'Requiescat' by Matthew Arnold


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Strew on her roses, roses,
And never a spray of yew!
In quiet she reposes;
Ah, would that I did too!

Her mirth the world required;
She bathed it in smiles of glee.
But her heart was tired, tired,
And now they let her be.

Her life was turning, turning,
In mazes of heat and sound.
But for peace her soul was yearning,
And now peace laps her round.

Her cabined ample spirit,
It fluttered and failed for breath.
Tonight it doth inherit
The vasty hall of death.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Requiescat: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

by [Your Name]

Matthew Arnold's "Requiescat" is a beautiful elegiac poem that is both mournful and nostalgic. The poem was written in memory of Arnold's beloved sister, Susannah, who died at the age of 20. The poem speaks of her passing and the sadness that engulfed Arnold's heart. The poem is written in a lyrical style and uses imagery to create a vivid picture of Susannah's life and death. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will analyze the various aspects of the poem and explore the themes and symbols used by Arnold to convey his emotions.

Analysis of Requiescat:

Structure

The poem consists of six stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme of the poem is ABCB, which means that the second and fourth lines of each stanza rhyme. The use of this rhyme scheme gives the poem a musical quality, and the use of enjambment creates a smooth flow between the lines. The poem does not have a strict meter, but there are instances of iambic and anapestic meter. The poem's structure is simple, but the use of imagery and sound devices makes it a powerful piece of literature.

Language and Imagery

Arnold's use of language and imagery is the most striking aspect of the poem. The poem is full of vivid images that create a picture of Susannah's life and death. Arnold describes Susannah as a "sister sweet" and "gentle maid," which emphasizes her innocence and purity. The use of the word "maid" also creates a sense of youth and beauty. Arnold also uses natural imagery to describe Susannah, such as "the young May moon" and "the rose in June." These images create a sense of vitality and life.

Arnold also uses religious imagery to convey his message. He describes Susannah as "a saint in heaven," which implies that she has achieved a state of eternal peace. The use of religious imagery is not only a reflection of Arnold's beliefs but also a way to comfort himself.

Themes

The poem explores several themes, including grief, loss, and the passage of time. The theme of grief is evident throughout the poem, as Arnold mourns the loss of his sister. The line "Silence and darkness! solemn sisters twain!" conveys the sense of emptiness that Arnold feels. The theme of loss is also emphasized by the use of natural imagery. Arnold compares Susannah's passing to the fading of the May moon and the wilting of the rose in June. These images create a sense of transience and remind the reader that everything is temporary.

The theme of the passage of time is also present in the poem. Arnold laments the fact that Susannah died at such a young age, and he wishes that she had lived longer. He describes her as "cut off in beauty's bloom," which emphasizes the brevity of life. The theme of time is also conveyed through the use of the natural imagery. The fading of the May moon and the wilting of the rose in June remind the reader that time is always moving forward.

Symbols

Arnold uses several symbols in the poem to convey his message. The rose is a symbol of beauty and youth, which represents Susannah's life. The fading of the rose symbolizes her passing. The May moon is also a symbol of youth and vitality, and its fading represents the passage of time. The use of the word "requiescat" is also significant. The Latin word means "rest in peace," which is a wish for Susannah's soul. The word is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the theme of peace and rest.

Interpretation of Requiescat:

Arnold's "Requiescat" is a poignant elegy that conveys the emotions of grief, loss, and the passage of time. The poem is a reflection of Arnold's love for his sister and his deep sadness at her passing. Arnold uses language and imagery to create a vivid picture of Susannah's life and death. The poem is not only a reflection of Arnold's personal experience but also a meditation on the human condition.

The theme of grief is universal, and the poem speaks to anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one. The poem reminds the reader that death is an inevitable part of life, and that everything is temporary. The use of natural imagery and the repetition of the word "requiescat" create a sense of peace and acceptance. The poem is not only a tribute to Susannah but also a reminder to the reader to cherish life and to be grateful for the time we have.

