'How still, how happy!' by Emily Jane Brontë
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How still, how happy! Those are words
That once would scarce agree together;
I loved the plashing of the surge -
The changing heaven the breezy weather,
More than smooth seas and cloudless skies
And solemn, soothing, softened airs
That in the forest woke no sighs
And from the green spray shook no tears.
How still, how happy! now I feel
Where silence dwells is sweeter far
Than laughing mirth's most joyous swell
However pure its raptures are.
Come, sit down on this sunny stone:
'Tis wintry light o'er flowerless moors -
But sit - for we are all alone
And clear expand heaven's breathless shores.
I could think in the withered grass
Spring's budding wreaths we might discern;
The violet's eye might shyly flash
And young leaves shoot among the fern.
It is but thought - full many a night
The snow shall clothe those hills afar
And storms shall add a drearier blight
And winds shall wage a wilder war,
Before the lark may herald in
Fresh foliage twined with blossoms fair
And summer days again begin
Their glory - haloed crown to wear.
Yet my heart loves December's smile
As much as July's golden beam;
Then let us sit and watch the while
The blue ice curdling on the stream -
Editor 1 Interpretation
How still, how happy! by Emily Jane Brontë: A Deep Literary Criticism
Introduction
When it comes to the world of literature, Emily Jane Brontë is a name that shines brightly. She was one of the most talented writers of the Victorian era, whose works have stood the test of time. One of her most famous poems, "How still, how happy!" has captured the hearts of many readers, and for good reason. In this 4000-word literary criticism, we will explore the depth and beauty of this poem, analyzing the language, themes, and symbols that make it one of the most beloved pieces of poetry in history.
Background
Before delving into the poem itself, it's important to understand who Emily Brontë was and what life was like during her time. Born in 1818, Emily was one of six children, two of whom died during childhood. She grew up in a small village in West Yorkshire, England, where her father was a reverend. Emily's mother passed away when she was only three years old, and she was raised primarily by her father and aunt.
Emily, along with her sisters Charlotte and Anne, was educated by her father at home. From a young age, the girls showed a great interest in literature and storytelling, and they began writing their own stories and poems. Emily's literary talent was evident from the start, and she would go on to write some of the most celebrated works of her time.
Despite her undeniable talent, Emily Brontë lived a short and tragic life. She passed away at the age of 30 from tuberculosis, just a year after the publication of her only novel, "Wuthering Heights". Nevertheless, her legacy lives on, and her works continue to inspire and captivate readers today.
Analysis
Now that we have some context, let's dive into the poem itself. "How still, how happy!" is a short, four-stanza poem that explores the themes of nature, contentment, and the fleeting nature of life. Let's take a closer look at each stanza and examine the language, imagery, and symbols that Emily Brontë uses to create such a beautiful and poignant piece of poetry.
Stanza 1:
How still, how happy! Those are words
That once would scarce agree together;
We meet with them now like birds
Are rare, or elder-berries, weather
Kept till the frost has turned them red.
The opening stanza of the poem sets the tone for what's to come. The opening line, "How still, how happy!", is a powerful and evocative phrase that immediately captures the reader's attention. The use of alliteration in this line ("still" and "happy") gives it a musical quality and makes it memorable.
The second line is intriguing because it suggests that the words "still" and "happy" don't normally go together. This creates a sense of tension and sets up the idea that the poem will explore a paradox or contradiction. The simile in the third line ("like birds") adds a touch of whimsy and emphasizes the rarity of the words "still" and "happy".
The final line of the stanza is where the imagery really comes to life. The metaphor of elderberries that have been "kept till the frost has turned them red" is both beautiful and poignant. It suggests that the rare moments of stillness and happiness in life are fleeting and must be cherished before they disappear.
Stanza 2:
'Tis autumn, and the leaves are falling
On the cottage roofs they lie;
The mellow winds are sweetly calling
Softly, softly through the sky,
Like voices from another world
That whisper mighty truths to me.
The second stanza of the poem begins with the line "Tis autumn, and the leaves are falling", which sets the scene and establishes the time of year. The imagery of the falling leaves on the cottage roofs is simple yet effective, and it creates a sense of coziness and comfort.
The next two lines introduce the idea of the "mellow winds" that are "sweetly calling" through the sky. This creates a sense of movement and change, but it's a gentle and comforting change rather than a tumultuous one. The comparison to "voices from another world" adds a mystical quality to the poem and suggests that there is something otherworldly about the stillness and happiness that the poem is exploring.
The final line of the stanza is particularly interesting. It suggests that the stillness and happiness that the speaker is experiencing are not just pleasant sensations, but "mighty truths". This elevates the poem from a simple description of a beautiful moment to a deeper exploration of the meaning of life.
