'Demeter And Persephone' by Alfred Lord Tennyson
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Faint as a climate-changing bird that flies
All night across the darkness, and at dawn
Falls on the threshold of her native land,
And can no more, thou camest, O my child,
Led upward by the God of ghosts and dreams,
Who laid thee at Eleusis, dazed and dumb,
With passing thro' at once from state to state,
Until I brought thee hither, that the day,
When here thy hands let fall the gather'd flower,
Might break thro' clouded memories once again
On thy lost self. A sudden nightingale
Saw thee, and flash'd into a frolic of song
And welcome; and a gleam as of the moon,
When first she peers along the tremulous deep,
Fled wavering o'er thy face, and chased away
That shadow of a likeness to the king
Of shadows, thy dark mate. Persephone!
Queen of the dead no more -- my child! Thine eyes
Again were human-godlike, and the Sun
Burst from a swimming fleece of winter gray,
And robed thee in his day from head to feet --
"Mother!" and I was folded in thine arms.
Child, those imperial, disimpassion'd eyes
Awed even me at first, thy mother -- eyes
That oft had seen the serpent-wanded power
Draw downward into Hades with his drift
Of fickering spectres, lighted from below
By the red race of fiery Phlegethon;
But when before have Gods or men beheld
The Life that had descended re-arise,
And lighted from above him by the Sun?
So mighty was the mother's childless cry,
A cry that ran thro' Hades, Earth, and Heaven!
So in this pleasant vale we stand again,
The field of Enna, now once more ablaze
With flowers that brighten as thy footstep falls,
All flowers -- but for one black blur of earth
Left by that closing chasm, thro' which the car
Of dark Aidoneus rising rapt thee hence.
And here, my child, tho' folded in thine arms,
I feel the deathless heart of motherhood
Within me shudder, lest the naked glebe
Should yawn once more into the gulf, and thence
The shrilly whinnyings of the team of Hell,
Ascending, pierce the glad and songful air,
And all at once their arch'd necks, midnight-maned,
Jet upward thro' the mid-day blossom. No!
For, see, thy foot has touch'd it; all the space
Of blank earth-baldness clothes itself afresh,
And breaks into the crocus-purple hour
That saw thee vanish.
Child, when thou wert gone,
I envied human wives, and nested birds,
Yea, the cubb'd lioness; went in search of thee
Thro' many a palace, many a cot, and gave
Thy breast to ailing infants in the night,
And set the mother waking in amaze
To find her sick one whole; and forth again
Among the wail of midnight winds, and cried,
"Where is my loved one? Wherefore do ye wail?"
And out from all the night an answer shrill'd,
"We know not, and we know not why we wail."
I climb'd on all the cliffs of all the seas,
And ask'd the waves that moan about the world
"Where? do ye make your moaning for my child?"
And round from all the world the voices came
"We know not, and we know not why we moan."
"Where?" and I stared from every eagle-peak,
I thridded the black heart of all the woods,
I peer'd thro' tomb and cave, and in the storms
Of Autumn swept across the city, and heard
The murmur of their temples chanting me,
Me, me, the desolate Mother! "Where"? -- and turn'd,
And fled by many a waste, forlorn of man,
And grieved for man thro' all my grief for thee, --
The jungle rooted in his shatter'd hearth,
The serpent coil'd about his broken shaft,
The scorpion crawling over naked skulls; --
I saw the tiger in the ruin'd fane
Spring from his fallen God, but trace of thee
I saw not; and far on, and, following out
A league of labyrinthine darkness, came
On three gray heads beneath a gleaming rift.
"Where"? and I heard one voice from all the three
"We know not, for we spin the lives of men,
And not of Gods, and know not why we spin!
There is a Fate beyond us." Nothing knew.
Last as the likeness of a dying man,
Without his knowledge, from him flits to warn
A far-off friendship that he comes no more,
So he, the God of dreams, who heard my cry,
Drew from thyself the likeness of thyself
Without thy knowledge, and thy shadow past
Before me, crying "The Bright one in the highest
Is brother of the Dark one in the lowest,
And Bright and Dark have sworn that I, the child
Of thee, the great Earth-Mother, thee, the Power
That lifts her buried life from loom to bloom,
Should be for ever and for evermore
The Bride of Darkness."
So the Shadow wail'd.
Then I, Earth-Goddess, cursed the Gods of Heaven.
I would not mingle with their feasts; to me
Their nectar smack'd of hemlock on the lips,
Their rich ambrosia tasted aconite.
The man, that only lives and loves an hour,
Seem'd nobler than their hard Eternities.
My quick tears kill'd the flower, my ravings hush'd
The bird, and lost in utter grief I fail'd
To send my life thro' olive-yard and vine
And golden grain, my gift to helpless man.
Rain-rotten died the wheat, the barley-spears
Were hollow-husk'd, the leaf fell, and the sun,
Pale at my grief, drew down before his time
Sickening, and Aetna kept her winter snow.
