'To Mrs. Macmarland' by Robert Louis Stevenson
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IN Schnee der Alpen - so it runs
To those divine accords - and here
We dwell in Alpine snows and suns,
A motley crew, for half the year:
A motley crew, we dwell to taste -
A shivering band in hope and fear -
That sun upon the snowy waste,
That Alpine ether cold and clear.
Up from the laboured plains, and up
From low sea-levels, we arise
To drink of that diviner cup
The rarer air, the clearer skies;
For, as the great, old, godly King
From mankind's turbid valley cries,
So all we mountain-lovers sing:
I to the hills will lift mine eyes.
The bells that ring, the peaks that climb,
The frozen snow's unbroken curd
Might yet revindicate in rhyme
The pauseless stream, the absent bird.
In vain - for to the deeps of life
You, lady, you my heart have stirred;
And since you say you love my life,
Be sure I love you for the word.
Of kindness, here I nothing say -
Such loveless kindnesses there are
In that grimacing, common way,
That old, unhonoured social war.
Love but my dog and love my love,
Adore with me a common star -
I value not the rest above
The ashes of a bad cigar.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Introduction
Are you a fan of poetry that captures the essence of love and devotion? If so, you are in for a treat. Robert Louis Stevenson's poem "To Mrs. Macmarland" is a masterpiece that beautifully portrays the love and affection between a husband and wife. Published in 1886, this poem has stood the test of time and continues to inspire readers with its timeless message.
In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will take a closer look at the themes, language, and structure of this poem. I will explore its meaning and significance, and discuss why it has become a classic in the world of poetry.
Themes
At its core, "To Mrs. Macmarland" is a love poem. The speaker, who is assumed to be Stevenson himself, addresses his wife with words of adoration and appreciation. He celebrates her beauty, kindness, and grace, and expresses his deep gratitude for her presence in his life.
One of the key themes of the poem is the power of love to transform and uplift. The speaker suggests that his wife's love has brought light and joy into his world, and has helped him to become a better person. He describes how her gentle touch and loving gaze have healed his wounds and renewed his spirit.
Another theme that emerges from the poem is the importance of cherishing the present moment. The speaker urges his wife to savor the simple pleasures of life, such as the beauty of nature and the warmth of the sun. He reminds her that life is fleeting and that they must seize the day and make the most of their time together.
Language
The language of "To Mrs. Macmarland" is simple yet elegant, with a graceful rhythm and a gentle tone. The speaker uses vivid imagery to capture the beauty of his wife and the world around them. For example, he describes her as "a shining star" and "a dove in the sky," and praises the "breath of the roses" and the "honeyed breeze" that surround them.
The poem is full of metaphors and similes that convey the speaker's deep affection for his wife. He compares her to a "jewel in his breast" and a "flower in a rain-washed field." He also uses personification to bring the natural world to life, describing the sun as a "laughing god" and the wind as a "messenger of love."
The language of the poem is also infused with a sense of intimacy and tenderness. The speaker addresses his wife directly, using endearing terms such as "my dear" and "my love." He expresses his love in a gentle and sincere manner, without any overt sentimentality or exaggeration.
Structure
"To Mrs. Macmarland" is a sonnet, a traditional form of poetry that consists of fourteen lines. The poem is divided into two stanzas, with the first eight lines following the rhyme scheme ABABCDCD and the final six lines following the rhyme scheme EFEFGG.
The structure of the sonnet reflects the themes of the poem. The first stanza focuses on the beauty and power of love, while the second stanza emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment. The final couplet brings the themes together, declaring the speaker's eternal love and commitment to his wife.
The poem also employs a range of literary techniques, including alliteration, repetition, and enjambment. These techniques help to create a sense of musicality and flow, and enhance the emotional impact of the poem.
Interpretation
"To Mrs. Macmarland" is a poem that celebrates the power of love to transform and uplift. The speaker expresses his deep affection for his wife and praises her beauty, kindness, and grace. He suggests that her love has brought light and joy into his world, and has helped him to become a better person.
At the same time, the poem emphasizes the importance of cherishing the present moment. The speaker urges his wife to savor the simple pleasures of life and to make the most of their time together. He reminds her that life is fleeting and that they must seize the day and live each moment to the fullest.
