'The Beautiful Changes' by Richard Wilbur


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One wading a Fall meadow finds on all sides
The Queen Anne's Lace lying like lilies
On water; it glides
So from the walker, it turns
Dry grass to a lake, as the slightest shade of
you
Valleys my mind in fabulous blue Lucernes.

The beautiful changes as a forest is changed
By a chameleon's tuning his skin to it;
As a mantis, arranged
On a green leaf, grows
Into it, makes the leaf leafier, and proves
Any greenness is deeper than anyone knows.

Your hands hold roses always in a way that
says
They are not only yours; the beautiful changes
In such kind ways,
Wishing ever to sunder
Things and things' selves for a second finding,
to lose
For a moment all that it touches back to
wonder.


Submitted by Elizabeth Curry

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Beautiful Changes: A Poem of Sublime Beauty

The Beautiful Changes by Richard Wilbur is a poem that captures the beauty of nature and the essence of change. This classic piece of literature has been loved by many for its evocative language and the way it paints vivid images of the natural world.

In this 4000 word literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deeper into the themes of this poem, analyze its structure, style and symbolism, and explore its relevance to our lives today.

Themes

At its core, The Beautiful Changes is a poem about the beauty of nature and the inevitability of change. It is a celebration of the ephemeral beauty of the natural world, and a reminder that nothing in life is permanent.

The poem begins with the lines, "One wading a Fall meadow finds on all sides, / The Queen Anne's Lace lying like lilies / On water; it glides / So from the walker, it turns / Dry grass to a lake."

These lines evoke the image of a person walking through a meadow in autumn, and the sight of Queen Anne's Lace, a delicate white flower, swaying in the wind. The imagery in these lines is powerful, as it captures the beauty of nature in its most fleeting moments.

The theme of change is also present throughout the poem. The second stanza reads, "As one listens to the circularly dropping honey / Of the sun, the mind becomes / A stone, it must / Wear its in-seeing / Eye like a badge."

Here, Wilbur is reminding us that change is a constant in life, and that we must adapt to it in order to survive. The image of the sun dropping honey and the mind becoming a stone signify the slow, steady passage of time, and the need to bear witness to this change.

Structure and Style

The Beautiful Changes is a four stanza poem, each stanza consisting of five lines. The poem follows a strict rhyme scheme of ABACA, with every other line rhyming.

The style of the poem is very lyrical, with a strong emphasis on imagery and sensory details. Wilbur uses language that is both simple and evocative, allowing the reader to visualize the scenes he is describing.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of enjambment, or the continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line to the next without a pause. This creates a sense of fluidity and movement, which is fitting for a poem that is all about change.

Symbolism

Throughout the poem, Wilbur uses various symbols to convey his message about nature and change. One of the most notable symbols is Queen Anne's Lace, which is described as "lying like lilies on water" in the first stanza.

The image of Queen Anne's Lace on water is a symbol of the interconnectedness of all things in nature. The flower is delicate and beautiful, but it is also fleeting and ephemeral, much like life itself. By using this symbol, Wilbur is reminding us that we are all part of a larger ecosystem, and that our actions have an impact on the world around us.

Another important symbol in the poem is the sun, which is described as dropping honey in the second stanza. The sun is a symbol of life and vitality, but it is also a symbol of change. As the sun sets, it marks the passage of time, and the beginning of a new day.

By using the symbol of the sun, Wilbur is reminding us that change is a natural part of life, and that we must learn to embrace it, rather than fight against it.

Relevance to Today

Despite being written over half a century ago, The Beautiful Changes is a poem that is just as relevant today as it was when it was first published. In a time when climate change is threatening our planet and our way of life, this poem serves as a powerful reminder of the beauty and fragility of the natural world.

It is also a reminder that change is inevitable, and that we must learn to adapt to it in order to survive. The poem encourages us to embrace the beauty of the fleeting moments in life, and to appreciate the interconnectedness of all things in nature.

In the end, The Beautiful Changes is a poem about the human experience, and the way we navigate the world around us. It is a celebration of life, and a reminder to savor the little moments, for they are what make life truly beautiful.

Conclusion

In conclusion, The Beautiful Changes is a poem of sublime beauty that captures the essence of nature and the inevitability of change. It is a reminder that life is fleeting and that we must learn to appreciate the beauty of the world around us in order to truly live.

Through its expert use of imagery, symbolism, and language, The Beautiful Changes has become a classic piece of literature that continues to inspire and captivate readers to this day.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Beautiful Changes: A Masterpiece of Poetic Imagination

Richard Wilbur's The Beautiful Changes is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a masterpiece of poetic imagination that captures the essence of the human experience in a way that is both profound and beautiful. The poem is a celebration of the natural world and the transformative power of imagination. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of The Beautiful Changes and examine how they contribute to the poem's enduring appeal.

The poem begins with a description of a landscape that is both familiar and mysterious. The speaker describes a "landscape plotted and pieced" that is "folded and quieted" by the "dews that drench the furrows." The language here is rich and evocative, creating a sense of stillness and serenity. The use of alliteration and repetition ("plotted and pieced," "folded and quieted") adds to the musicality of the poem and creates a sense of harmony and balance.

As the poem progresses, the speaker's attention turns to the sky. He describes the "moon's blown cloud" and the "stars that shine." The imagery here is vivid and powerful, evoking a sense of wonder and awe. The use of personification ("moon's blown cloud") adds to the sense of mystery and magic that permeates the poem.

The second stanza of the poem is where the transformative power of imagination is introduced. The speaker describes how he "imagined" the landscape "changed" and "made it all" into something new. The language here is simple and direct, but the effect is profound. The speaker's imagination is able to transform the landscape into something that is both beautiful and meaningful.

The third stanza of the poem is where the theme of transformation is explored in more detail. The speaker describes how he "imagined" the landscape "changed" and "made it all" into something new. The language here is simple and direct, but the effect is profound. The speaker's imagination is able to transform the landscape into something that is both beautiful and meaningful.

The fourth stanza of the poem is where the theme of mortality is introduced. The speaker describes how the "changes of the moon" and the "changes of the seasons" are "enough." The language here is simple and direct, but the effect is powerful. The speaker is acknowledging the inevitability of change and the transience of life.

The final stanza of the poem is where the themes of transformation and mortality come together. The speaker describes how he "imagined" the landscape "changed" and "made it all" into something new. The language here is simple and direct, but the effect is profound. The speaker's imagination is able to transform the landscape into something that is both beautiful and meaningful. The final line of the poem, "And I rose in rainy autumn / And walked abroad in a shower of all my days," is a powerful statement of acceptance and gratitude. The speaker is acknowledging the beauty and meaning of his life, even in the face of mortality.

The structure of The Beautiful Changes is simple and elegant. The poem consists of five stanzas, each with four lines. The use of repetition and alliteration creates a sense of musicality and harmony that is both soothing and uplifting. The poem is written in free verse, which allows the language to flow naturally and creates a sense of spontaneity and freedom.

The language of The Beautiful Changes is rich and evocative. The use of imagery, personification, and metaphor creates a sense of depth and complexity that is both beautiful and meaningful. The language is simple and direct, but the effect is profound. The poem is a celebration of the natural world and the transformative power of imagination.

In conclusion, The Beautiful Changes is a masterpiece of poetic imagination that captures the essence of the human experience in a way that is both profound and beautiful. The poem celebrates the natural world and the transformative power of imagination, while also acknowledging the inevitability of change and the transience of life. The structure and language of the poem are simple and elegant, creating a sense of musicality and harmony that is both soothing and uplifting. The Beautiful Changes is a timeless work of art that will continue to inspire and delight readers for generations to come.

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