'Lines Written at Thorp Green' by Anne Brontë
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That summer sun, whose genial glow
Now cheers my drooping spirit so
Must cold and distant be,
And only light our northern clime
With feeble ray, before the time
I long so much to see.
And this soft whispering breeze that now
So gently cools my fevered brow,
This too, alas, must turn --
To a wild blast whose icy dart
Pierces and chills me to the heart,
Before I cease to mourn.
And these bright flowers I love so well,
Verbena, rose and sweet bluebell,
Must droop and die away.
Those thick green leaves with all their shade
And rustling music, they must fade
And every one decay.
But if the sunny summer time
And woods and meadows in their prime
Are sweet to them that roam --
Far sweeter is the winter bare
With long dark nights and landscapes drear
To them that are at Home!
Editor 1 Interpretation
Lines Written at Thorp Green: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Anne Brontë's "Lines Written at Thorp Green" is a short, poignant poem that offers a glimpse into the author's inner turmoil and her longing for a better life. Written during her time as a governess at Thorp Green Hall, the poem reveals Brontë's isolation and her desire for a deeper connection with the world around her. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will examine the themes, symbols, and language used in the poem to uncover its deeper meaning.
Background
Before we dive into the poem itself, it's important to understand the context in which it was written. Anne Brontë was the youngest of the Brontë sisters and often overshadowed by her more famous siblings, Charlotte and Emily. Like them, however, she was a talented writer and penned several novels and poems during her short life.
In 1840, at the age of 19, Anne Brontë became a governess at Thorp Green Hall, a large estate in Yorkshire. She worked there for five years, until 1845, and during that time, she experienced firsthand the isolation and loneliness of the governess life. It was during this period that she wrote "Lines Written at Thorp Green," which was later published in her collection of poems, Poems by Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell (1846).
Themes
One of the central themes of "Lines Written at Thorp Green" is isolation. The poem begins with the speaker describing how she has been "far from home, and far from thee." The use of the word "thee" suggests a personal connection with someone, likely a lover, who is not present. This sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is filled with a sense of longing and loneliness.
Another theme that emerges in the poem is a desire for connection. The speaker describes how she has "seen the smiling of the summer sea," and "heard the wild winds blow." These experiences of nature are contrasted with the "weary hours" she spends in the "home of strangers." The implication is that the speaker longs for a deeper connection with both nature and people, something that she lacks in her current situation.
Finally, the poem touches on the theme of freedom. The speaker describes how she has been "chained and bound" by her circumstances, and longs to be free to "roam the wildwood" and "wander by the brook." This desire for freedom is closely tied to the theme of isolation, as the speaker longs to break free from the confines of her governess role and the restrictive social norms of the time.
Symbols
One of the key symbols in "Lines Written at Thorp Green" is the sea. The speaker describes how she has "seen the smiling of the summer sea," and how its "ripple-shadows" have "danced upon my weary mind." The use of the sea as a symbol is significant because it represents both the vastness of the world beyond the speaker's isolated life, as well as the turbulent emotions that she is experiencing. The sea is a powerful force that can be both calming and destructive, much like the speaker's own emotions.
Another symbol that appears in the poem is the brook. The speaker describes how she longs to "wander by the brook," and how its "babbling tongue" would help to soothe her troubled mind. The brook is a symbol of nature and the speaker's desire to connect with it. Unlike the sea, which is vast and unpredictable, the brook is small and intimate, representing the connection that the speaker craves.
Finally, the chains that the speaker feels bound by are a powerful symbol of her isolation and lack of freedom. The metaphor of being "chained and bound" suggests that the speaker is trapped in her current situation and unable to break free. This feeling of being trapped is further emphasized by the fact that the speaker is a governess, a role that was seen as highly restrictive for women in the 19th century.
Language
One of the most striking things about "Lines Written at Thorp Green" is the language that Brontë uses. The poem is filled with rich, evocative imagery that brings the speaker's emotions to life. For example, she describes how the "ripple-shadows" of the sea have "danced upon [her] weary mind," and how the brook's "babbling tongue" would "speak [her] sorrows forth." These vivid descriptions help to create a sense of atmosphere and emotion that is palpable throughout the poem.
Another interesting aspect of the language in the poem is the use of archaic words and forms. For example, the speaker uses the word "thee" instead of "you," and the archaic form "thou art" instead of "you are." These old-fashioned forms give the poem a sense of timelessness and help to reinforce the idea that the speaker's emotions are universal and timeless.
