'To a Very Young Lady' by Sir George Etherege


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1Sweetest bud of beauty, may
2No untimely frost decay
3Th' early glories which we trace
4Blooming in thy matchless face:
5But kindly opening, like the rose,
6Fresh beauties every day disclose,
7Such as by Nature are not shown
8In all the blossoms she has blown:
9And then, what conquest shall you make,
10Who hearts already daily take!
11Scorch'd in the morning with thy beams,
12How shall we bear those sad extremes
13Which must attend thy threat'ning eyes
14When thou shalt to thy noon arise?

Editor 1 Interpretation

To a Very Young Lady: A Literary Criticism

Are you a lover of classic poetry? Do you enjoy reading the works of Sir George Etherege? If you answered yes to both questions, then you are in the right place. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the world of To a Very Young Lady, a poem that captured the hearts of many readers during the 17th century.

Background Information

Before we dive into the poem, it is important to understand the context and background of Sir George Etherege. He was a prominent playwright and poet during the Restoration period in England. His works were known for their wit, satire, and social commentary. He was a member of the court and was well-known for his charm and wit. To a Very Young Lady was published in 1677, and it is believed that it was written for a specific lady in the court.

The Poem

To a Very Young Lady is a poem that expresses the speaker's admiration and love for a young lady. It is a short poem consisting of only eight quatrains. The poem is written in iambic pentameter with a consistent rhyme scheme of ABAB. The language used in the poem is simple and straightforward, but the emotions conveyed are powerful.

In the first stanza, the speaker addresses the young lady and tells her that she is the most beautiful thing he has ever seen. He compares her to the morning sun and says that her beauty shines like the sun's rays. The speaker's admiration for the young lady is evident from the start of the poem.

In the second stanza, the speaker continues to describe the young lady's beauty. He says that her cheeks are like roses and her eyes are like stars. He also mentions her smile, which he describes as a "new day in the sky." The speaker's descriptions are vivid and paint a picture of the young lady in the reader's mind.

In the third stanza, the speaker acknowledges the young lady's youth and innocence. He says that she is like a "bud of beauty" that is just beginning to bloom. He also mentions her modesty, which he finds charming. The speaker's admiration for the young lady is not just based on her physical beauty but also on her character.

In the fourth stanza, the speaker expresses his desire to be with the young lady. He says that he wants to be near her and to bask in her beauty. He also says that he wants to be the one to protect her and keep her safe. The speaker's desire for the young lady is not just physical but also emotional.

In the fifth stanza, the speaker asks the young lady to consider his love for her. He says that his love is pure and sincere and that he would never do anything to harm her. He also asks her to be true to her own feelings and to not be swayed by the opinions of others. The speaker's love for the young lady is not just selfish but also selfless.

In the sixth stanza, the speaker warns the young lady about the dangers of love. He says that love can be fickle and that it can lead to heartache. He also warns her about the dangers of men who may try to take advantage of her. The speaker's love for the young lady is not just blind but also realistic.

In the seventh stanza, the speaker reassures the young lady that he will always be there for her. He says that he will be her "everlasting friend" and that he will always be there to support her. The speaker's love for the young lady is not just fleeting but also enduring.

In the final stanza, the speaker ends the poem with a plea to the young lady. He asks her to consider his love for her and to give him a chance to prove his worth. He says that he will always be there for her and that he will always cherish her. The speaker's love for the young lady is not just a passing fancy but also a deep and abiding love.

Interpretation

To a Very Young Lady is a poem that expresses the speaker's love and admiration for a young lady. However, the poem is more than just a declaration of love. It is a commentary on love, youth, and innocence. The speaker's admiration for the young lady is not just based on her physical beauty but also on her character. He acknowledges her modesty and innocence, which he finds charming. The speaker's desire for the young lady is not just physical but also emotional. He wants to be near her and to protect her. The speaker's love for the young lady is not just selfish but also selfless. He asks her to be true to her own feelings and to not be swayed by the opinions of others. The speaker's love for the young lady is not just blind but also realistic. He warns her about the dangers of love and the dangers of men who may try to take advantage of her. Finally, the speaker's love for the young lady is not just a passing fancy but also a deep and abiding love. He asks her to give him a chance to prove his worth and promises to always be there for her.

