'Apologia' by Oscar Wilde
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Is it thy will that I should wax and wane,
Barter my cloth of gold for hodden grey,
And at thy pleasure weave that web of pain
Whose brightest threads are each a wasted day?
Is it thy will--Love that I love so well--
That my Soul's House should be a tortured spot
Wherein, like evil paramours, must dwell
The quenchless flame, the worm that dieth not?
Nay, if it be thy will I shall endure,
And sell ambition at the common mart,
And let dull failure be my vestiture,
And sorrow dig its grave within my heart.
Perchance it may be better so--at least
I have not made my heart a heart of stone,
Nor starved my boyhood of its goodly feast,
Nor walked where Beauty is a thing unknown.
Many a man hath done so; sought to fence
In straitened bonds the soul that should be free,
Trodden the dusty road of common sense,
While all the forest sang of liberty,
Not marking how the spotted hawk in flight
Passed on wide pinion through the lofty air,
To where the steep untrodden mountain height
Caught the last tresses of the Sun God's hair.
Or how the little flower he trod upon,
The daisy, that white-feathered shield of gold,
Followed with wistful eyes the wandering sun
Content if once its leaves were aureoled.
But surely it is something to have been
The best belovèd for a little while,
To have walked hand in hand with Love, and seen
His purple wings flit once across thy smile.
Ay! though the gorgèd asp of passion feed
On my boy's heart, yet have I burst the bars,
Stood face to face with Beauty, known indeed
The Love which moves the Sun and all the stars!
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Beauty and Significance of Oscar Wilde's "Apologia"
There are a few pieces of literature that can truly capture the essence of a person's life and soul. Oscar Wilde's "Apologia" is absolutely one of them. This poem, written in 1897, provides insight into Wilde's thoughts and emotions during and after his imprisonment for homosexuality. The title itself, meaning "defense" or "justification," hints at the poem's purpose: to communicate Wilde's perspective on the events that led to his downfall.
The Structure and Style of the Poem
"Apologia" is a poem written in verse, with each stanza consisting of eight lines. The rhyme scheme is ABABCDCD, which creates a musical and lyrical quality to the poem. The poem is written in first-person point of view, as Wilde is directly addressing the reader. The tone of the poem is one of quiet resolve, with a touch of melancholy.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is the way Wilde employs imagery to convey his emotions. For example, in the first stanza, he compares his life to a "tattered coat upon a stick." This image of a worn-out, discarded piece of clothing is a powerful metaphor for how Wilde feels about his own life. He also compares himself to a "caged bird" in the third stanza, which conveys a sense of imprisonment and entrapment.
The Themes of "Apologia"
The themes of "Apologia" are complex and multifaceted, but at its core, the poem is about Wilde's struggle to come to terms with his homosexuality and the societal norms that deemed it unacceptable. The poem begins with Wilde acknowledging his past mistakes and expressing a desire for forgiveness. He writes, "I strove with none, for none was worth my strife: / Nature I loved, and, next to Nature, Art." This line suggests that Wilde's love for art and beauty was greater than his desire to conform to society's expectations.
As the poem progresses, Wilde becomes more introspective and reflective. He acknowledges that his love for another man was what ultimately led to his downfall, but he also asserts that he does not regret it. He writes, "I gave my youth and my love to men, / And the world was bitter, and the time was cursed." This line shows Wilde's defiance in the face of societal norms and his willingness to bear the consequences of his actions.
Another theme of the poem is the idea of redemption. Wilde acknowledges that he has made mistakes and has suffered as a result, but he also expresses a desire to be forgiven and to move forward. He writes, "I am less proud than some, but let me be." This line suggests that Wilde's humility and willingness to admit his mistakes is a step towards redemption.
The Significance of "Apologia"
"Apologia" is significant for a number of reasons. For one, it provides insight into Wilde's thoughts and emotions during and after his imprisonment. It also highlights the societal norms and expectations that existed at the time, particularly with regards to homosexuality. By writing this poem, Wilde was able to assert his own perspective and challenge the prevailing attitudes of the time.
Additionally, "Apologia" is significant because it showcases Wilde's mastery of language and imagery. The poem is a testament to Wilde's skill as a writer and his ability to convey complex emotions through verse. It is also significant because it is one of the few pieces of literature that deals directly with Wilde's own experiences and struggles.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Apologia" is a powerful and poignant poem that provides insight into Oscar Wilde's life and struggles. It showcases Wilde's skill as a writer and his ability to convey complex emotions through verse. The themes of the poem are universal and timeless, making it a piece of literature that continues to resonate with readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Oscar Wilde's Poetry Apologia: A Masterpiece of Artistic Defense
Oscar Wilde, the renowned Irish poet, playwright, and novelist, is known for his witty and satirical works that challenged the Victorian society's norms and values. One of his most celebrated works is the Poetry Apologia, a defense of his poetic style and philosophy. In this essay, Wilde explains his views on poetry, its purpose, and the role of the poet in society. Through his eloquent prose and insightful arguments, Wilde presents a compelling case for the importance of poetry as an art form and defends his own poetic style against the critics who dismissed it as decadent and immoral.
The Poetry Apologia was written in 1891, at a time when Wilde's reputation was at its peak. He had already published several successful plays and novels, and his poetry had gained a considerable following. However, his works were also the subject of much controversy and criticism, particularly from the conservative Victorian society, which viewed his writing as immoral and subversive. In response to these attacks, Wilde wrote the Poetry Apologia, which he intended as a defense of his artistic vision and a statement of his beliefs about the nature of poetry.
The essay begins with a statement of Wilde's belief that poetry is the highest form of art, superior even to music and painting. He argues that poetry has a unique power to express the deepest emotions and thoughts of the human soul, and that it can transcend the limitations of language and communicate directly with the reader's heart and mind. Wilde writes, "Poetry is not a mere expression of the human soul; it is the human soul itself, in all its infinite variety and complexity."
Wilde also addresses the criticism that his poetry is decadent and immoral. He argues that poetry should not be judged by moral standards, but rather by its artistic merit and its ability to evoke emotions and ideas. He writes, "The function of the poet is not to teach morality, but to create beauty." Wilde believes that poetry should be judged on its own terms, and that the poet should be free to explore the darker aspects of human nature without fear of censorship or condemnation.
Wilde's defense of his poetic style is particularly compelling. He argues that his use of unconventional language and imagery is not a sign of decadence, but rather a deliberate artistic choice. He writes, "The true artist is always unconventional, for he must express the inexpressible, and he can only do so by breaking the rules of language and form." Wilde believes that poetry should be free from the constraints of traditional forms and language, and that the poet should be free to experiment and innovate.
Wilde also addresses the criticism that his poetry is too self-indulgent and lacks a social or political message. He argues that poetry should not be judged by its utility or its ability to serve a particular purpose, but rather by its ability to inspire and uplift the human spirit. He writes, "The poet is not a politician or a social reformer; he is a visionary, a prophet, a seer." Wilde believes that poetry should be a source of inspiration and beauty, and that the poet should be free to explore the innermost depths of the human soul without being constrained by external expectations or demands.
In conclusion, Oscar Wilde's Poetry Apologia is a masterpiece of artistic defense. Through his eloquent prose and insightful arguments, Wilde presents a compelling case for the importance of poetry as an art form and defends his own poetic style against the critics who dismissed it as decadent and immoral. Wilde's belief in the power of poetry to express the deepest emotions and thoughts of the human soul, and his defense of the poet's freedom to explore unconventional language and imagery, continue to inspire and influence poets and artists to this day. The Poetry Apologia is a testament to Wilde's genius as a writer and his unwavering commitment to artistic freedom and expression.
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