'On The Death Of Anne Bronte' by Charlotte Bronte


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There's little joy in life for me,
And little terror in the grave;
I've lived the parting hour to see
Of one I would have died to save.

Calmly to watch the failing breath,
Wishing each sigh might be the last;
Longing to see the shade of death
O'er those beloved features cast;

The cloud, the stillness that must part
The darling of my life from me;
And then to thank God from my heart,
To thank him well and fervently;

Although I knew that we had lost
The hope and glory of our life;
And now, benighted, tempest-tossed,
Must bear alone the weary strife.

Editor 1 Interpretation

On The Death Of Anne Bronte by Charlotte Bronte

Charlotte Bronte's "On The Death Of Anne Bronte" is a heart-wrenching elegy written in memory of her younger sister, Anne, who died at the young age of 29 due to tuberculosis. Published in 1849, the poem is a poignant expression of Charlotte's grief and love for her sister.

Form and Structure

The poem is written in the form of a sonnet, a traditional form of poetry consisting of 14 lines, with a rhyme scheme of ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. This formal structure adds to the solemnity of the poem and highlights the author's mastery of the poetic form. The sonnet is divided into two parts, the octave and the sestet, with a volta or a turn in the middle, where the tone of the poem changes.

Themes

The central theme of the poem is death and grief. Charlotte Bronte's use of powerful imagery and figurative language brings to life the pain and sorrow of losing a loved one. The poem is also a celebration of Anne's life and her contribution to literature. Charlotte highlights her sister's literary achievements and her unwavering faith in God.

Imagery

The poem is filled with vivid imagery that captures the intense emotions of grief and loss. Charlotte uses a range of sensory details to describe the scene of Anne's death and burial. In the first stanza, she compares the scene to a "dreary moorland" and a "vast sepulchral plain," creating a sense of desolation and emptiness.

In the second stanza, Charlotte uses the image of a "storm-bent tree" to describe Anne's frail and delicate state before her death. This image emphasizes the contrast between Anne's short life and the harshness of the world around her. Charlotte also uses the image of a "dove" to describe Anne's gentle and peaceful nature.

In the third stanza, the poet uses the image of a "seraph" to describe Anne's angelic qualities, highlighting her unwavering faith in God. This image is contrasted with the image of a "fettered bird" to describe the limitations of Anne's physical body and the constraints of mortality.

Figurative Language

Charlotte Bronte's use of figurative language adds depth and complexity to the poem. In the first stanza, she uses a metaphor to describe the scene of Anne's death as a "thunder-blasted tree." This metaphor emphasizes the sudden and violent nature of Anne's death, as well as the impact it had on those around her.

In the second stanza, Charlotte uses a simile to describe Anne's "narrow cell" as a "frost-bound flower." This simile highlights the fragility of Anne's life and her vulnerability to the harshness of the world around her.

In the third stanza, Charlotte uses personification to describe death as a "grim tyrant" who has claimed Anne's life. This personification emphasizes the inevitability of death and the universal experience of loss.

Tone

The tone of the poem is one of sadness and mourning, but also of admiration and respect for Anne's life and legacy. Charlotte's use of language and imagery evokes a sense of melancholy and nostalgia, but also of hope and faith in the afterlife.

Conclusion

Charlotte Bronte's "On The Death Of Anne Bronte" is a powerful and moving elegy that captures the pain and sorrow of losing a loved one. Through her use of vivid imagery, figurative language, and expert poetic form, Charlotte honors her sister's life and legacy, and reminds us all of the fragility and preciousness of life.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

On The Death Of Anne Bronte: A Heartfelt Tribute by Charlotte Bronte

Charlotte Bronte’s On The Death Of Anne Bronte is a poignant and heartfelt tribute to her beloved sister, Anne, who passed away at the young age of 29. The poem is a reflection of Charlotte’s deep love and admiration for her sister, as well as her profound grief at her loss. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in the poem, and how they contribute to its emotional impact.

The poem opens with a powerful image of a stormy night, which sets the tone for the rest of the piece. Charlotte writes, “There’s little joy in life for me, / And little terror in the grave; / I’ve lived the parting hour to see / Of one I would have died to save.” This opening stanza sets the scene for the reader, conveying the sense of loss and despair that Charlotte feels. The use of the word “terror” in relation to the grave is particularly striking, as it suggests that death is not something to be feared, but rather a release from the pain of life.

Throughout the poem, Charlotte uses vivid and evocative imagery to convey her emotions. For example, she writes, “The ocean hath its silent caves, / Deep, quiet, and alone; / Though there be fury on the waves, / Beneath them there is none.” This image of the ocean’s silent caves is a powerful metaphor for the depths of grief that Charlotte is experiencing. The idea that there can be calm and stillness beneath the surface of even the most turbulent emotions is a comforting one, and it suggests that Charlotte is finding solace in her sorrow.

Another striking image in the poem is that of the “pale, cold brow” of Anne, which Charlotte describes as “too pure for taint or blot.” This image is a testament to the purity and goodness of Anne’s character, and it reinforces the idea that her death is a loss not just to Charlotte, but to the world at large. Charlotte’s use of the word “taint” suggests that Anne was untainted by the corruption and darkness of the world, and that her death is a tragic reminder of the fragility of goodness in a world that can be cruel and harsh.

One of the most powerful themes in the poem is that of sisterhood and the bond between siblings. Charlotte writes, “We were but two, and now thou’rt gone; / Oh, what are earth and sky! / How can I stay? They’re every one, / Desolate, when thou art nigh!” This passage conveys the depth of Charlotte’s love for her sister, and the sense of emptiness and loneliness that she feels in her absence. The use of the word “desolate” is particularly poignant, as it suggests that without Anne, the world is a barren and lifeless place.

Another theme that runs throughout the poem is that of mortality and the inevitability of death. Charlotte writes, “But oh! how dark, how drear, how lone, / In this wide world, the thought of thee, / When thou, the loved and cherished one, / Art cold in death, and gone from me!” This passage conveys the sense of finality and irrevocability that comes with death, and the idea that even the most cherished and beloved people in our lives will one day be gone.

In terms of language, Charlotte’s use of repetition is particularly effective in conveying the depth of her grief. For example, she writes, “I’ve lived the parting hour to see / Of one I would have died to save.” The repetition of the phrase “parting hour” emphasizes the sense of loss and separation that Charlotte is experiencing, and it reinforces the idea that death is a final and irreversible parting.

Overall, On The Death Of Anne Bronte is a powerful and moving tribute to a beloved sister. Charlotte’s use of vivid imagery, poignant language, and powerful themes all contribute to the emotional impact of the poem. Through her words, Charlotte conveys the depth of her love for Anne, as well as the sense of loss and grief that she feels at her passing. This poem is a testament to the enduring power of sisterhood, and a reminder that even in the face of death, love and connection can endure.

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