'Philosopher , The' by Emily Jane Brontë


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"Enough of thought, philosopher!
Too long hast thou been dreaming
Unlightened, in this chamber drear,
While summer's sun is beaming!
Space - sweeping soul, what sad refrain
Concludes thy musings once again?

"Oh, for the time when I shall sleep
Without identity,
And never care how rain may steep,
Or snow may cover me!
No promised heaven, these wild desires,
Could all, or half fulfil;
No threathened hell, with quenchless fires,
Subdue this quenchless will!"

"So said I, and still say the same;
Still, to my death, will say -
Three gods, within this little frame,
Are warring night and day;
Heaven could not hold them all, and yet
They all are held in me;
And must be mine till I forget
My present entity!
Oh, for the time, when in my breast
Their struggles will be o'er!
Oh, for the day, when I shall rest,
And never suffer more!"

"I saw a spirit, standing, man,
Where thou dost stand - an hour ago,
And round his feet three rivers ran,
Of equal depth, and equal flow -
"A golden stream - and one like blood;
And one like sapphire, seemed to be;
But, where they joined their triple flood
It tumbled in an inky sea.

The spirit sent his dazzling gaze
Down through that ocean's gloomy night
Then, kindling all, with sudden blaze,
The glad deep sparkled wide and bright -
White as the sun, far, far more fair
Than its divided sources were!"

"And even for that spirit, seer,
I've watched and sought my life - time long;
Sought him in heaven, hell, earth and air -
An endless search, and always wrong!
Had I but seen his glorious eye
Once light the clouds that wilder me,
I ne'er had raised this coward cry
To cease to think and cease to be;
I ne'er had called oblivion blest,
Nor, stretching eager hands to death,
Implored to change for senseless rest
This sentient soul, this living breath -
Oh, let me die - that power and will
Their cruel strife may close;
And conquered good, and conquering ill
Be lost in one repose!"

Editor 1 Interpretation

A Deep Dive into Emily Brontë's "Poetry, Philosopher"

Emily Brontë's "Poetry, Philosopher" is a poem that speaks to the human experience of seeking knowledge and enlightenment. The poem is written in first-person, and through the narrator's voice, we see the internal struggle that comes with trying to understand the complexities of life.

At its core, "Poetry, Philosopher" is about the search for truth and the lengths we go to find it. The narrator begins by stating that they are a "dreamer" who is "ever seeking some new quest." This line sets the tone for the entire poem, as it establishes the narrator's restless spirit and desire for knowledge.

The poem is divided into five stanzas, each with its own distinct message about the search for truth. In the first stanza, the narrator compares themselves to a bird that flies "through the azure sky" searching for a place to rest. This metaphor is meant to illustrate the narrator's restless nature and their constant need to keep moving forward in their quest for knowledge.

In the second stanza, the narrator turns their attention to the philosopher, who is also seeking truth. The philosopher is described as a "sage" who "searches all the earth around" for answers. However, despite their knowledge and wisdom, the philosopher is still unable to find the answers they seek.

It is in the third stanza that the poem takes a darker turn. The narrator describes how they have seen "many a shadowy form" and "many a spectre wild" in their quest for knowledge. These images are meant to represent the darker elements of the search for truth, such as doubt and fear.

The fourth stanza is perhaps the most powerful in the entire poem. Here, the narrator speaks directly to the reader and asks, "Oh, have you never felt the power / Of love that prompts the soul to soar?" This line is meant to remind us that the search for truth is not just an intellectual pursuit, but a deeply emotional one as well.

Finally, in the fifth stanza, the narrator reaches a moment of clarity. They realize that the search for truth is not something that can be easily won, but rather a lifelong pursuit that requires constant diligence and effort. The final lines of the poem read:

And while I live, I'll ever strive, To soar to higher things than these, And in my heart will ever live The love of truth, and love of peace.

These lines are a powerful reminder that the search for truth is not something that can be achieved overnight, but rather a journey that lasts a lifetime.

Overall, "Poetry, Philosopher" is a deeply introspective poem that speaks to the human experience of seeking knowledge and enlightenment. Through the use of vivid metaphors and powerful imagery, Emily Brontë captures the essence of the search for truth in a way that is both compelling and thought-provoking. Whether you are a philosopher or a dreamer, "Poetry, Philosopher" is a poem that speaks to the heart of all those who seek to better understand the world around them.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Poetry Philosopher: An Analysis of Emily Jane Brontë's Classic

Emily Jane Brontë's "The Poetry Philosopher" is a classic poem that explores the relationship between poetry and philosophy. The poem is a reflection on the nature of poetry and its ability to convey complex philosophical ideas. In this analysis, we will explore the themes and motifs of the poem, as well as its structure and language.

The poem begins with the speaker asking the question, "What is poetry?" This question sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as the speaker attempts to define and explore the nature of poetry. The speaker suggests that poetry is more than just words on a page; it is a "living voice" that can "speak to the heart." This idea of poetry as a living, breathing entity is a recurring motif throughout the poem.

The speaker goes on to suggest that poetry is a form of philosophy, a way of exploring complex ideas and emotions. The speaker says that poetry can "teach us to feel" and "show us the way" to understanding the world around us. This idea of poetry as a form of philosophy is also a recurring motif throughout the poem.

The poem is structured in four stanzas, each with four lines. The first and third lines of each stanza rhyme, as do the second and fourth lines. This structure gives the poem a sense of symmetry and balance, which is fitting for a poem that explores the relationship between poetry and philosophy.

The language of the poem is simple and direct, yet it is also rich with imagery and metaphor. The speaker uses metaphors such as "the harp of the soul" and "the voice of the heart" to describe the power of poetry. These metaphors help to convey the idea that poetry is more than just words on a page; it is a powerful force that can move us emotionally and intellectually.

One of the key themes of the poem is the idea that poetry can help us to understand the world around us. The speaker suggests that poetry can "show us the way" to understanding complex ideas and emotions. This idea is particularly relevant in today's world, where we are constantly bombarded with information and often struggle to make sense of it all. Poetry can help us to slow down and reflect on our experiences, allowing us to gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Another theme of the poem is the idea that poetry is a form of self-expression. The speaker suggests that poetry is a way for us to "speak to the heart" and convey our deepest emotions and thoughts. This idea is particularly relevant in today's world, where we often feel disconnected from our emotions and struggle to express ourselves in meaningful ways. Poetry can help us to connect with our emotions and express ourselves in a way that is both authentic and meaningful.

Overall, Emily Jane Brontë's "The Poetry Philosopher" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the relationship between poetry and philosophy. The poem is rich with imagery and metaphor, and its simple yet direct language makes it accessible to readers of all ages and backgrounds. The poem's themes of self-expression and understanding the world around us are particularly relevant in today's world, where we often struggle to make sense of our experiences and emotions. In short, "The Poetry Philosopher" is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today.

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