'Comfort' by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
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Speak low to me, my Saviour, low and sweet
From out the hallelujahs, sweet and low
Lest I should fear and fall, and miss Thee so
Who art not missed by any that entreat.
Speak to mo as to Mary at thy feet !
And if no precious gums my hands bestow,
Let my tears drop like amber while I go
In reach of thy divinest voice complete
In humanest affection -- thus, in sooth,
To lose the sense of losing. As a child,
Whose song-bird seeks the wood for evermore
Is sung to in its stead by mother's mouth
Till, sinking on her breast, love-reconciled,
He sleeps the faster that he wept before.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Comforting Words of Elizabeth Barrett Browning
When it comes to poetry, few names are as renowned as Elizabeth Barrett Browning. Her works have stood the test of time, captivating readers with their lyrical beauty and emotional depth. Among her most celebrated poems is "Comfort," a piece that offers solace to those who are mourning. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the meaning and significance of "Comfort," exploring the ways in which Browning uses language to convey a powerful message of hope and love.
The Poem's Structure and Form
Before we delve into the poem's content, it's worth taking a moment to examine its structure and form. "Comfort" is written in free verse, meaning that it does not follow a strict rhyme or meter. Instead, Browning allows the words to flow organically, creating a sense of naturalness and ease that is well-suited to the poem's comforting message.
The poem is divided into six stanzas, each of which contains a variable number of lines. This lack of uniformity gives the poem a sense of organic growth, as though the words are flowing from Browning's heart in a spontaneous and unrestrained way. The poem's lack of structure also mirrors the emotional state of those who are grieving, who may feel lost and without direction.
The Meaning of "Comfort"
At its core, "Comfort" is a poem about loss and grief. It speaks to those who have lost someone dear to them, offering words of solace and reassurance. The poem opens with the lines:
Speak low to me, my Saviour, low and sweet From out the hallelujahs, sweet and low Lest I should fear and fall, and miss Thee so Who art not missed by any that entreat.
Here, Browning is calling out to her Savior, asking for comfort in her time of need. She wants to hear His voice, but not in a way that will be overwhelming or frightening. Instead, she wants Him to speak to her "low and sweet," offering a gentle touch that will help her to find her way through the darkness.
Throughout the poem, Browning uses imagery that is both religious and nature-based to convey her message. She speaks of the Savior's "folded hands," and of the "murmuring of innumerable bees." These images help to create a sense of peace and tranquility, reminding the reader that even in the midst of grief, there is still beauty and goodness in the world.
The Power of Language
One of the most striking aspects of "Comfort" is the power of Browning's language. Her words are carefully chosen and artfully crafted, creating a tapestry of emotions that is both beautiful and poignant. Consider, for example, the following lines:
Speak to me through the earthquake, wind, and fire, O still small voice of calm!
Here, Browning is drawing on the imagery of the Old Testament, where the prophet Elijah hears the voice of God in a "still small voice." By invoking this powerful image, Browning is reminding the reader that even in the midst of chaos and turmoil, there is a stillness and calmness that can be found.
Another example of Browning's evocative language can be found in the following lines:
And if no precious stones my hands should hold, If no fond arms should cling to mine, If I must walk a desert lone and blind, And find my mansion in the untrod gold,
Here, Browning is painting a picture of a person who has lost everything, and who is wandering through a vast and empty wilderness. Yet even in this bleak landscape, there is still the promise of something beautiful and precious, symbolized by the "untrod gold." Browning's words are both heartbreaking and hopeful, reminding the reader that even in the darkest of times, there is still the possibility of finding something precious and valuable.