The poem also suggests that love is eternal and transcendent. The speaker declares his commitment to his wife, promising to love her always and to be with her until the end of time. He suggests that their love is a force that can overcome all obstacles and endure even in the face of death.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "To Mrs. Macmarland" is a timeless and beautiful poem that celebrates the power of love and the importance of living in the present moment. It is a tribute to the beauty and grace of the speaker's wife, and a declaration of his eternal love and commitment. Through its vivid imagery, elegant language, and graceful structure, the poem captures the essence of love and devotion, and continues to inspire readers with its timeless message.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry To Mrs. Macmarland: A Masterpiece of Romanticism
Robert Louis Stevenson, the Scottish novelist, poet, and essayist, is known for his works that explore the human condition and the complexities of life. One of his most celebrated poems is "Poetry To Mrs. Macmarland," a beautiful piece that captures the essence of Romanticism. In this analysis, we will delve into the themes, structure, and literary devices used in this masterpiece.
The poem is addressed to Mrs. Macmarland, who is believed to be the wife of Stevenson's friend, William Macmarland. It is a tribute to her beauty, grace, and charm, and a celebration of the power of poetry to capture and express the emotions of the human heart. The poem is divided into four stanzas, each with four lines, and follows a simple ABAB rhyme scheme.
The first stanza sets the tone for the poem, with the speaker expressing his admiration for Mrs. Macmarland's beauty. He describes her as a "fair lady," with "eyes like the sea" and "hair like the gold." The use of similes and metaphors here is significant, as it creates a vivid image of the lady in the reader's mind. The sea is often associated with depth, mystery, and vastness, while gold is a symbol of wealth, beauty, and power. By comparing Mrs. Macmarland's eyes and hair to these elements, the speaker elevates her to a level of grandeur and magnificence.
The second stanza shifts the focus from Mrs. Macmarland's physical beauty to her inner qualities. The speaker describes her as "gentle and kind," with a heart that is "pure as the snow." He also notes that she has a "voice like a bird," which is a common Romantic trope that symbolizes freedom, joy, and beauty. The use of the word "pure" here is significant, as it suggests that Mrs. Macmarland is not only physically beautiful but also morally upright and virtuous.
The third stanza is the most emotional and expressive of the four. Here, the speaker declares his love for Mrs. Macmarland and compares her to the "queen of the fairies." He also notes that her beauty is like a "spell," which has enchanted him and made him her "slave." The use of the word "spell" here is significant, as it suggests that Mrs. Macmarland's beauty has a magical quality that transcends the physical realm and touches the soul.
The final stanza is a reflection on the power of poetry to capture and express the emotions of the human heart. The speaker notes that "words are weak" when it comes to describing Mrs. Macmarland's beauty and that "poetry alone" can do justice to her grace and charm. He also notes that poetry has the power to "make the heart beat high," which is a common Romantic trope that suggests that poetry can evoke strong emotions and feelings in the reader.
The themes of love, beauty, and the power of poetry are central to this poem. The speaker's love for Mrs. Macmarland is evident throughout the poem, and his admiration for her beauty is expressed in vivid and evocative language. The poem also celebrates the power of poetry to capture and express the emotions of the human heart, and to elevate the ordinary to the extraordinary.
The structure of the poem is simple and straightforward, with each stanza following a consistent ABAB rhyme scheme. This simplicity is intentional, as it allows the reader to focus on the language and imagery of the poem without being distracted by complex structures or forms.
The literary devices used in the poem are also significant. The use of similes and metaphors creates vivid and evocative images of Mrs. Macmarland in the reader's mind. The use of the word "spell" suggests that her beauty has a magical quality that transcends the physical realm. The use of the word "pure" suggests that she is not only physically beautiful but also morally upright and virtuous. The use of the bird as a symbol of freedom, joy, and beauty is a common Romantic trope that adds to the emotional and expressive nature of the poem.
In conclusion, "Poetry To Mrs. Macmarland" is a masterpiece of Romanticism that celebrates the themes of love, beauty, and the power of poetry. The poem is a tribute to Mrs. Macmarland's beauty, grace, and charm, and a reflection on the power of poetry to capture and express the emotions of the human heart. The use of vivid language, imagery, and literary devices creates a powerful and evocative piece that is sure to touch the hearts of readers for generations to come.
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