Then He, the brother of this Darkness, He
Who still is highest, glancing from his height
On earth a fruitless fallow, when he miss'd
The wonted steam of sacrifice, the praise
And prayer of men, decreed that thou should'st dwell
For nine white moons of each whole year with me,
Three dark ones in the shadow with thy King.
Once more the reaper in the gleam of dawn
Will see me by the landmark far away,
Blessing his field, or seated in the dusk
Of even, by the lonely threshing-floor,
Rejoicing in the harvest and the grange.
Yet I, Earth-Goddess, am but ill-content
With them, who still are highest. Those gray heads,
What meant they by their "Fate beyond the Fates"
But younger kindlier Gods to bear us down,
As we bore down the Gods before us? Gods,
To quench, not hurl the thunderbolt, to stay,
Not spread the plague, the famine; Gods indeed,
To send the noon into the night and break
The sunless halls of Hades into Heaven?
Till thy dark lord accept and love the Sun,
And all the Shadow die into the Light,
When thou shalt dwell the whole bright year with me,
And souls of men, who grew beyond their race,
And made themselves as Gods against the fear
Of Death and Hell; and thou that hast from men,
As Queen of Death, that worship which is Fear,
Henceforth, as having risen from out the dead,
Shalt ever send thy life along with mine
From buried grain thro' springing blade, and bless
Their garner'd Autumn also, reap with me,
Earth-mother, in the harvest hymns of Earth
The worship which is Love, and see no more
The Stone, the Wheel, the dimly-glimmering lawns
Of that Elysium, all the hateful fires
Of torment, and the shadowy warrior glide
Along the silent field of Asphodel.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Demeter and Persephone: Alfred Lord Tennyson's Masterpiece
Introduction
The poem Demeter and Persephone by Alfred Lord Tennyson is a masterpiece, a gem that showcases the poet's prowess in crafting a story and weaving it into a lyrical and emotive poem. The poem has captured the imagination of readers and critics alike for its vivid portrayal of the bond between a mother and daughter, the tragedy of maternal separation, and the quest for reunion. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deeper into the poem's themes, symbols, and literary devices to unravel its beauty and significance.
Overview of the Poem
The poem begins with the goddess Demeter, the goddess of agriculture, mourning the disappearance of her daughter Persephone. Persephone has been abducted by Hades, the god of the underworld, and taken to his realm. Demeter, devastated by the loss, sets out on a quest to find her daughter. She roams the earth, disguising herself as an old woman, and refuses to let anything grow until she is reunited with her daughter.
The poem then shifts to the perspective of Persephone, who is in the underworld with Hades. Persephone is conflicted, torn between her love for her mother and her growing attachment to Hades. Hades, despite being the abductor, is portrayed as a sympathetic character, who genuinely cares for Persephone and tries to make her happy. However, Persephone longs to see her mother and yearns to return to the world above.
As Demeter's quest continues, she finally learns of Persephone's whereabouts and confronts Hades. A deal is struck, and Persephone is allowed to return to the world above for half the year, but must spend the other half in the underworld as Hades' queen. The poem ends with the reunion of mother and daughter, and the promise of renewal and growth in the world above.
Themes
The poem is rich in themes, ranging from maternal love, separation and reunion, to the cyclical nature of life and death. The central theme of the poem is maternal love, as evidenced by Demeter's unwavering devotion to her daughter. Demeter's character embodies the unconditional love of a mother, who will stop at nothing to find and protect her child. The poem also explores the pain of separation and the joy of reunion, as Demeter and Persephone are finally reunited after a long and difficult journey.
Another significant theme is the cyclical nature of life and death. The poem portrays the turning of the seasons, with Persephone's departure to the underworld leading to winter, and her return to the world above bringing about spring. This cyclical nature is also reflected in the idea of rebirth and renewal, as the world above is brought back to life after the barren winter months.
The poem also touches on the theme of choice and sacrifice, as Persephone is torn between her love for her mother and her growing attachment to Hades. She ultimately makes a choice to return to the world above, but at the cost of spending half the year in the underworld as Hades' queen.
Symbols and Imagery
Tennyson employs vivid imagery and symbols to convey the themes of the poem. The most prominent symbol is that of the seasons, which represent the cyclical nature of life and death. The barren winter months symbolize the absence of Persephone, while the arrival of spring represents her return to the world above. This symbolism is reinforced by the imagery of the changing landscape, with the earth coming back to life as Persephone returns.
The imagery of the underworld is also significant, as it represents the realm of the dead and the unknown. The darkness and gloom of the underworld stand in contrast to the brightness and warmth of the world above, highlighting the separation between mother and daughter. The image of Hades as a sympathetic character, who genuinely cares for Persephone, adds depth to the poem by introducing shades of grey into the otherwise black and white conflict.
The imagery of the harvest, which is central to Demeter's character as the goddess of agriculture, also plays an important role in the poem. The harvest represents the bounty of the land and the life-giving power of nature. However, when Demeter mourns the loss of her daughter, she refuses to let anything grow, leading to a barren and lifeless landscape. This imagery underscores the importance of the mother-daughter bond in the natural order of things.
