'What Should I Say' by Sir Thomas Wyatt
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What should I say,
Since faith is dead,
And truth away
From you is fled?
Should I be led
With doubleness?
Nay, nay, mistress!
I promised you,
And you promised me,
To be as true
As I would be.
But since I see
Your double heart,
Farewell my part!
Though for to take
It is not my mind,
But to forsake
[One so unkind]
And as I find,
So will I trust:
Farewell, unjust!
Can ye say nay?
But you said
That I alway
Should be obeyed?
And thus betrayed
Or that I wiste--
Farewell, unkissed.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry, What Should I Say by Sir Thomas Wyatt: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Are you a fan of poetry? Do you like reading works that are both beautiful and thought-provoking? If so, then you must check out Sir Thomas Wyatt's "Poetry, What Should I Say." This classic piece of literature is a perfect example of the beauty and complexity that can be found in poetry.
A Brief Overview of the Poem
Before diving into the literary analysis of "Poetry, What Should I Say," let's take a moment to understand what the poem is all about. As the title suggests, the poem is about poetry itself. More specifically, it is about the challenges that come with writing poetry.
The poet is struggling to find the right words to express his thoughts and feelings. He asks himself what he should say and how he should say it. He is aware of the power of words and the importance of choosing them carefully.
The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with its own distinct message. In the first stanza, the poet talks about the difficulty of writing poetry. In the second, he reflects on the power of words. And in the third, he offers some advice to other poets who may be struggling with their craft.
An Analysis of the Poem
Now that we have a basic understanding of the poem, let's take a closer look at its literary elements and themes.
Meter and Rhyme Scheme
One of the first things that you might notice about "Poetry, What Should I Say" is its meter and rhyme scheme. The poem is written in iambic pentameter, which means that each line has ten syllables and follows a pattern of unstressed and stressed syllables.
The rhyme scheme is ABAB, which means that the first and third lines of each stanza rhyme, as do the second and fourth lines. This creates a sense of harmony and balance throughout the poem.
Imagery and Figurative Language
Another notable element of the poem is its use of imagery and figurative language. The poet uses metaphors and other literary devices to create vivid and powerful images in the reader's mind.
For example, in the first stanza, the poet compares the act of writing poetry to a battle. He writes, "To whom shall I my wailings show, / That bow my beating breast in vain, / That so for fear doth ebb and flow, / That all my veins doth fill with pain?" Here, the poet uses the metaphor of a battle to describe the struggle of writing poetry.
In the second stanza, the poet reflects on the power of words. He writes, "Words oftentimes do well declare, / What heart would fain conceal." Here, the poet is suggesting that words have the power to reveal our true thoughts and feelings, even if we try to hide them.
Themes
The main themes of "Poetry, What Should I Say" are the challenges of writing poetry and the power of words. The poet is struggling to find the right words to express himself, and he acknowledges the difficulty of this task.
At the same time, the poet recognizes the power of words to reveal our true thoughts and feelings. He suggests that words have the ability to move us and to connect us with one another. He offers some advice to other poets, encouraging them to be true to themselves and to use their words wisely.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Poetry, What Should I Say" is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that explores the challenges of writing poetry and the power of words. The poem's use of meter, rhyme scheme, and figurative language creates a sense of harmony and balance, while its themes resonate with readers of all ages.
Whether you are a fan of poetry or simply appreciate beautiful literature, "Poetry, What Should I Say" is a must-read. So go ahead and pick up a copy today!
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
What Should I Say? A Classic Poem by Sir Thomas Wyatt
If you're a fan of classic poetry, you've probably heard of Sir Thomas Wyatt. He was a poet and diplomat in the court of King Henry VIII, and his work is still celebrated today for its beauty and complexity. One of his most famous poems is "What Should I Say," a powerful piece that explores the complexities of love and desire.
At its core, "What Should I Say" is a love poem. It's written from the perspective of a speaker who is deeply in love with someone, but is struggling to express their feelings. The poem is structured as a series of questions, each one asking what the speaker should say or do in order to convey their love.
The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem:
What should I say, since faith is dead, And truth away From you is fled? Should I be led With doubleness? Nay! nay! mistress.
Here, the speaker is acknowledging that their faith in love has been shattered. They feel as though the truth has left their relationship, and they're unsure of how to proceed. The question "Should I be led / With doubleness?" is particularly interesting, as it suggests that the speaker is considering being dishonest in order to win their lover's affection. However, they quickly dismiss this idea with a firm "Nay! nay! mistress."
The second stanza continues in this vein:
What, shall these papers lie like tell-tale's books Against you still? Shall they indict you with guilt, And sentence you to everlasting life? Ah, no! but let them only Witness, my love to thee.
Here, the speaker is referring to letters or other written communications between themselves and their lover. They're asking whether these documents should be used as evidence against their lover, or whether they should simply be seen as a testament to their love. The final line, "Witness, my love to thee," is a powerful statement of devotion.
The third stanza takes a more philosophical turn:
And this unspotted mind of mine Is only Betrothed to your truth and honor; Let it not be said For all the time That I am mad, Or spoke with a madman's tongue.
Here, the speaker is asserting their own sanity and rationality. They're saying that their mind is pure and uncorrupted, and that they're only interested in their lover's truth and honor. They're worried that others might think they're crazy for being so devoted, but they're determined to stay true to their feelings.
The fourth stanza is perhaps the most emotional:
Be it known, that I alone, Though in your pleasure, Do not rejoice; I am the fault, That doth beguile the thing that's feigned when I play, And it shall go hard But I will rue the time That I spake to thee or thyne.
Here, the speaker is admitting that they're at fault for their own suffering. They're saying that even though they might enjoy their lover's company, they're ultimately the one who is causing themselves pain. The final lines, "And it shall go hard / But I will rue the time / That I spake to thee or thyne," are a powerful statement of regret and self-blame.
The final stanza brings the poem to a close:
The sun hath twice brought forth his tender green, Twice clad the earth in lively hue; Since my delight hath been With you, most true. Rejoice, therefore, Since that above all things The sun doth show.
Here, the speaker is acknowledging the passage of time. They're saying that the world has continued to turn and change, but their love has remained constant. The final lines, "Rejoice, therefore, / Since that above all things / The sun doth show," are a hopeful statement of optimism and joy.
In conclusion, "What Should I Say" is a beautiful and complex poem that explores the depths of love and desire. Sir Thomas Wyatt's use of questions and metaphors creates a sense of uncertainty and longing that is both powerful and relatable. If you're a fan of classic poetry, this is definitely a piece worth exploring.
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