'Consolation' by Matthew Arnold
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Mist clogs the sunshine.
Smoky dwarf houses
Hem me round everywhere;
A vague dejection
Weighs down my soul.
Yet, while I languish,
Everywhere countless
Prospects unroll themselves,
And countless beings
Pass countless moods.
Far hence, in Asia,
On the smooth convent-roofs,
On the gilt terraces,
Of holy Lassa,
Bright shines the sun.
Grey time-worn marbles
Hold the pure Muses;
In their cool gallery,
By yellow Tiber,
They still look fair.
Strange unloved uproar
Shrills round their portal;
Yet not on Helicon
Kept they more cloudless
Their noble calm.
Through sun-proof alleys
In a lone, sand-hemmed
City of Africa,
A blind, led beggar,
Age-bowed, asks alms.
No bolder robber
Erst abode ambushed
Deep in the sandy waste;
No clearer eyesight
Spied prey afar.
Saharan sand-winds
Seared his keen eyeballs;
Spent is the spoil he won.
For him the present
Holds only pain.
Two young fair lovers,
Where the warm June-wind,
Fresh from the summer fields,
Plays fondly round them,
Stand, tranced in joy.
With sweet joined voices,
And with eyes brimming:
"Ah," they cry "Destiny,
Prolong the present!
Time, stand still here!"
The prompt stern Goddess
Shakes her head, frowning;
Time gives his hour-glass
Its due reversal;
Their hour is gone.
With weak indulgence
Did the just Goddess
Lengthen their happiness,
She lengthened also
Distress elsewhere.
The hour, whose happy
Unalloyed moments
I would eternalize,
Ten thousand mourners
Well pleased see end.
The bleak stern hour,
Whose severe moments
I would annihilate,
Is passed by others
In warmth, light, joy.
Time, so complained of,
Who to no one man
Shows partiality,
Brings round to all men
Some undimmed hours.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Introduction
Consolation is a well-known poem written by Matthew Arnold, which is considered a classic in the literary community. The poem was published in 1867 and is a part of Arnold's collection of poems named New Poems. It is a beautiful and profound piece of literature that explores the concept of suffering and how it can be alleviated through various means.
Overview
The poem consists of six stanzas, each containing four lines. The poem's structure is simple, yet it is packed with deep meaning and emotion. The poem's central theme is the idea of finding consolation in life's struggles and hardships. Arnold uses vivid imagery and metaphors to convey this idea effectively.
Analysis
In the first stanza, Arnold introduces the concept of suffering and how it is an inevitable part of life. He says that we all have to face hardships at some point in our lives, and there is no way to escape them. However, he also suggests that even though we cannot escape suffering, we can find consolation in it. This is a powerful message that is relevant even today.
The second stanza talks about the different ways in which we can find consolation. Arnold suggests that we can find comfort in nature, in the beauty that surrounds us. He talks about the stars and the sea, which are timeless and constant, and how they offer us solace in difficult times. This stanza is particularly powerful because it connects us to the natural world and reminds us of our place in the universe.
In the third stanza, Arnold talks about the importance of art and literature in finding consolation. He suggests that art can transcend time and space and offer us a glimpse of something eternal. He talks about how the great poets and writers can transport us to another world and help us escape from our troubles. This stanza is particularly relevant in today's world, where we are constantly bombarded by noise and distractions.
The fourth stanza talks about the importance of love in finding consolation. Arnold suggests that love is the ultimate source of comfort and that it can heal even the deepest wounds. He talks about how love can help us forget our troubles and find meaning in life. This stanza is particularly poignant because it reminds us of the power of love and how it can transform our lives.
The fifth stanza talks about the transience of life and how everything is fleeting. Arnold suggests that we should not cling to material possessions or worldly pleasures because they are temporary. Instead, we should focus on the things that matter, such as love, beauty, and truth. This stanza is particularly powerful because it reminds us of the fragility of life and the importance of living in the present.
In the final stanza, Arnold brings all the themes together and suggests that finding consolation is not an easy task. However, he also suggests that it is possible if we are willing to look for it. He talks about how we can find consolation in the natural world, in art and literature, in love, and in the things that matter. This stanza is particularly powerful because it offers us hope and reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles.
