'Longing' by Matthew Arnold


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Come to me in my dreams, and then
By day I shall be well again!
For so the night will more than pay
The hopeless longing of the day.

Come, as thou cam'st a thousand times,
A messenger from radiant climes,
And smile on thy new world, and be
As kind to others as to me!

Or, as thou never cam'st in sooth,
Come now, and let me dream it truth,
And part my hair, and kiss my brow,
And say, My love why sufferest thou?

Come to me in my dreams, and then
By day I shall be well again!
For so the night will more than pay
The hopeless longing of the day.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Introduction

Poetry has always been a powerful medium of expression. It is a means through which an author can convey complex emotions and ideas in a succinct and powerful manner. Among the great poets of the English language, Matthew Arnold stands out as a master of the craft. In his poem, "Longing," Arnold explores themes of loss, regret, and the relentless march of time.

Analysis

The poem begins with a powerful opening line: "Come to me in my dreams, and then / By day I shall be well again!" This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is characterized by a sense of longing and yearning. The speaker of the poem is addressing a lost love, and he is desperate to be reunited with her, even if only in his dreams.

Arnold's use of imagery is particularly effective in this poem. He describes the lost love as a "phantom" who haunts his dreams, and he paints a vivid picture of the speaker's despair and loneliness. The speaker is depicted as wandering "in the light of the silent stars" and "by the silent sea." These images create a sense of isolation and loneliness, and they convey the speaker's sense of loss and longing.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of repetition. The phrase "Come to me" is repeated several times throughout the poem, and each time it is used, it takes on a slightly different meaning. At first, the phrase is a plea for the lost love to return to the speaker in his dreams. Later in the poem, however, it becomes a prayer for the lost love to return to the speaker in reality. This repetition creates a sense of urgency and desperation, and it highlights the speaker's overwhelming need to be reunited with his lost love.

Arnold's use of language in the poem is also noteworthy. He employs a range of literary devices, including alliteration, assonance, and metaphor. For example, he describes the lost love as a "phantom" and a "shadow." These metaphors convey the speaker's sense that his lost love is no longer real, but rather an elusive and intangible presence in his life.

The poem's structure is also significant. It is composed of four stanzas, each with four lines. This creates a sense of symmetry and balance, which is appropriate given the poem's theme of loss and longing. The final stanza, however, breaks this pattern, with only three lines. This creates a sense of incompleteness and suggests that the speaker's longing will never truly be satisfied.

Interpretation

"Longing" is a poem that speaks to the fundamental human experience of loss and longing. It is a poem that captures the pain and despair of a love that has been lost, and it speaks to the universal desire to be reunited with that which we have lost. The speaker's desperate plea for his lost love to return to him in his dreams is a poignant reminder of the power of memory and the human need for connection.

At the same time, "Longing" is a poem that speaks to the transience of human experience. The speaker's sense of loss and longing is juxtaposed with the timeless beauty of the natural world. The "silent stars" and "silent sea" are powerful symbols of the enduring nature of the universe, and they serve as a reminder that even as our individual experiences come and go, the world around us remains constant.

Ultimately, "Longing" is a poem about the power of memory and the human need for connection. It is a poem that speaks to our deepest desires and fears, and it reminds us of the fragility of human experience. Arnold's masterful use of language, imagery, and repetition creates a powerful and evocative work of poetry that continues to resonate with readers today.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Longing" is a powerful and evocative poem that captures the pain and despair of a love that has been lost. Arnold's use of language, imagery, and repetition creates a work of poetry that speaks to the universal human experience of loss and longing. It is a timeless work that continues to resonate with readers today, and it is a testament to the enduring power of poetry as a medium of expression.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Longing: An Analysis of Matthew Arnold's Classic Poem

Matthew Arnold's "Poetry Longing" is a classic poem that captures the essence of the human longing for beauty and meaning in life. Written in the mid-19th century, the poem reflects the Romantic and Victorian ideals of the time, which emphasized the importance of imagination, emotion, and nature in art and literature. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language of "Poetry Longing" and how they contribute to its enduring appeal.

The poem begins with a powerful opening line: "Oh, there is a longing in the breast." This line immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem, conveying a sense of yearning and desire that is central to the human experience. The speaker goes on to describe this longing as a "thirst for the springs of life," a metaphor that suggests a deep, primal need for something essential and life-giving. This thirst is not for material possessions or worldly success, but for something more intangible and spiritual.

The next stanza of the poem introduces the idea of poetry as a means of satisfying this longing. The speaker describes poetry as a "fountain sealed," a source of beauty and inspiration that is hidden or inaccessible to most people. This metaphor suggests that poetry is not something that can be easily obtained or understood, but rather something that requires effort and dedication to access. The speaker goes on to describe the "mighty ones" who have been able to unlock the secrets of poetry and drink from its "living stream." These "mighty ones" are likely the great poets of the past, who have left behind a legacy of beautiful and meaningful works that continue to inspire and move us today.

The third stanza of the poem shifts the focus from the poets themselves to the power of their words. The speaker describes how poetry has the ability to transport us to other worlds and times, to "lift us up from the common earth" and show us glimpses of the divine. This idea of poetry as a transcendent force is a common theme in Romantic and Victorian literature, which often sought to elevate the human experience through art and imagination. The speaker also notes that poetry has the power to console us in times of sorrow and pain, to "soothe our griefs to rest." This suggests that poetry is not just a source of beauty and inspiration, but also a source of comfort and solace in difficult times.

The fourth stanza of the poem returns to the idea of the "fountain sealed," but this time with a more hopeful tone. The speaker suggests that even though poetry may seem inaccessible to most people, it is still possible for anyone to unlock its secrets if they are willing to make the effort. The speaker encourages us to "seek and ye shall find," to strive for a deeper understanding of poetry and its power to enrich our lives. This idea of poetry as something that is within our reach, if only we are willing to work for it, is a powerful message that speaks to the human desire for self-improvement and personal growth.

The final stanza of the poem brings together all of the themes and ideas that have been introduced throughout. The speaker describes how poetry has the power to "make us less forlorn," to connect us with something greater than ourselves and give us a sense of purpose and meaning. The speaker also notes that poetry has the ability to inspire us to action, to "rouse the slumbering will" and motivate us to make a difference in the world. This idea of poetry as a catalyst for change is a powerful one, and speaks to the enduring relevance of Arnold's message.

In terms of imagery, "Poetry Longing" is filled with vivid and evocative language that helps to bring the themes of the poem to life. The metaphor of the "fountain sealed" is particularly effective, as it conveys both the beauty and the mystery of poetry. The image of the "living stream" is also powerful, suggesting that poetry is not just a static object, but something that is constantly flowing and changing. The idea of poetry as a means of lifting us up from the "common earth" is also a striking one, as it suggests that poetry has the power to elevate us above the mundane and connect us with something greater.

In terms of language, Arnold's use of repetition and alliteration is particularly effective in creating a sense of rhythm and musicality in the poem. The repeated use of the word "longing" throughout the poem helps to reinforce the central theme, while the alliteration in phrases like "fountain sealed" and "living stream" adds to the poem's musicality and beauty. The use of archaic language, such as "ye" and "thou," also adds to the poem's sense of timelessness and universality.

In conclusion, "Poetry Longing" is a classic poem that speaks to the human desire for beauty, meaning, and transcendence. Through its vivid imagery, powerful language, and timeless themes, the poem continues to inspire and move readers today. Whether we are seeking comfort in times of sorrow, inspiration to make a difference in the world, or simply a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the universe, "Poetry Longing" reminds us that poetry has the power to satisfy our deepest longings and connect us with something greater than ourselves.

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