Literary Devices
Tennyson employs a variety of literary devices to enhance the beauty and depth of the poem. The use of repetition, such as the repetition of the phrase "where art thou" in Demeter's search for Persephone, creates a sense of urgency and desperation. The repetition of the imagery of the seasons and the harvest also adds to the poem's thematic coherence.
The use of metaphor is also prominent in the poem, as Tennyson employs the seasons and the harvest as metaphors for life and death. The image of Demeter as an old woman, disguised and wandering the earth in search of her daughter, is a metaphor for the universal human experience of loss and the search for meaning.
The use of allusion is also significant, as Tennyson draws upon Greek mythology to craft his narrative. The characters of Demeter, Persephone, and Hades are all drawn from Greek mythology, and their stories are woven together to create a new narrative. The use of allusion adds depth and richness to the poem, by placing it within a broader cultural and literary context.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Demeter and Persephone is a masterful work of poetry, rich in themes, symbols, and literary devices. Tennyson's skillful use of imagery, metaphor, and allusion create a powerful narrative that speaks to the universal human experience of love, loss, and reunion. The poem's beauty and significance lie in its ability to convey complex emotions and ideas through a simple and lyrical story. This poem is a testament to Tennyson's artistry and his ability to craft a timeless work of literature.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Demeter and Persephone: A Tale of Love, Loss, and Renewal
Alfred Lord Tennyson's poem "Demeter and Persephone" is a timeless classic that tells the story of the Greek goddess of agriculture, Demeter, and her daughter Persephone. The poem is a retelling of the ancient Greek myth of the abduction of Persephone by Hades, the god of the underworld, and the subsequent search and reunion of mother and daughter. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, symbols, and literary devices used in the poem to understand its deeper meaning and significance.
The poem begins with a description of Demeter's grief and despair upon realizing that her daughter has been taken away from her. Tennyson's use of vivid imagery and sensory language creates a powerful emotional impact on the reader, as we can feel the intensity of Demeter's pain and anguish. The lines "She heard the voice of her daughter cry, / Faint as the voice of the dying, / But heard; and up from the furrowed land / Rigid as stone she stood" (lines 5-8) convey the sense of shock and disbelief that Demeter experiences upon hearing her daughter's cry. The use of the simile "Faint as the voice of the dying" emphasizes the gravity of the situation and the urgency of Demeter's quest to find her daughter.
The poem then shifts to a description of Persephone's abduction by Hades, who takes her to the underworld to be his queen. Tennyson's use of personification and metaphor in describing Hades as "the king of the dead" (line 12) and the underworld as "the land of the shadow" (line 13) creates a sense of foreboding and danger. The image of Persephone being dragged down into the darkness by Hades is a powerful symbol of the loss of innocence and the descent into despair.
The next section of the poem describes Demeter's search for her daughter, as she travels across the earth in search of any clue that might lead her to Persephone. Tennyson's use of repetition in the lines "She sought her daughter round about; / She searched the hills and valleys out; / She searched the cities up and down" (lines 25-27) emphasizes the intensity and persistence of Demeter's quest. The image of Demeter wandering through the world, consumed by grief and desperation, is a powerful symbol of the human experience of loss and the search for meaning in the face of tragedy.
As Demeter continues her search, she encounters various people and creatures who offer her comfort and aid. The old woman who takes her in and cares for her, the king who offers her a throne, and the shepherd who guides her all represent different aspects of human kindness and compassion. Tennyson's use of these characters as symbols of hope and support emphasizes the importance of community and connection in times of crisis.
Finally, Demeter discovers that Persephone has been taken to the underworld, and she confronts Hades in a dramatic scene that is the climax of the poem. Tennyson's use of dialogue and imagery in this section is particularly powerful, as Demeter demands the return of her daughter and Hades resists. The lines "I have her whom thou seekest here; / Persephone, the beautiful, / A daughter lovely to look on" (lines 55-57) convey the sense of possession and control that Hades feels over Persephone, while Demeter's response, "Give me my daughter back, and go" (line 60), is a powerful assertion of maternal love and determination.
The poem ends with the reunion of Demeter and Persephone, as the goddess of agriculture brings spring and renewal to the earth. Tennyson's use of imagery and symbolism in this section is particularly striking, as he describes the earth coming back to life after the long winter of Persephone's absence. The lines "The black earth breaks and buries the seed; / The green blade breaks the buried grain; / And out of the darkness, myriad leaves" (lines 70-72) convey the sense of rebirth and renewal that comes with the return of Persephone.
In conclusion, "Demeter and Persephone" is a powerful and timeless poem that explores the themes of love, loss, and renewal. Tennyson's use of vivid imagery, powerful symbols, and literary devices such as repetition, personification, and metaphor creates a rich and complex narrative that speaks to the human experience of grief and hope. The poem is a testament to the enduring power of myth and storytelling, and a reminder of the importance of connection and community in times of crisis.
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