'Camma' by Oscar Wilde


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As one who poring on a Grecian urn
Scans the fair shapes some Attic hand hath made,
God with slim goddess, goodly man with maid,
And for their beauty's sake is loth to turn
And face the obvious day, must I not yearn
For many a secret moon of indolent bliss,
When in the midmost shrine of Artemis
I see thee standing, antique-limbed, and stern?

And yet--methinks I'd rather see thee play
That serpent of old Nile, whose witchery
Made Emperors drunken,--come, great Egypt, shake
Our stage with all thy mimic pageants! Nay,
I am grown sick of unreal passions, make
The world thine Actium, me thine Antony!

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Beauty and Tragedy of Camma: A Literary Criticism of Oscar Wilde’s Poem

As I delved into Oscar Wilde’s poem, Camma, I was immediately struck by its beauty and elegance. The language is rich, the imagery vivid, and the emotions palpable. But as I continued to read, I realized that there was more to this poem than just its aesthetic appeal. Camma is a complex and layered work that explores themes of love, loss, and betrayal. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will examine the various elements of the poem and how they come together to create a powerful and poignant narrative.

The Narrative and Structure of Camma

The poem tells the story of Camma, a queen who falls in love with a warrior named Atra. The two have a passionate affair, but their happiness is short-lived. Atra is called away to war, and while he is gone, Camma is betrayed by her own people and forced to flee. When Atra returns, he finds that Camma has disappeared, and he sets out on a quest to find her. The rest of the poem follows Atra as he travels through the wilderness, encountering various obstacles and hardships along the way.

The structure of the poem is divided into six cantos, each consisting of seven stanzas. The rhyme scheme is ABABCB, and the meter is mostly iambic pentameter. The use of rhyme and meter gives the poem a sense of musicality and rhythm that adds to its overall beauty. However, the structure of the poem also serves a deeper purpose. The six cantos represent the six stages of grief: shock, denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. As Atra journeys through the wilderness, he is going through a process of mourning and coming to terms with his loss.

The Themes of Love and Betrayal

At its core, Camma is a love story. The relationship between Camma and Atra is passionate and intense, and their love is portrayed as something pure and true. However, the poem also explores the darker side of love: betrayal. Camma is betrayed by her own people, and in doing so, they betray Atra as well. The betrayal is a devastating blow to both Camma and Atra, and it ultimately leads to their separation.

But the theme of betrayal goes deeper than just the betrayal of Camma and Atra’s love. It is also a commentary on the betrayal that can happen in society as a whole. Camma is a queen who is supposed to be loved and respected by her people, but they turn on her when it suits their own interests. The betrayal of Camma by her own people is a reflection of the betrayal that can happen in any society when people put their own interests above the common good.

The Power of Nature

Throughout the poem, nature plays a prominent role. Atra’s journey takes him through the wilderness, and the natural world is depicted as both beautiful and dangerous. The beauty of nature is described in vivid detail, with scenes of lush forests, sparkling rivers, and majestic mountains. But the natural world is also portrayed as a place of danger and unpredictability. Atra encounters wild animals, treacherous terrain, and unpredictable weather.

The power of nature in the poem serves as a metaphor for the power of human emotions. Just as nature can be beautiful and awe-inspiring, it can also be dangerous and destructive. The emotions that Camma and Atra feel are similarly powerful and unpredictable. The love they share is beautiful and joyful, but the betrayal they experience is devastating and destructive.

The Use of Symbolism

Wilde employs various symbols throughout the poem to deepen its meaning and add layers of complexity to the narrative. The most prominent symbol is that of the rose. The rose is used to represent love, beauty, and passion. It appears numerous times throughout the poem, and each time it is mentioned, it adds another layer of meaning to the narrative.

Another important symbol is that of the sword. The sword represents power, strength, and violence. Atra is a warrior, and his sword is his most prized possession. But the sword also represents the violence that is inherent in war and conflict. Atra’s journey is a quest for love, but it is also a journey through a world that is filled with violence and brutality.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Camma is a beautiful and powerful poem that explores themes of love, betrayal, and loss. The narrative is structured to reflect the stages of grief, and the use of symbolism adds layers of meaning to the story. Wilde’s use of language is masterful, and the poem is a testament to his skill as a writer. But beyond its aesthetic appeal, Camma is a timeless work of literature that speaks to the human condition and the complexities of the emotions that we experience.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Oscar Wilde's "Poetry Camma" is a masterpiece of poetic expression that has stood the test of time. The poem is a perfect example of Wilde's unique style, which combines wit, humor, and irony to create a work that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which contains six lines. The rhyme scheme is ABABCC, which gives the poem a musical quality that is pleasing to the ear. The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, with Wilde using humor to poke fun at the traditional view of poetry.

In the first line, Wilde writes, "I make my camma from a shroud," which immediately grabs the reader's attention. The word "camma" is an archaic term for a type of poem, and the use of this word shows Wilde's interest in the history of poetry. The fact that he makes his camma from a shroud is a clever play on words, as a shroud is typically associated with death and mourning. By using this image, Wilde is suggesting that poetry is often seen as a somber and serious art form.

However, Wilde quickly subverts this expectation by stating that his camma is "not for a soul that's under a cloud." This line is a clear indication that Wilde's poetry is not meant to be taken too seriously. He is not interested in writing poetry that is only accessible to a select few, but rather he wants his poetry to be enjoyed by everyone.

The second stanza continues this theme of humor and accessibility. Wilde writes, "I make my camma from a sheet," which is another play on words. A sheet can refer to a piece of paper, which is a common material used for writing poetry. However, a sheet can also refer to a ghost, which is a common theme in poetry. By using this image, Wilde is once again showing his interest in the history of poetry.

The third stanza is where Wilde really shines. He writes, "I make my camma from a veil," which is a reference to the veil that is often worn by brides. This image is a perfect example of Wilde's use of irony. The veil is typically associated with purity and innocence, but Wilde is using it to create a camma, which is a type of poem that is often associated with sexuality and sensuality.

Overall, Wilde's "Poetry Camma" is a brilliant example of his unique style. He uses humor, irony, and wordplay to create a work that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The poem is a perfect example of Wilde's interest in the history of poetry, as he references many common themes and images that are found in traditional poetry.

One of the most interesting aspects of the poem is Wilde's use of the camma form. The camma is an archaic form of poetry that is not commonly used today. However, Wilde's use of the form shows his interest in the history of poetry and his desire to experiment with different forms and styles.

In conclusion, Oscar Wilde's "Poetry Camma" is a masterpiece of poetic expression that has stood the test of time. The poem is a perfect example of Wilde's unique style, which combines humor, irony, and wordplay to create a work that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The poem is a perfect example of Wilde's interest in the history of poetry, as he references many common themes and images that are found in traditional poetry. Overall, "Poetry Camma" is a must-read for anyone interested in poetry or the works of Oscar Wilde.

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