'A Dedication. To Charlotte Cushman.' by Sidney Lanier


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As Love will carve dear names upon a tree,
Symbol of gravure on his heart to be,

So thought I thine with loving text to set
In the growth and substance of my canzonet;

But, writing it, my tears begin to fall --
This wild-rose stem for thy large name's too small!

Nay, still my trembling hands are fain, are fain
Cut the good letters though they lap again;

Perchance such folk as mark the blur and stain
Will say, `It was the beating of the rain;'

Or, haply these o'er-woundings of the stem
May loose some little balm, to plead for them.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, A Dedication. To Charlotte Cushman: An Enchanting Ode to the Power of Art

It is rare to come across a poem that embodies the essence of what it means to be an artist, to create, to inspire, and to be inspired. Sidney Lanier's "Poetry, A Dedication. To Charlotte Cushman" is one such poem. A beautiful and enchanting ode to the power of art, this poem effortlessly weaves together language, imagery, and emotion to create a masterpiece that is both timeless and relevant.

Written in 1874, "Poetry, A Dedication. To Charlotte Cushman" is a tribute to the renowned actress Charlotte Cushman, who was a friend and patron of Lanier. The poem is a celebration of the creative spirit, and it explores the role of the artist in society, the power of imagination, and the transformative nature of art.

An Analysis of the Poem

The poem begins with a declaration of the speaker's devotion to the subject of the poem:

To thee, with deepest reverence and devotion,
Beloved actress, this my first essay
Of verse to offer; for, though reft of motion,
And mute forever in thy mask of clay,
Thou yet canst hear, and, hearing, wilt, I pray,
Accept this token, and its meaning know,
Which is to honor thee, and, if I may,
To hail thy genius as consentient, so
With that which in my inmost heart doth glow.

These opening lines are a testament to Lanier's deep respect and admiration for Charlotte Cushman, and they set the tone for the rest of the poem. Throughout the poem, Lanier uses language and imagery to evoke the power and beauty of art, and he explores the role of the artist in society.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of imagery. Lanier creates vivid and evocative images that bring the poem to life and make it memorable. For example, in the following lines, he uses the image of a flame to represent the creative spark that ignites the artist's imagination:

The flame that lit thy face, and made it bright
With the fine frenzy that was in thy soul,
Was lighted at the altar-fires of night,
And fed with incense that doth ever roll
Up from the deep heart's core of poesy;
And, like the lamp of some great mystery,
Hung in the temple of the artist's heart,
Till he, with trembling hand and reverent art,
Drew near, and touched it with his lips, and lo!
The flame that lit thy face began to glow
Within his own, and in its radiance bright
He saw the visions of the infinite.

These lines are a powerful testament to the transformative power of art. The image of the flame that is lit at the altar-fires of night and fed with incense is a powerful metaphor for the creative spark that ignites the artist's imagination. The artist, like the priest in a temple, approaches this flame with trembling hand and reverent art, and is transformed by its radiance.

Throughout the poem, Lanier explores the role of the artist in society, and he argues that the artist has a powerful and transformative role to play. He writes:

The artist is the priest of Nature's shrine,
And, like the priest of old, he stands apart
From common men, and with a light divine
Illuminates the darkness of the heart.

These lines are a powerful testament to the importance of art in society. Lanier argues that the artist is a priest of Nature's shrine, and that he has a special role to play in illuminating the darkness of the heart. Through his art, the artist is able to transform the world around him, and to bring light to the darkest corners of the human soul.

One of the most remarkable things about "Poetry, A Dedication. To Charlotte Cushman" is the way in which it embodies the essence of what it means to be an artist. Through his use of language, imagery, and emotion, Lanier creates a powerful and evocative tribute to the creative spirit. He shows us that art has the power to transform the world around us, and to illuminate the darkness of the human soul.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Poetry, A Dedication. To Charlotte Cushman" is a masterpiece of poetry that celebrates the power and beauty of art. Through his use of language, imagery, and emotion, Sidney Lanier creates a powerful and evocative tribute to the creative spirit, and he shows us that art has the power to transform the world around us. This poem is a testament to the importance of art in society, and it serves as a reminder of the power of imagination, inspiration, and creativity.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry is a form of art that has been around for centuries, and it has been used to express various emotions and ideas. Sidney Lanier's "Poetry A Dedication. To Charlotte Cushman" is a classic example of how poetry can be used to express admiration and appreciation for someone. This poem is a dedication to Charlotte Cushman, a renowned actress of the 19th century, and it is a beautiful tribute to her talent and character.

The poem begins with the speaker addressing Charlotte Cushman directly, saying, "Dear Charlotte, many a time and oft." This opening line immediately establishes a personal connection between the speaker and Cushman, and it sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker goes on to describe how Cushman's talent has inspired him, saying, "Thy voice hath been to me a joy / And oft in hours of grief / Has cheered me with its melody."

The use of the word "joy" is significant here because it conveys the idea that Cushman's talent has brought happiness and light into the speaker's life. The fact that her voice has also been a source of comfort during times of grief shows the depth of the speaker's admiration for her.

The poem then takes a turn, and the speaker begins to describe how Cushman's talent has affected others. He says, "But not alone to me has been / The sweetness of thy voice." This line acknowledges that Cushman's talent has had a broader impact beyond just the speaker. The speaker goes on to describe how Cushman's performances have moved others, saying, "The whole world feels the spell / Thou hast cast o'er it in thy might."

The use of the word "spell" is significant here because it conveys the idea that Cushman's talent has a magical quality to it. The fact that the whole world feels the impact of her performances shows the extent of her influence and the power of her talent.

The poem then shifts again, and the speaker begins to describe Cushman's character. He says, "But not alone by the magic power / Of thy voice and of thy pen / Hast thou won thy glorious dower." This line acknowledges that Cushman's talent is not the only reason for her success. The speaker goes on to describe how Cushman's character has also played a significant role, saying, "Thy heart, thy soul, thy noble mind / Have won thee fame and love."

The use of the words "heart," "soul," and "noble mind" are significant here because they convey the idea that Cushman's success is not just based on her talent but also on her character. The fact that she has won both fame and love shows that her talent and character have made her a beloved figure.

The poem then ends with the speaker expressing his gratitude to Cushman, saying, "And so, dear friend, I fain would bring / This tribute to thy name." This final line is significant because it shows the speaker's desire to honor Cushman and to express his gratitude for the impact she has had on his life and the lives of others.

In conclusion, Sidney Lanier's "Poetry A Dedication. To Charlotte Cushman" is a beautiful tribute to a talented and beloved actress of the 19th century. The poem's use of language and imagery conveys the depth of the speaker's admiration for Cushman and the impact she has had on his life and the lives of others. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry to express emotions and ideas and to honor those who have made a significant impact on our lives.

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