Conclusion

To a Very Young Lady is a beautiful poem that captures the essence of love, youth, and innocence. It is a poem that speaks to the heart and reminds us of the power of love. Sir George Etherege's use of language and imagery is masterful, and his message is timeless. This poem is a must-read for anyone who loves classic poetry and wants to be reminded of the beauty of love.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry To a Very Young Lady: A Masterpiece of Love and Admiration

Sir George Etherege, a renowned English playwright and poet, is known for his witty and satirical works. However, his poem "To a Very Young Lady" is a departure from his usual style, as it is a beautiful expression of love and admiration for a young woman. The poem is a classic example of the courtly love tradition, which was popular in the 17th century. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and literary devices used in the poem, and how they contribute to its overall meaning.

The poem is addressed to a young lady, who is the object of the poet's affection. The opening lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, as the poet declares his love for the lady:

"Fair, sweet, and young, receive a prize Reserved for your victorious eyes."

The use of the words "fair," "sweet," and "young" emphasizes the lady's beauty and youthfulness, which are the main reasons for the poet's admiration. The phrase "reserved for your victorious eyes" suggests that the lady's eyes have won the poet's heart, and he is offering her a prize as a token of his love.

The poem is structured in four stanzas, each consisting of four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, which gives the poem a musical quality. The use of iambic tetrameter, with four stressed syllables per line, also contributes to the poem's rhythm. The regularity of the structure and meter reflects the poet's controlled emotions, as he expresses his love in a formal and courtly manner.

The first stanza sets the scene for the poem, as the poet compares the lady's beauty to the sun:

"The youthful sun, shot from his sphere, Would soon apologize for here, Should he behold so fair a prize In that cold region of the skies."

The use of the metaphor of the sun emphasizes the lady's radiance and beauty, which are so great that even the sun would be envious. The phrase "cold region of the skies" suggests that the lady's beauty is rare and precious, and cannot be found in the ordinary world.

In the second stanza, the poet compares the lady's beauty to a rose:

"The rose, that in her lovely face Has all the shining graces placed, Is but a faint resemblance too, Of her, who gives that rose its hue."

The use of the metaphor of the rose emphasizes the lady's delicate beauty, which is like a flower that needs to be nurtured and protected. The phrase "shining graces" suggests that the lady's beauty is not just physical, but also has a spiritual quality. The poet also suggests that the lady's beauty is the source of the rose's color, which is a metaphor for the lady's influence on the world around her.

In the third stanza, the poet expresses his desire to be with the lady:

"Let others with contracted brow, The rigid laws of duty know; I only will enjoy my bliss, And please myself with what I kiss."

The use of the phrase "contracted brow" suggests that the poet sees duty and responsibility as a burden, and he wants to be free to pursue his love. The phrase "enjoy my bliss" suggests that the poet sees his love for the lady as a source of happiness and fulfillment. The use of the word "kiss" suggests that the poet wants to be physically close to the lady, and that his love is not just an abstract emotion, but also has a sensual aspect.

In the final stanza, the poet concludes his poem with a declaration of his love:

"Though I am young, my flame is high, And passion in my breast doth lie; Which kindled by thy charming eyes, Will mount and spread, till it o'erflies."

The use of the phrase "flame is high" suggests that the poet's love is intense and passionate. The phrase "passion in my breast" suggests that the poet's love is not just a passing fancy, but a deep and abiding emotion. The use of the phrase "kindled by thy charming eyes" suggests that the lady's beauty is the source of the poet's love, and that he sees her as the embodiment of all that is good and beautiful in the world.

In conclusion, "To a Very Young Lady" is a beautiful expression of love and admiration, which uses the courtly love tradition to convey the poet's emotions in a formal and controlled manner. The poem is structured in four stanzas, each consisting of four lines, with a regular rhyme scheme and meter. The use of metaphors, such as the sun and the rose, emphasizes the lady's beauty and delicate nature. The poet's desire to be with the lady, and his declaration of love in the final stanza, show that his emotions are not just abstract, but also have a physical and sensual aspect. Overall, the poem is a masterpiece of love and admiration, which continues to inspire readers to this day.

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