'We know this much' by Sappho
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We know this much
Death is an evil;
we have the gods'
word for it; they too
would die if death
were a good thing
Editor 1 Interpretation
We Know This Much by Sappho: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Sappho, the ancient Greek poet, is renowned for her passionate and intensely personal lyric poetry. One of her most famous poems, We Know This Much, is a prime example of her unique style and mastery of language. In this poem, Sappho muses on the nature of love and desire, expressing her feelings with a sensuality and intensity that still resonates with readers today.
The Poem
We know this much, that we have seen you, Helen, twice, and with our own eyes heard you tell of the beauty of the Myrmidons.
This simple, yet evocative opening stanza sets the scene for the rest of the poem. Sappho addresses Helen, the mythical figure whose beauty famously launched a thousand ships, and speaks of her own personal experience of seeing and hearing her. The repetition of "we know this much" emphasizes the poet's certainty and the importance of the encounter.
Love and Desire
But you yourself, O blessed lady, may the gods grant you all good, spare me from sickness and sorrow and grant me many things to satisfy my heart, and whatever else you desire, dear one.
Here, Sappho turns her attention to Helen herself, addressing her as a "blessed lady" and imploring the gods to grant her blessings. She expresses her own desire for happiness and fulfillment, and acknowledges Helen's power to grant her wishes. The use of the word "dear one" adds a sense of intimacy and affection to the poem.
Beauty and Longing
But come to me now, if ever before, while in my heart I feel desire and need for you.
This stanza is full of longing and desire, as Sappho invites Helen to come to her in the midst of her own passionate feelings. The repetition of "if ever before" suggests a history between the two women, and emphasizes the intensity of their connection.
Conclusion
We know this much about Sappho - that she was a gifted poet who wrote with passion and intensity about love and desire. We know this much about We Know This Much - that it is a powerful, evocative poem that still resonates with readers today. Through her mastery of language and her ability to convey deep emotion, Sappho has cemented her place in the canon of Western literature, and We Know This Much remains a testament to her skill and artistry.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry has been a form of expression for centuries, and one of the most celebrated poets of all time is Sappho. Her work has been studied and analyzed for years, and one of her most famous poems is "We know this much." This poem is a beautiful and powerful piece that speaks to the human experience and the power of love. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of this classic poem.
Themes
The themes of "We know this much" are love, loss, and the passage of time. Sappho speaks of a love that has been lost, and the pain that comes with it. She also speaks of the passage of time and how it can change everything. The poem is a reflection on the human experience and the emotions that come with it.
Structure
The structure of "We know this much" is unique and adds to the power of the poem. It is written in the form of a dialogue between two people, with one person asking questions and the other responding. This structure creates a sense of intimacy and allows the reader to feel as though they are a part of the conversation.
Language
The language of "We know this much" is simple yet powerful. Sappho uses imagery and metaphors to convey the emotions of the speaker. For example, she speaks of "the sweet apple that reddens on the topmost bough." This metaphor speaks to the beauty of love and how it can be fleeting. Sappho also uses repetition to emphasize the emotions of the speaker. The phrase "we know this much" is repeated throughout the poem, creating a sense of certainty and finality.
Analysis
The poem begins with the speaker asking a question: "Some say an army of horsemen, some of foot soldiers, some of ships, is the fairest thing on the black earth, but I say it is what one loves." This question sets the tone for the rest of the poem and establishes the theme of love. The speaker goes on to describe the beauty of love, saying that it is "easy to make this understood by everyone" and that "the goddess who brings love has planted this in our hearts."
The poem then takes a darker turn, with the speaker acknowledging that love can also bring pain. She speaks of a love that has been lost, saying "we know this much." This repetition emphasizes the finality of the loss and the pain that comes with it. The speaker then goes on to describe the passage of time and how it can change everything. She says that "the sun will set and the stars will come out" and that "the earth will grow cold."
The final stanza of the poem is a reflection on the human experience. The speaker acknowledges that we are all mortal and that we will all eventually die. She says that "we must endure it all" and that "we must drink our portion of sorrow." This final stanza is a powerful reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of living in the moment.
Conclusion
"We know this much" is a beautiful and powerful poem that speaks to the human experience. Sappho's use of language and structure creates a sense of intimacy and allows the reader to feel as though they are a part of the conversation. The themes of love, loss, and the passage of time are universal and speak to the emotions that we all experience. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry and its ability to capture the essence of the human experience.
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