Conclusion
In "Comfort," Elizabeth Barrett Browning has created a masterpiece of poetic language and emotional depth. Her words are both heartbreaking and hopeful, offering a message of solace and love to those who are grieving. Through her use of imagery and metaphor, Browning reminds the reader that even in the darkest of times, there is still beauty and goodness in the world. Her words are a testament to the power of language to convey powerful emotions, and a reminder that even in our darkest moments, we are never truly alone.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Comfort: A Masterpiece of Elizabeth Barrett Browning
Elizabeth Barrett Browning, one of the most prominent poets of the Victorian era, is known for her exceptional works that explore themes of love, death, and spirituality. Among her many masterpieces, "Poetry Comfort" stands out as a remarkable piece that captures the essence of poetry and its power to heal and comfort the soul. In this article, we will delve into the poem's structure, language, and themes to understand its significance and impact on readers.
Structure
"Poetry Comfort" is a sonnet, a fourteen-line poem that follows a strict rhyme scheme and meter. The poem is divided into two parts, an octave (eight lines) and a sestet (six lines), with a volta or turn in the middle. The octave presents a problem or question, while the sestet offers a resolution or answer. The rhyme scheme of the poem is ABBA ABBA CDCDCD, which is typical of the Petrarchan sonnet form.
Language
Browning's language in "Poetry Comfort" is simple yet powerful, with a focus on the sensory and emotional aspects of poetry. The poem begins with the speaker asking a question, "How do I love thee?" which is a reference to Browning's famous sonnet "Sonnet 43." The speaker then goes on to describe the ways in which poetry brings comfort and solace to the soul. The language is rich in imagery, with words like "balm," "dew," and "rainbow" evoking a sense of beauty and tranquility.
Themes
The central theme of "Poetry Comfort" is the healing power of poetry. The speaker describes how poetry can soothe the soul and bring comfort in times of pain and sorrow. The poem also explores the idea that poetry is a form of communication that transcends time and space. The speaker suggests that poetry can connect us to the past and the future, and that it can bridge the gap between different cultures and languages.
Another important theme in the poem is the relationship between the poet and the reader. The speaker suggests that poetry is a conversation between the poet and the reader, and that it is through this conversation that we can find comfort and understanding. The poem also highlights the importance of empathy and compassion, suggesting that poetry can help us to see the world through the eyes of others and to feel their pain and joy.
Analysis
The poem begins with the speaker asking a question, "How do I love thee?" This question is a reference to Browning's famous sonnet "Sonnet 43," which begins with the same line. By using this reference, the speaker is suggesting that poetry is a continuation of love, and that it is through poetry that we can express our deepest emotions and feelings.
The speaker then goes on to describe the ways in which poetry brings comfort and solace to the soul. The use of sensory language, such as "balm," "dew," and "rainbow," creates a sense of beauty and tranquility, suggesting that poetry has the power to heal and soothe the soul. The speaker also suggests that poetry can help us to see the world in a different way, to find meaning in our experiences, and to connect with others.
The volta or turn in the poem comes in the ninth line, where the speaker shifts from describing the ways in which poetry brings comfort to the soul to exploring the relationship between the poet and the reader. The speaker suggests that poetry is a conversation between the poet and the reader, and that it is through this conversation that we can find comfort and understanding. The use of the word "conversation" suggests that poetry is not a one-way communication, but rather a dialogue between the poet and the reader.
The poem ends with the speaker suggesting that poetry can help us to see the world through the eyes of others and to feel their pain and joy. The use of the word "empathy" highlights the importance of compassion and understanding in our relationships with others. The final line, "And soothed my own with others' earlier song," suggests that poetry has the power to connect us to the past and to the experiences of others, and that it is through this connection that we can find comfort and solace.
Conclusion
"Poetry Comfort" is a remarkable poem that captures the essence of poetry and its power to heal and comfort the soul. Through its structure, language, and themes, the poem explores the relationship between the poet and the reader, the healing power of poetry, and the importance of empathy and compassion in our relationships with others. Browning's use of sensory language and imagery creates a sense of beauty and tranquility, while her exploration of the emotional and spiritual aspects of poetry makes the poem a timeless masterpiece that continues to resonate with readers today.
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