'Monday NightMay 11th1846 / Domestic Peace' by Anne Brontë


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Why should such gloomy silence reign;
And why is all the house so drear,
When neither danger, sickness, pain,
Nor death, nor want have entered here?
We are as many as we were
That other night, when all were gay,
And full of hope, and free from care;
Yet, is there something gone away.

The moon without as pure and calm
Is shining as that night she shone;
but now, to us she brings no balm,
For something from our hearts is gone.

Something whose absence leaves a void,
A cheerless want in every heart.
Each feels the bliss of all destroyed
And mourns the change - but each apart.

The fire is burning in the grate
As redly as it used to burn,
But still the hearth is desolate
Till Mirth and Love with Peace return.

'Twas Peace that flowed from heart to heart
With looks and smiles that spoke of Heaven,
And gave us language to impart
The blissful thoughts itself had given.

Sweet child of Heaven, and joy of earth!
O, when will Man thy value learn?
We rudely drove thee from our hearth,
And vainly sigh for thy return.

Editor 1 Interpretation

A Deep Dive into Anne Brontë's "Monday Night May 11th 1846 / Domestic Peace"

Anne Brontë, the youngest of the Brontë sisters, was a brilliant poet and novelist. Her works, though often overshadowed by those of her sisters, have gained recognition over the years for their depth and sensitivity. One of her most poignant poems is "Monday Night May 11th 1846 / Domestic Peace," which explores the idea of contentment in domestic life. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will take a deep dive into the themes, symbols, and language of this beautiful poem.

The Poem

Before we delve into the poem, let's take a moment to read it in its entirety:

How calm, how beautiful comes on
The stilly hour, when storms are gone ;
When warring winds have died away,
And clouds, beneath the glancing ray,
Melt off and leave the land and sea
Sleeping in bright tranquillity ;
— Fresh as if Day again were born,
Again upon the lap of Morn.
When the light blossoms, rudely torn
And scattered at the whirlwind's will,
Hang floating in the pure air still,
Filling the sense with fragrance shrill —
Like rosy snow-flakes in the thrill
Of stirring winds, that meet and chill.
The heart enjoys that tranquil hour,
And feels the Spirit's soothing power ;
— Hope grows more bright, and Faith more strong,
And Peace, and Love, and Joy, belong
To the calm scene, — the tranquil hour,
— Emblems of Heaven, and Love, and Power.

This poem is a sonnet, with fourteen lines and a rhyme scheme of ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. The language is simple and straightforward, yet it is infused with rich imagery that evokes a sense of peace and tranquility.

Themes

The primary theme of this poem is domestic peace. Brontë celebrates the calm and beauty that comes with a still and peaceful night, and how it can bring a sense of contentment and joy to those who experience it. The poem suggests that this peace can be found in the home, where love, hope, and faith can flourish.

Another theme that runs throughout the poem is the power of nature. Brontë uses vivid imagery to describe the natural world, from the "warring winds" to the "rosy snow-flakes" that hang in the air. By juxtaposing this imagery with the peaceful scene of domestic life, she highlights the contrast between the chaos of the natural world and the order and harmony of the home.

Finally, the poem also touches on the idea of spirituality. Brontë suggests that the peace and love found in domestic life are "emblems of Heaven, and Love, and Power." This suggests that the home can be a place of spiritual nourishment, where one can connect with a higher power and experience a sense of transcendence.

Symbols and Imagery

One of the most striking aspects of this poem is the vivid imagery that Brontë employs to evoke a sense of peace and tranquility. The first stanza, for example, describes the stillness that follows a storm, as the clouds melt away and the land and sea are left sleeping in "bright tranquillity." This image of stillness and calm is reinforced by the second stanza, which describes the light blossoms that hang in the air, filling the senses with a "fragrance shrill."

