'Sonnet 02 - But only three in all God's universe' by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
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II
But only three in all God's universe
Have heard this word thou hast said,—Himself, beside
Thee speaking, and me listening! and replied
One of us . . . that was God, . . . and laid the curse
So darkly on my eyelids, as to amerce
My sight from seeing thee,—that if I had died,
The deathweights, placed there, would have signified
Less absolute exclusion. 'Nay' is worse
From God than from all others, O my friend!
Men could not part us with their worldly jars,
Nor the seas change us, nor the tempests bend;
Our hands would touch for all the mountain-bars:
And, heaven being rolled between us at the end,
We should but vow the faster for the stars.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Sonnet 02 - But only three in all God's universe
Elizabeth Barrett Browning's Sonnet 02, But only three in all God's universe, is a powerful and thought-provoking piece of poetry that explores the themes of love and faith. This sonnet is one of the many love poems written by Elizabeth Barrett Browning for her husband, Robert Browning. It is a beautiful sonnet that captures the essence of love and faith in a way that only a true poet can do.
Summary
The sonnet begins by introducing the idea that there are only three things in the universe that are perfect, and that these three things are the only things that can truly be called divine. These three things are the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, which are the three parts of the Christian God. The poem then goes on to explain that love is one of these divine things. Love is described as being perfect and eternal, and it is said that it comes from God. The poem then goes on to explain that the other two divine things are faith and hope. These two things are also said to be perfect and eternal, and they also come from God.
Analysis
The sonnet is written in the traditional Shakespearean sonnet form, which consists of fourteen lines in iambic pentameter. The rhyme scheme is ABBA ABBA CDC DCD, which is also typical of a Shakespearean sonnet. The poem is structured in such a way that the first eight lines introduce the theme of the poem and the last six lines develop the theme further.
The poem is full of religious imagery and language. The three divine things that are mentioned are all part of the Christian faith, and it is clear that the poem is written from a Christian perspective. The use of the phrase "God's universe" in the title also reinforces this idea.
The first line of the poem, "But only three in all God's universe," sets the tone for the rest of the poem. It immediately introduces the idea that there are only three things in the universe that are perfect and that these three things are divine. This sets up the rest of the poem, which explores the idea of love, faith, and hope as divine things.
The poem also explores the idea that love is the most important of these divine things. Love is described as being perfect and eternal, and it is said to come from God. The idea that love is divine is reinforced by the use of religious language throughout the poem. For example, the phrase "the love of God" is used in the second line of the poem.
The poem also explores the idea that faith and hope are important divine things. These two things are also described as being perfect and eternal, and they are said to come from God. The use of the phrase "faith and hope" in the final line of the poem reinforces this idea.
The use of the phrase "God's universe" in the title of the poem also has significance. It suggests that the poem is not just about love, faith, and hope as divine things, but also about the relationship between these things and the wider universe. The idea that these things are part of God's universe suggests that they are part of a wider order of things.
Interpretation
The poem can be interpreted in a number of different ways. One possible interpretation is that the poem is about the importance of love, faith, and hope in the Christian faith. The poem suggests that these things are divine and that they come from God. It also suggests that they are the most important things in the universe.
Another possible interpretation of the poem is that it is about the relationship between love, faith, and hope and the wider universe. The use of the phrase "God's universe" in the title suggests that these things are part of a wider order of things. This interpretation suggests that love, faith, and hope are not just important in the Christian faith, but also important in the wider universe.
The poem can also be interpreted as a love poem. The poem is written by Elizabeth Barrett Browning for her husband, Robert Browning, and it is one of many love poems that she wrote for him. The poem can be interpreted as a declaration of love and faith in their relationship.
Conclusion
Elizabeth Barrett Browning's Sonnet 02, But only three in all God's universe, is a beautiful and powerful poem that explores the themes of love and faith. The poem is structured in such a way that the first eight lines introduce the theme of the poem and the last six lines develop the theme further. The use of religious imagery and language throughout the poem reinforces the idea that love, faith, and hope are divine things. The poem can be interpreted in a number of different ways, but all interpretations suggest that love, faith, and hope are important things that are part of a wider order of things.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Sonnet 02 - But only three in all God's universe, written by Elizabeth Barrett Browning, is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a beautiful and thought-provoking piece that explores the concept of love and the rarity of true love in the world. In this analysis, we will delve deeper into the poem and explore its themes, structure, and language.
The poem begins with the line, "But only three in all God's universe," which immediately captures the reader's attention. The speaker is referring to the three types of love that exist in the world, which are later revealed to be the love between a mother and child, the love between friends, and the love between two lovers. The use of the word "God's" adds a spiritual element to the poem, suggesting that these types of love are divine and sacred.
The first stanza focuses on the love between a mother and child. The speaker describes this love as "pure and true," emphasizing its innocence and sincerity. The use of the word "pure" suggests that this love is untainted by any negative emotions or ulterior motives. The speaker also notes that this love is "unselfish," highlighting the mother's willingness to put her child's needs before her own. This stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, emphasizing the importance of genuine and selfless love.
The second stanza shifts the focus to the love between friends. The speaker describes this love as "strong and true," emphasizing its loyalty and steadfastness. The use of the word "strong" suggests that this love can withstand any challenges or obstacles that may arise. The speaker also notes that this love is "unselfish," highlighting the importance of mutual support and care in a friendship. This stanza emphasizes the idea that true friendship is a rare and valuable thing.
The final stanza focuses on the love between two lovers. The speaker describes this love as "rare and true," emphasizing its uniqueness and rarity. The use of the word "rare" suggests that true love is not something that can be easily found or obtained. The speaker also notes that this love is "unselfish," highlighting the importance of mutual respect and understanding in a romantic relationship. This stanza emphasizes the idea that true love is a rare and precious thing that should be cherished.
The structure of the poem is a traditional Shakespearean sonnet, consisting of three quatrains and a final couplet. The use of this structure adds to the poem's formal and structured tone, emphasizing the importance of the themes being explored. The rhyme scheme is also traditional, with an ABAB CDCD EFEF GG pattern. This adds to the poem's musicality and flow, making it a pleasure to read aloud.
The language used in the poem is simple and straightforward, yet powerful. The use of words such as "pure," "strong," and "rare" emphasizes the importance and rarity of the types of love being explored. The repetition of the phrase "unselfish and true" in each stanza adds to the poem's emphasis on the importance of selflessness and sincerity in love. The use of the word "God's" adds a spiritual element to the poem, emphasizing the idea that true love is a divine and sacred thing.
In conclusion, Sonnet 02 - But only three in all God's universe, written by Elizabeth Barrett Browning, is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that explores the rarity and importance of true love in the world. The poem's structure, language, and themes all work together to create a powerful and moving piece that has stood the test of time. It is a reminder to us all to cherish and value the love that we have in our lives, whether it be the love between a mother and child, the love between friends, or the love between two lovers.
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