Interpretation
The poem's central message is that suffering is an inevitable part of life, but we can find consolation in it. Arnold suggests that we can find comfort in nature, in art and literature, and in love. He also reminds us of the importance of living in the present and focusing on the things that matter. The poem is a powerful reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is hope and that we can find solace in the world around us.
The poem also suggests that finding consolation is not an easy task. We have to be willing to look for it and to open ourselves to the world around us. It is a call to action, a reminder that we need to take responsibility for our own happiness and that we can find joy even in the midst of suffering.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Consolation is a beautiful and profound poem that explores the concept of finding consolation in life's struggles and hardships. Arnold uses vivid imagery and metaphors to convey his message effectively. The poem is a powerful reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is hope, and that we can find solace in the world around us. It is a call to action, a reminder that we need to take responsibility for our own happiness and that we can find joy even in the midst of suffering.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Consolation by Matthew Arnold: A Poem of Hope and Resilience
Matthew Arnold's Consolation is a classic poem that speaks to the human condition of suffering and the search for meaning in life. The poem is a reflection on the transience of life and the inevitability of death, but it also offers a message of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in the poem to understand its deeper meaning and significance.
The poem begins with a description of the natural world, with the speaker observing the "sea of life" and the "waves of time" that wash over it. The imagery of the sea and waves is a metaphor for the passage of time and the impermanence of life. The speaker acknowledges the inevitability of death, but also suggests that there is something beyond it, something that gives meaning to life.
The second stanza of the poem introduces the idea of "consolation," which is the central theme of the poem. The speaker suggests that there is a "Power" that can provide comfort and solace in the face of suffering and loss. This Power is not defined, but it is implied to be something spiritual or transcendent. The speaker also suggests that this Power is present in nature, in the "calm of the stars" and the "peace of the hills." This idea of finding solace in nature is a common theme in Romantic poetry, and it reflects Arnold's belief in the restorative power of nature.
The third stanza of the poem is a reflection on the human condition of suffering. The speaker acknowledges that life is full of pain and sorrow, but suggests that this suffering can be transformed into something meaningful. The speaker uses the metaphor of the "fire" to describe the transformative power of suffering. Just as fire can purify and transform metal, so too can suffering purify and transform the human soul. This idea of suffering as a means of spiritual growth is a common theme in religious and philosophical traditions, and it reflects Arnold's belief in the redemptive power of suffering.
The fourth stanza of the poem is a reflection on the human desire for immortality. The speaker acknowledges that we all long for something that will endure beyond our own mortality, whether it is fame, fortune, or some other form of legacy. However, the speaker suggests that these things are ultimately empty and meaningless, and that true immortality can only be found in the spiritual realm. The speaker uses the metaphor of the "eternal hills" to describe this spiritual realm, suggesting that it is a place of peace and tranquility that transcends the transience of earthly life.
The final stanza of the poem is a message of hope and resilience. The speaker acknowledges that life is full of pain and suffering, but suggests that we can find consolation in the knowledge that there is something beyond this life. The speaker encourages us to embrace the challenges of life and to find meaning in our struggles. The final lines of the poem are a call to action, urging us to "be strong" and to "live on" in the face of adversity.
In terms of language and imagery, the poem is characterized by its simplicity and clarity. The language is straightforward and accessible, with few complex or obscure words. The imagery is also simple and direct, with the use of metaphors and symbols that are easy to understand. The poem is written in iambic pentameter, which gives it a rhythmic and musical quality that is pleasing to the ear.
In conclusion, Consolation by Matthew Arnold is a classic poem that speaks to the human condition of suffering and the search for meaning in life. The poem offers a message of hope and resilience in the face of adversity, encouraging us to find solace in nature and to embrace the challenges of life. The poem is characterized by its simplicity and clarity of language and imagery, and its rhythmic and musical quality. Overall, Consolation is a timeless poem that continues to resonate with readers today, offering a message of hope and comfort in a world that can often seem dark and uncertain.
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