'De Coenatione Micae' by Robert Louis Stevenson
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LOOK round: You see a little supper room;
But from my window, lo! great Caesar's tomb!
And the great dead themselves, with jovial breath
Bid you be merry and remember death.
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Literary Criticism and Interpretation of De Coenatione Micae by Robert Louis Stevenson
Robert Louis Stevenson, the renowned Scottish author, poet, and essayist, wrote a plethora of literary works that have stood the test of time. One such work is "De Coenatione Micae," also known as "The Feast of Famine," which is a poem that reflects on the fragility of life and the inevitability of death.
With its enigmatic title, "De Coenatione Micae," the poem immediately captures the reader's attention. The Latin title translates to "The Eating of a Grain of Sand," which is an allusion to the biblical story of Job, who, after suffering tremendous loss and pain, says that he would find solace in eating a grain of sand. This reference sets the tone for the poem, which is a meditation on the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death.
The poem is divided into three stanzas, each containing six lines. The structure of the poem is in the form of a sestet, a six-line stanza that is commonly used in Italian sonnets. The use of this form is significant because it creates a sense of symmetry and balance, which is in contrast to the message of the poem, which is about the unevenness of life and the inevitability of death.
The first stanza begins with the line, "Here is a thing that happened." This opening line sets the stage for the narrative that follows. The use of the word "thing" is interesting because it is vague and ambiguous, leaving the reader to wonder what exactly happened. This creates a sense of intrigue and captures the reader's attention. The stanza goes on to describe a scene where a man is eating his meal, and a grain of sand falls into his cup. The man proceeds to eat the grain of sand, even though he knows it will not satisfy his hunger. This act of eating the grain of sand is a metaphor for the futility of life and the human condition of constantly striving for more, even when we know that it will not bring us true happiness.
The second stanza expands on this idea of the human condition and our insatiable desire for more. The stanza begins with the line, "Here is the thirst that is unquenchable." This line is significant because it captures the essence of the human condition, which is the constant desire for more, whether it be wealth, power, or fame. The stanza goes on to describe a scene where a man is in the desert, dying of thirst. He sees a mirage of water and tries to reach it, but it is always just out of reach. This mirage is a metaphor for the false promises of life, which always seem just out of reach. The stanza ends with the line, "And the heart that is a habitation of dust," which is a metaphor for the inevitability of death and the impermanence of life.
The final stanza brings the poem to a climax, where the themes of the previous stanzas are brought to a conclusion. The stanza begins with the line, "Here is the shadow of the shadow of death." This line is a reference to the biblical passage in Psalm 23, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil." The stanza goes on to describe a scene where a man is lying on his deathbed, surrounded by his loved ones. The man knows that his time is up, and he is at peace with his fate. This scene is a metaphor for the acceptance of death and the realization that life is fleeting and impermanent.
In conclusion, "De Coenatione Micae" is a poem that reflects on the fragility of life and the inevitability of death. Through its use of metaphors and imagery, the poem captures the essence of the human condition, which is the constant desire for more, even when we know that it will not bring us true happiness. The poem is a reminder that life is fleeting and impermanent, and that we should cherish every moment that we have. Robert Louis Stevenson's use of the sestet form creates a sense of symmetry and balance, which is in contrast to the message of the poem, which is about the unevenness of life and the inevitability of death. "De Coenatione Micae" is a beautifully written poem that is as relevant today as it was when it was first written.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry De Coenatione Micae: An Analysis of Robert Louis Stevenson's Masterpiece
Robert Louis Stevenson, the Scottish novelist, poet, and travel writer, is known for his literary works that explore the human condition and the complexities of life. One of his most celebrated poems is Poetry De Coenatione Micae, which translates to "A Meditation on Sand." This masterpiece is a reflection on the transience of life and the inevitability of death. In this article, we will delve into the poem's themes, structure, and language, and explore why it has stood the test of time.
Themes
The central theme of Poetry De Coenatione Micae is the fleeting nature of life. Stevenson uses the metaphor of sand to represent the impermanence of human existence. Sand is a substance that is constantly shifting and changing, just like life. The poem begins with the line, "The science of sand was the first," which sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The speaker then goes on to describe the various ways in which sand can be observed and studied, from its texture to its color. However, the poem quickly takes a turn towards the philosophical, as the speaker contemplates the meaning of life in the face of such transience.
Stevenson's poem is also a meditation on death. The speaker acknowledges that all things must come to an end, including human life. He writes, "And the heart of man, / And the heart of man was fashioned / Alike out of the sands." This line suggests that human beings are no different from the sand they walk on, and that death is an inevitable part of the cycle of life. However, the poem does not end on a somber note. Instead, the speaker finds solace in the fact that even though life is fleeting, it is still beautiful. He writes, "And the world shall be none the worse, / But the world shall be none the better, / For all that is done in her." This final stanza suggests that even though life may be short, it is still worth living.
Structure
Poetry De Coenatione Micae is a free verse poem, meaning that it does not follow a strict rhyme or meter. Instead, Stevenson uses a variety of poetic devices to create a sense of rhythm and flow. The poem is divided into four stanzas, each with a different focus. The first stanza describes the science of sand, while the second stanza delves into the philosophical implications of sand's impermanence. The third stanza is a reflection on death, while the final stanza offers a sense of hope and acceptance.
Stevenson also uses repetition throughout the poem to create a sense of unity. The phrase "And the heart of man" is repeated several times, emphasizing the connection between human beings and the sand they walk on. Additionally, the phrase "All things are less than shadow" is repeated twice, underscoring the poem's theme of transience.
Language
Stevenson's language in Poetry De Coenatione Micae is both simple and profound. He uses everyday words and phrases to describe the sand, such as "grains of gold" and "dusty heap." However, he also uses poetic language to convey the deeper meaning of the poem. For example, he writes, "All things are less than shadow," which suggests that everything in life is fleeting and insubstantial.
Stevenson also uses imagery to create a vivid picture of the sand. He describes the sand as "a dusty heap" and "a golden shower," which creates a sense of movement and texture. Additionally, he uses personification to give the sand a sense of agency. He writes, "The sand has a song for the sea," which suggests that the sand is alive and has a purpose.
Why Poetry De Coenatione Micae Has Stood the Test of Time
Poetry De Coenatione Micae has stood the test of time because it speaks to universal themes that are still relevant today. The poem's meditation on the transience of life and the inevitability of death is something that everyone can relate to. Additionally, Stevenson's use of language and imagery creates a vivid picture of the sand, which makes the poem both accessible and profound.
Furthermore, the poem's structure is both simple and effective. The four stanzas each have a different focus, which creates a sense of progression and development. Additionally, the repetition of certain phrases creates a sense of unity and coherence.
In conclusion, Poetry De Coenatione Micae is a masterpiece of poetry that explores the human condition in a profound and accessible way. Stevenson's use of language, imagery, and structure creates a sense of unity and coherence that makes the poem both beautiful and meaningful. Even though the poem was written over a century ago, its themes are still relevant today, which is a testament to its enduring power.
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