The use of natural imagery is also important in this poem. Brontë uses the "warring winds" and "whirlwind's will" to symbolize the chaos and turbulence of the natural world. By contrast, the home is depicted as a place of order and harmony, where love, hope, and faith can thrive. The image of the "lap of Morn" in the first stanza reinforces this idea, suggesting that the home is a place of rebirth and renewal.

Finally, the poem also uses religious imagery to suggest that the peace and love found in the home are connected to a higher power. The phrase "Emblems of Heaven, and Love, and Power" suggests that the home is a place where one can experience a sense of transcendence and connect with the divine.

Language

The language of this poem is simple and direct, yet it is also infused with rich imagery and symbolism. Brontë uses a variety of literary devices to create a sense of peace and tranquility, including alliteration ("stilly hour"), personification ("warring winds"), and metaphor ("lap of Morn").

The simplicity of the language is also important, as it reinforces the idea that peace and contentment can be found in the most ordinary of places. The home is not depicted as a grand or majestic place, but rather as a simple and humble abode where love and hope can flourish.

Conclusion

"Monday Night May 11th 1846 / Domestic Peace" is a beautiful and poignant poem that celebrates the peace and contentment that can be found in domestic life. Through vivid imagery and symbolism, Anne Brontë evokes a sense of stillness and tranquility that is both soothing and uplifting. The poem suggests that the home can be a place of order and harmony, where love, hope, and faith can thrive, and where one can connect with a higher power and experience a sense of transcendence. In a world that is often chaotic and turbulent, this poem serves as a reminder that peace and contentment can be found in the most ordinary of places.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry has always been a medium for expressing emotions and thoughts in a creative and artistic way. One such poet who has left an indelible mark on the world of literature is Anne Brontë. Her poem "Domestic Peace" is a beautiful and poignant reflection on the importance of finding peace and contentment within one's own home.

Anne Brontë was the youngest of the famous Brontë sisters, who were all accomplished writers in their own right. Born in 1820, Anne lived a short but eventful life, marked by tragedy and loss. Despite this, she managed to produce a body of work that has stood the test of time and continues to inspire readers to this day.

"Domestic Peace" was written on May 11th, 1846, and was first published in the literary magazine, The Examiner. The poem is a reflection on the joys of domestic life and the importance of finding peace and contentment within one's own home. It is a celebration of the simple pleasures of life, such as the warmth of a fire, the comfort of a cozy chair, and the love of family.

The poem begins with the lines, "Why should such gloomy thoughts oppress / Each dark and joyless hour?" Here, Anne is acknowledging the fact that life can be difficult and challenging at times. However, she goes on to suggest that finding peace and contentment within one's own home can help to alleviate these feelings of gloom and despair.

Anne then goes on to describe the joys of domestic life, such as the warmth of a fire and the comfort of a cozy chair. She writes, "The fire is bright, the hearth is warm, / And snugly tucked up in my arm / My darling little ones doze on." Here, Anne is painting a picture of a warm and inviting home, where one can find comfort and solace from the outside world.

The poem then takes a more introspective turn, as Anne reflects on the importance of finding peace within oneself. She writes, "But, oh, the heavy change - now thou / Art gone, thou terror of the night, / And I am left alone with him / Whose thoughts, whose deeds, are all upright." Here, Anne is acknowledging the fact that finding peace and contentment within oneself can be a difficult and challenging task. However, she suggests that it is possible, even in the face of loss and adversity.

The poem ends with the lines, "And thus we sit and talk, until / The night, descending, fills the room; / Our talk is serious, but sometimes / We laugh, and all is hushed in gloom." Here, Anne is suggesting that finding peace and contentment within one's own home is a serious and important task, but that it can also be a source of joy and laughter.

In conclusion, "Domestic Peace" is a beautiful and poignant reflection on the importance of finding peace and contentment within one's own home. Anne Brontë's words are a reminder that even in the face of adversity and loss, it is possible to find solace and comfort in the simple pleasures of life. Her poem is a testament to the enduring power of poetry to inspire and uplift, and it continues to resonate with readers today.

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