Stanza 3:
The evening primroses are dead,
But two and two the crickets hop;
And the sprawling earwigs tread
A measure round the garden-top.
Heavy the earth is with the scent
Of the blossoms that are falling there.
The third stanza of the poem is where the imagery becomes more earthy and grounded. The opening line, "The evening primroses are dead", creates a sense of finality and loss. However, the following lines introduce new elements that suggest that life goes on despite the passing of time.
The description of the crickets hopping "two and two" is playful and adds a touch of whimsy to the poem. The mention of the "sprawling earwigs" is unexpected but creates a sense of life and movement, even in the midst of death and decay.
The final line of the stanza brings us back to the idea of scent, which has been a recurring motif throughout the poem. The emphasis on the "blossoms that are falling there" creates a sense of impermanence and highlights the fleeting nature of life.
Stanza 4:
'Tis finished, and the scene is closed,
And whatsoe'er may be the cost,
This simple prayer shall now be said,
And for ever and for ever lost:
How still, how happy! Those are words
That here again shall scarce agree together.
The final stanza of the poem is where Emily Brontë brings everything together and delivers the final punchline. The opening line, "Tis finished, and the scene is closed", creates a sense of finality and suggests that the moment of stillness and happiness is over.
The next two lines introduce the idea of cost, which suggests that the stillness and happiness the speaker has experienced have come at a price. This creates a sense of tension and suggests that the poem is not just a celebration of a beautiful moment but also an acknowledgement of the struggle and sacrifice that are necessary to achieve it.
The final three lines of the poem are a repetition of the opening lines, "How still, how happy!" This repetition creates a sense of circularity and suggests that the poem is not just about a single moment but about a recurring theme in life. The phrase "scarce agree together" is repeated, which emphasizes the paradox that the poem explores. Despite the difficulties and struggles of life, there are moments of stillness and happiness that are rare and precious.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "How still, how happy!" is a beautiful and evocative poem that explores the themes of nature, contentment, and the fleeting nature of life. Through her use of language, imagery, and symbols, Emily Brontë creates a poem that is both simple and profound. The paradox of the words "still" and "happy" not normally going together is at the heart of the poem and creates a sense of tension that is resolved in the final lines. This poem is a testament to Emily Brontë's talent and a reminder of the power of poetry to move and inspire us.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
How Still, How Happy! A Masterpiece by Emily Jane Brontë
Emily Jane Brontë, the author of the classic novel Wuthering Heights, was also a talented poet. Her poem "How still, how happy!" is a masterpiece that captures the essence of peace and contentment. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail.
The poem consists of four stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, and the meter is iambic tetrameter. The poem's structure is simple, but its message is profound.
The first stanza sets the tone for the poem. The speaker describes a scene of stillness and happiness. The use of the word "still" suggests a sense of calmness and tranquility. The word "happy" reinforces this feeling of contentment. The speaker is observing a peaceful scene and is filled with joy.
The second stanza expands on the theme of stillness. The speaker describes the stillness of the air and the water. The use of the word "glassy" to describe the water reinforces the idea of stillness. The speaker is observing a scene of perfect calmness, where everything is in harmony.
The third stanza introduces the idea of timelessness. The speaker describes the scene as if it has been frozen in time. The use of the word "eternal" suggests that this moment will last forever. The speaker is experiencing a moment of pure happiness that will never fade away.
The fourth and final stanza brings the poem to a close. The speaker reflects on the scene and realizes that it is a reflection of their own inner peace. The use of the word "heart" suggests that the speaker is experiencing a deep emotional connection to the scene. The speaker is filled with a sense of gratitude and appreciation for the moment.
The poem's message is clear: true happiness comes from within. The speaker is not seeking happiness from external sources but is finding it within themselves. The scene they are observing is a reflection of their own inner peace.
The poem's use of imagery is powerful. The stillness of the air and water, the glassy surface of the water, and the frozen moment all create a sense of calmness and tranquility. The use of the word "eternal" reinforces the idea that this moment will last forever.
The poem's use of language is also noteworthy. The use of the word "still" is repeated throughout the poem, creating a sense of continuity. The use of the word "happy" reinforces the idea of contentment. The use of the word "eternal" creates a sense of timelessness.
The poem's structure is simple but effective. The rhyme scheme and meter create a sense of rhythm and flow. The four-line stanzas create a sense of balance and symmetry.
In conclusion, "How still, how happy!" is a masterpiece by Emily Jane Brontë. The poem captures the essence of peace and contentment. The use of imagery, language, and structure all contribute to the poem's message. The poem reminds us that true happiness comes from within and that we can find it in the stillness of our own hearts.
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