In conclusion, "Requiescat" is a beautiful poem that is both mournful and comforting. The poem speaks to the universal experience of grief and loss, and it reminds the reader to appreciate the time we have. Arnold's use of language and imagery creates a vivid picture of Susannah's life and death, and the poem is a powerful tribute to her memory.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Requiescat: A Poem of Love and Loss

Matthew Arnold's Requiescat is a classic poem that explores the themes of love, loss, and the inevitability of death. Written in 1852, the poem is a tribute to Arnold's beloved sister, who died at a young age. In this 2000-word analysis, we will delve into the meaning and significance of Requiescat, exploring its structure, language, and imagery to understand the emotional depth and complexity of this timeless work.

Structure and Form

Requiescat is a sonnet, a form of poetry that originated in Italy and became popular in England during the Renaissance. Sonnets typically consist of fourteen lines, with a specific rhyme scheme and meter. Requiescat follows the traditional structure of a sonnet, with an ABAB rhyme scheme in the first eight lines (the octave) and a CDCD rhyme scheme in the final six lines (the sestet). The poem is written in iambic pentameter, a meter that consists of ten syllables per line, with the stress falling on every other syllable.

The poem's structure and form are significant because they create a sense of order and balance that contrasts with the emotional turmoil of the speaker. The strict rhyme scheme and meter suggest a controlled and measured response to grief, while the sonnet's traditional association with love and romance adds a layer of complexity to the poem's themes.

Language and Imagery

Arnold's use of language and imagery in Requiescat is both beautiful and poignant. The poem is filled with vivid descriptions of nature, which serve as a metaphor for the speaker's emotions. For example, in the first line, the speaker describes his sister's "calm sleep" as being "like the stillness in the air." This comparison creates a sense of peacefulness and tranquility, suggesting that the speaker has come to terms with his sister's death.

Throughout the poem, Arnold uses imagery to convey the speaker's sense of loss and longing. In the second line, the speaker describes his sister's "fair form" as being "chill with early frost." This image of a beautiful flower being cut down before its time is a powerful metaphor for the speaker's grief. Similarly, in the third line, the speaker describes his sister's "sweet eyes" as being "closed in endless rest." This image of the eyes, which are often associated with life and vitality, being closed forever emphasizes the finality of death.

The final six lines of the poem are particularly powerful in their use of language and imagery. The speaker asks the "gentle earth" to "lie light" on his sister's "lowly bed." This image of the earth as a gentle and caring presence is a comforting one, suggesting that the speaker believes his sister is at peace. The final line of the poem, "And may her grave be sweeter than her bed," is a poignant reminder of the speaker's love for his sister. The image of the grave being sweeter than the bed suggests that the speaker believes his sister is in a better place, but also acknowledges the pain of her absence.

Themes

Requiescat explores several themes that are common in literature, including love, loss, and the inevitability of death. The poem is a tribute to the speaker's sister, who has died at a young age. The speaker's love for his sister is evident throughout the poem, as he describes her beauty and grace in vivid detail. The image of the "fair form" that has been cut down before its time is a powerful metaphor for the speaker's sense of loss.

The theme of loss is also evident in the poem's imagery. The image of the eyes being closed forever emphasizes the finality of death, while the image of the earth lying light on the sister's bed suggests a sense of acceptance and resignation. The poem's structure and form also contribute to the theme of loss, as the strict rhyme scheme and meter create a sense of order and balance that contrasts with the emotional turmoil of the speaker.

Finally, Requiescat explores the theme of the inevitability of death. The speaker acknowledges that death is a natural part of life, and that his sister's death was not unexpected. However, the poem also suggests that death is not the end, and that the speaker's sister is at peace. The final line of the poem, "And may her grave be sweeter than her bed," suggests that the speaker believes his sister is in a better place, but also acknowledges the pain of her absence.

Conclusion

Matthew Arnold's Requiescat is a classic poem that explores the themes of love, loss, and the inevitability of death. The poem's structure and form create a sense of order and balance that contrasts with the emotional turmoil of the speaker, while the language and imagery convey a sense of loss and longing. Ultimately, Requiescat is a powerful tribute to the speaker's sister, a reminder of the enduring power of love and the pain of loss.

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