'Vitae Summa Brevis Spem Nos Vetat Incohare Longam' by Unknown Author


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Vitae Summa Brevis Spem Nos Vetat Incohare Longam

(The brief sum of life forbids us the hope of enduring long - Horace)


Vitae Summa Brevis Spem Nos Vetat Incohare Longam
Love and desire and hate:
I think they have no portion in us after
We pass the gate.

They are not long, the days of wine and roses:
Out of a misty dream
Our path emerges for a while, then closes
Within a dream.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Vitae Summa Brevis Spem Nos Vetat Incohare Longam: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Have you ever read a poem that made you stop and think about the brevity of life? That made you question your purpose in this world? That made you realize that time is fleeting and that we must make the most of every moment? If you haven't, you need to read Vitae Summa Brevis Spem Nos Vetat Incohare Longam.

This classic poem, whose author remains unknown, is a powerful meditation on the transience of life and the importance of living in the present. In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of Vitae Summa Brevis Spem Nos Vetat Incohare Longam, and understand why it continues to resonate with readers today.

A Brief Overview

Vitae Summa Brevis Spem Nos Vetat Incohare Longam is a Latin poem that translates to "The brief sum of life forbids us the hope of enduring long". The poem consists of 14 lines and is structured as a sonnet. It was first published in 1896 by Ernest Dowson, an English poet and novelist.

The poem begins with the statement that the "brief sum of life" prohibits us from having "the hope of enduring long". This sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a reflection on the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death. The speaker urges the reader to "seize the day", to make the most of our time on earth, and to not be consumed by regret or despair.

Themes

At its core, Vitae Summa Brevis Spem Nos Vetat Incohare Longam is a meditation on the brevity of life and the inevitability of death. The poem is a reminder that our time on earth is short and that we must make the most of it. This theme is echoed throughout the poem, with the use of phrases such as "the brief sum of life", "the hour flies", and "the swift years".

Another theme that runs through the poem is the idea of carpe diem, or "seize the day". The speaker urges the reader to live in the present, to not be consumed by regret or despair, and to make the most of every moment. This theme is encapsulated in the closing lines of the poem:

But at my back I always hear
Time's winged chariot hurrying near;
And yonder all before us lie
Deserts of vast eternity.

Thy beauty shall no more be found;
Nor, in thy marble vault, shall sound
My echoing song: then worms shall try
That long preserv'd virginity,
And your quaint honour turn to dust,
And into ashes all my lust.

The grave's a fine and private place,
But none I think do there embrace.
Now therefore, while the youthful hue
Sits on thy skin like morning dew,
And while thy willing soul transpires
At every pore with instant fires,

Now let us sport us while we may;
And now, like am'rous birds of prey,
Rather at once our time devour,
Than languish in his slow-chapp'd power.
Let us roll all our strength, and all
Our sweetness, up into one ball;
And tear our pleasures with rough strife
Thorough the iron gates of life.

The final stanza is a call to action, urging the reader to embrace life and to not waste a single moment. The repetition of "now" emphasizes the importance of living in the present, while the images of "youthful hue" and "instant fires" suggest a celebration of youth, passion, and vitality.

Structure

Vitae Summa Brevis Spem Nos Vetat Incohare Longam is structured as a sonnet, with 14 lines and a rhyme scheme of abab cdcd efef gg. The use of the sonnet form is significant, as it is traditionally associated with love poetry. By using the form for a poem about the transience of life, the author is suggesting that life itself is a kind of love affair, one that must be cherished and celebrated while it lasts.

The poem is also structured around a central metaphor, that of "Time's winged chariot". This metaphor is introduced in the second stanza and is repeated throughout the poem, serving as a reminder of the inevitability of death and the fleeting nature of life.

The poem is divided into three stanzas, with the first two stanzas presenting the problem (the brevity of life) and the third stanza offering a solution (to seize the day). This three-part structure is a common feature of sonnets and emphasizes the poem's message of carpe diem.

Language

One of the most striking features of Vitae Summa Brevis Spem Nos Vetat Incohare Longam is its use of language. The poem is written in a formal, elevated style, with complex syntax and rich imagery. The use of Latin phrases such as "carpe diem" and "vita brevis" adds to the poem's sense of gravitas and universality.

The poem is also notable for its use of paradoxes and oxymorons. For example, the phrase "deserts of vast eternity" combines the image of a barren desert with the idea of endless time, creating a sense of cosmic emptiness. Similarly, the phrase "am'rous birds of prey" combines the image of love with the predatory behavior of birds, suggesting a kind of fierce, passionate intensity.

The poem is also full of vivid sensory imagery, with descriptions of "morning dew", "instant fires", and "rough strife". These images create a sense of immediacy and urgency, emphasizing the poem's theme of carpe diem.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Vitae Summa Brevis Spem Nos Vetat Incohare Longam is a powerful and timeless poem that continues to resonate with readers today. Its themes of the brevity of life and the importance of carpe diem are as relevant now as they were when the poem was first published in 1896.

The poem's use of the sonnet form, central metaphor, and complex language all contribute to its impact and universality. It is a poem that reminds us of the fragility and beauty of life, and urges us to make the most of every moment. As the speaker says in the final stanza:

And tear our pleasures with rough strife
Thorough the iron gates of life.

Let us heed this call and embrace life with all its joys and sorrows, for as the poem reminds us, "the hour flies".

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Vitae Summa Brevis Spem Nos Vetat Incohare Longam: A Masterpiece of Life and Death

Poetry Vitae Summa Brevis Spem Nos Vetat Incohare Longam, a Latin phrase that translates to "The brief sum of life forbids us the hope of enduring long," is a classic poem whose author remains unknown. The poem is a masterpiece that explores the themes of life, death, and the fleeting nature of time. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its meaning, structure, and literary devices.

The poem is a reflection on the brevity of life and the inevitability of death. It begins with the line "The brief sum of life forbids us the hope of enduring long," which sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The author is acknowledging that life is short and that we cannot hope to live forever. This line is a reminder that we should make the most of the time we have and not waste it on trivial things.

The poem goes on to describe the various stages of life, from birth to death. The author uses vivid imagery to paint a picture of each stage, from the "tender buds of youth" to the "hoary hairs of age." The poem is a reminder that life is a journey, and we must embrace each stage and make the most of it.

The poem also explores the theme of death. The author acknowledges that death is inevitable and that we must all face it at some point. However, the poem is not a morbid reflection on death but rather a celebration of life. The author reminds us that we should not fear death but rather embrace it as a natural part of life.

The structure of the poem is also worth noting. It is written in iambic pentameter, which is a common meter in English poetry. This meter gives the poem a rhythmic flow that adds to its beauty. The poem is also divided into four stanzas, each with four lines. This structure gives the poem a sense of balance and symmetry.

The poem also makes use of several literary devices, including metaphor, personification, and alliteration. For example, in the line "The sun's eye has not yet set," the author uses personification to give the sun human-like qualities. This line is also an example of metaphor, as the sun is compared to an eye. The use of alliteration in the line "The tender buds of youth" adds to the poem's musicality and beauty.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its timeless quality. Although it was written centuries ago, its message is still relevant today. The poem is a reminder that life is short and that we should make the most of the time we have. It is a call to live life to the fullest and not waste it on trivial things.

In conclusion, Poetry Vitae Summa Brevis Spem Nos Vetat Incohare Longam is a masterpiece of life and death. Its message is timeless, and its beauty is undeniable. The poem is a reminder that life is short and that we should make the most of the time we have. It is a celebration of life and a call to live it to the fullest. The author may be unknown, but their words will live on forever.

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