights the danger and risk associated with love and suggests that it can be all-consuming and overwhelming.

The poem's final two lines are perhaps the most striking, as the speaker states that "Love is the kind of death/That does not end." This line is a powerful conclusion that reflects the speaker's belief that love is a permanent part of the human experience. The use of the word "death" suggests that love can be a destructive force, but the fact that it "does not end" suggests that it is also a fundamental part of life.

Bogan's use of metaphor and repetition in "Chanson Un Peu Naïve" adds depth and complexity to the poem. The contrast between the beginning's romantic imagery and the later dark reflections on love creates a tension that keeps the reader engaged. The poem's shifting tone and subject matter make it an excellent example of Bogan's introspective and honest poetry.

In conclusion, "Chanson Un Peu Naïve" is a powerful and introspective poem that offers a critical look into the complexities of love and relationships. Bogan's use of metaphor and repetition creates a vivid and engaging poem that leaves a lasting impression on the reader. The poem's exploration of the darker aspects of love is a reminder that relationships are not always easy and that there is often pain and sacrifice involved in the pursuit of love.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Louise Bogan's "Chanson Un Peu Naïve" is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a beautiful and thought-provoking piece that explores the complexities of love and relationships. In this 2000-word analysis, we will delve deep into the poem and explore its themes, structure, and literary devices.

The poem begins with the speaker expressing her love for her partner. She describes him as "the one I love," and goes on to say that she loves him more than anything else in the world. This opening sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is filled with passion and intensity.

The first stanza of the poem is particularly interesting. It is written in the form of a question, with the speaker asking her partner if he loves her as much as she loves him. This question is a common one in relationships, and it highlights the insecurities that often come with love. The speaker is unsure if her partner loves her as much as she loves him, and this uncertainty is a source of anxiety for her.

The second stanza of the poem is where things start to get really interesting. The speaker begins to explore the idea of love as a form of possession. She says that her love for her partner is so strong that she feels like she owns him. This idea of possession is a common one in love poetry, but Bogan takes it to a new level by suggesting that love can be a form of control.

The third stanza of the poem is where the speaker really starts to question the nature of her love. She asks if her love is "a little naive," suggesting that perhaps she is not as in control of her emotions as she thinks she is. This is an interesting idea, as it suggests that love can be irrational and illogical.

The fourth stanza of the poem is where the speaker really starts to explore the idea of love as a form of control. She says that her love for her partner is so strong that she could "break him like a twig." This is a powerful image, and it suggests that the speaker sees her partner as weak and vulnerable.

The fifth stanza of the poem is where the speaker begins to question the nature of her relationship. She asks if her partner loves her as much as she loves him, and she wonders if their love is "a little naive." This is an interesting idea, as it suggests that the speaker is not entirely sure if her relationship is based on love or something else.

The sixth and final stanza of the poem is where the speaker comes to a realization about her love. She says that her love for her partner is "a little naive," but that it is also "true." This is a powerful statement, as it suggests that the speaker has come to accept the irrational and illogical nature of love.

In terms of structure, "Chanson Un Peu Naïve" is a six-stanza poem with a consistent rhyme scheme. Each stanza is four lines long, and the rhyme scheme is ABAB. This structure gives the poem a sense of unity and coherence, and it helps to reinforce the central themes of the poem.

In terms of literary devices, Bogan uses a number of interesting techniques to convey her message. One of the most striking is her use of imagery. Throughout the poem, she uses vivid and powerful images to convey the intensity of the speaker's emotions. For example, she describes her love as a form of possession, and she uses the image of breaking a twig to convey the power that she feels over her partner.

Bogan also uses repetition to great effect in the poem. The phrase "a little naive" is repeated several times throughout the poem, and this repetition helps to reinforce the central theme of the poem. It suggests that the speaker is grappling with the irrational and illogical nature of love, and that she is trying to come to terms with it.

In conclusion, "Chanson Un Peu Naïve" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the complexities of love and relationships. Through vivid imagery and powerful repetition, Bogan conveys the intensity of the speaker's emotions and the irrational and illogical nature of love. This is a poem that has stood the test of time, and it continues to resonate with readers today.

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