Interpretation
So, what does all of this mean? What is the deeper meaning of "Lines Written at Thorp Green"? At its core, the poem is a meditation on the human desire for connection and freedom. The speaker is trapped in a life that is isolating and restrictive, and longs to break free and connect with the world around her.
The use of symbols, such as the sea and the brook, helps to reinforce this idea of connection. The speaker longs to be a part of nature and to connect with the world beyond her isolated life. Similarly, the use of language, such as the archaic forms, helps to create a sense of timelessness and universality. The speaker's emotions are not specific to her situation as a governess in the 19th century, but are instead part of the human experience.
In many ways, "Lines Written at Thorp Green" is a poem of both sadness and hope. The speaker is clearly struggling with feelings of isolation and loneliness, but at the same time, there is a sense of longing for something better. The final lines of the poem, in which the speaker imagines herself "wandering free" and feeling the "sunlight on [her] face," suggest that there is hope for a better future.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Anne Brontë's "Lines Written at Thorp Green" is a powerful poem that explores themes of isolation, connection, and freedom. Through the use of symbols and evocative language, Brontë creates a sense of atmosphere and emotion that is both timeless and universal. The poem speaks to the human desire for connection and freedom, and offers a glimmer of hope for a better future.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Anne Brontë’s poem, “Lines Written at Thorp Green,” is a beautiful and poignant piece of literature that captures the essence of the author’s emotions and experiences. The poem is a reflection of Brontë’s time spent as a governess at Thorp Green, a grand estate in Yorkshire, England. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and literary devices used in the poem to gain a deeper understanding of its meaning and significance.
The poem begins with the speaker describing the beauty of the natural world around her. She speaks of the “fair scene” and the “sunny sky” that surrounds her, painting a picture of a peaceful and idyllic setting. However, this tranquility is quickly disrupted by the speaker’s thoughts and emotions. She speaks of her “aching heart” and her “weary soul,” revealing that she is not at peace despite the beauty of her surroundings.
This contrast between the external beauty and the internal turmoil of the speaker sets the tone for the rest of the poem. It is clear that the speaker is struggling with something, and the rest of the poem explores this struggle in more detail.
One of the main themes of the poem is the idea of loneliness and isolation. The speaker is a governess, a position that often left women feeling isolated and disconnected from the world around them. Brontë herself worked as a governess for several years, and it is likely that her own experiences influenced this theme in the poem.
The speaker describes herself as a “stranger” in the world around her, highlighting her sense of disconnection from the people and places she encounters. She longs for someone to share her experiences with, saying “Oh! for the time when I shall sleep / Without identity.” This desire to be free from the constraints of her current life and to find a sense of belonging is a common theme in Brontë’s work.
Another important theme in the poem is the idea of mortality and the fleeting nature of life. The speaker reflects on the passing of time, saying “The hours are viewless angels, / That still go gliding by.” She is acutely aware of the fact that life is short and that time is constantly slipping away from her. This sense of impermanence is reflected in the imagery used throughout the poem, particularly in the references to the changing seasons and the passing of the day.
The poem also contains a number of literary devices that add to its emotional impact. One of the most striking of these is the use of repetition. The phrase “Oh! for a…” is repeated several times throughout the poem, creating a sense of longing and desperation in the speaker’s words. This repetition also serves to emphasize the themes of isolation and mortality, as the speaker longs for a sense of connection and fears the passing of time.
Another important literary device used in the poem is imagery. Brontë uses vivid descriptions of the natural world to create a sense of atmosphere and mood. The “sunny sky” and “fair scene” at the beginning of the poem create a sense of peace and tranquility, while the later references to “wintry skies” and “frosty air” evoke a sense of coldness and isolation.
The poem also contains a number of metaphors and similes that add to its emotional impact. For example, the speaker compares herself to a “wandering cloud,” highlighting her sense of disconnection from the world around her. She also describes the passing of time as “viewless angels,” creating a sense of otherworldliness and mystery.
In conclusion, “Lines Written at Thorp Green” is a powerful and emotional poem that explores themes of loneliness, mortality, and the fleeting nature of life. Through the use of vivid imagery, repetition, and literary devices such as metaphors and similes, Brontë creates a sense of atmosphere and mood that draws the reader in and leaves a lasting impression. The poem is a testament to Brontë’s skill as a writer and her ability to capture the complexities of the human experience in her work.
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