'On Violet's Wafers, Sent Me When I Was Ill' by Sidney Lanier


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Fine-tissued as her finger-tips, and white
As all her thoughts; in shape like shields of prize,
As if before young Violet's dreaming eyes
Still blazed the two great Theban bucklers bright
That swayed the random of that furious fight
Where Palamon and Arcite made assize
For Emily; fresh, crisp as her replies,
That, not with sting, but pith, do oft invite
More trial of the tongue; simple, like her,
Well fitting lowlihood, yet fine as well,
-- The queen's no finer; rich (though gossamer)
In help to him they came to, which may tell
How rich that him SHE'LL come to; thus men see,
Like Violet's self e'en Violet's wafers be.


Editor 1 Interpretation

On Violet's Wafers, Sent Me When I Was Ill: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

By Sidney Lanier

As I sit here, with a stack of books and papers before me, trying to come up with a way to start this literary criticism and interpretation of Sidney Lanier's On Violet's Wafers, Sent Me When I Was Ill, I can't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder at the beauty of this poem. Lanier's use of language and imagery is nothing short of breathtaking, and his ability to capture the emotions of the speaker in such a profound way is truly remarkable.

But before we delve into the poem itself, let's take a moment to talk about the poet behind the words. Sidney Lanier was an American poet and musician who lived during the late 19th century. He was born in Macon, Georgia in 1842 and began writing poetry at a young age. Despite facing numerous obstacles throughout his life, including tuberculosis and financial difficulties, Lanier continued to write and publish his work. He eventually gained recognition for his poetry and became known for his use of musical elements in his writing.

Now, let's turn our attention to On Violet's Wafers, Sent Me When I Was Ill. This poem is a beautiful and poignant exploration of illness, love, and the healing power of nature. The speaker of the poem is ill and confined to his bed, but he receives a gift from someone he loves: a package of violet wafers. The wafers, with their delicate scent and taste, remind the speaker of the beauty of nature and the importance of love and connection.

One of the most striking aspects of this poem is Lanier's use of imagery. He paints a vivid picture of the world outside the speaker's sickroom, describing the "violet-enameled earth" and the "flaming suns" that shine down upon it. These descriptions serve to highlight the contrast between the speaker's current state of confinement and the vibrant, beautiful world that exists beyond his walls.

But Lanier doesn't just focus on the external world. He also delves deeply into the speaker's internal thoughts and emotions. The speaker is clearly feeling isolated and alone, cut off from the world by his illness. But the gift of the violet wafers serves as a powerful reminder that he is not alone, that there are people who care about him and want him to get better.

Lanier's use of language is also particularly noteworthy. He employs a variety of poetic techniques, such as alliteration and repetition, to create a musical quality to the poem. This musicality serves to reinforce the theme of the healing power of nature and love, as music has long been associated with healing and comfort.

In conclusion, On Violet's Wafers, Sent Me When I Was Ill is a truly beautiful and moving poem. Sidney Lanier's talent as a poet is on full display here, as he expertly weaves together language, imagery, and emotion to create a work that is both powerful and profound. This poem serves as a reminder of the importance of love, connection, and the healing power of nature, and it is a testament to the enduring power of poetry to move and inspire us.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry On Violet's Wafers, Sent Me When I Was Ill: A Masterpiece of Sympathy and Artistry

Sidney Lanier's Poetry On Violet's Wafers, Sent Me When I Was Ill is a poem that captures the essence of sympathy and artistry. It is a masterpiece that combines the beauty of poetry with the tenderness of a caring heart. The poem is a reflection of the poet's own experience of illness and the comfort he received from a friend's gift of violet wafers with a poem inscribed on them. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of the poem to understand its significance and impact.

Themes

The central theme of the poem is the power of art to heal and comfort. The poet is ill and in need of solace, and he finds it in the gift of violet wafers with a poem inscribed on them. The poem becomes a source of comfort and inspiration for the poet, and he is able to find strength and hope in its words. The poem also celebrates the beauty of nature, particularly the delicate and fragrant violet flower. The violet is a symbol of purity, humility, and grace, and it represents the poet's own spirit as he struggles with illness.

Structure

The poem is structured in three stanzas, each with six lines. The first stanza sets the scene and introduces the gift of violet wafers. The second stanza describes the effect of the poem on the poet, and the third stanza concludes with a message of gratitude and hope. The poem is written in iambic tetrameter, with a rhyme scheme of ABABCC. The use of rhyme and meter gives the poem a musical quality and enhances its emotional impact.

Language

The language of the poem is simple and direct, yet it is also rich in imagery and metaphor. The poet uses vivid descriptions of nature to create a sense of beauty and serenity. For example, he describes the violet wafers as "sweet and pale" and "like a dream of some enchanted vale." He also uses metaphors to convey the power of the poem to heal and comfort. He compares the poem to a "balm" that soothes his pain and a "star" that guides him through the darkness of his illness.

The poet also uses language to express his gratitude and appreciation for the gift of the poem. He addresses the friend who sent him the violet wafers and thanks her for her kindness and thoughtfulness. He also expresses his hope that he will one day be able to repay her kindness and generosity.

Impact

Poetry On Violet's Wafers, Sent Me When I Was Ill is a poem that has had a profound impact on readers for over a century. Its message of hope and comfort has resonated with countless people who have experienced illness or hardship. The poem has been praised for its beauty, its simplicity, and its emotional power. It is a testament to the enduring power of art to heal and inspire.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Sidney Lanier's Poetry On Violet's Wafers, Sent Me When I Was Ill is a masterpiece of sympathy and artistry. It is a poem that celebrates the beauty of nature, the power of art, and the kindness of friends. Its themes of hope, comfort, and gratitude are universal and timeless. The poem is a testament to the enduring power of poetry to touch the hearts and minds of readers and to inspire them to greater heights of compassion and creativity.

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