'Unfortunate' by Rupert Brooke


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Heart, you are restless as a paper scrap
That's tossed down dusty pavements by the wind;
Saying, "She is most wise, patient and kind.
Between the small hands folded in her lap
Surely a shamed head may bow down at length,
And find forgiveness where the shadows stir
About her lips, and wisdom in her strength,
Peace in her peace.Come to her, come to her!" . . .

She will not care.She'll smile to see me come,
So that I think all Heaven in flower to fold me.
She'll give me all I ask, kiss me and hold me,
And open wide upon that holy air
The gates of peace, and take my tiredness home,
Kinder than God.But, heart, she will not care.


Editor 1 Interpretation

Literary Criticism and Interpretation of Rupert Brooke's "Poetry, Unfortunate"

Rupert Brooke, one of the most celebrated poets of the early 20th century, wrote "Poetry, Unfortunate" in 1911. The poem is a reflection on the power and limitations of poetry, and the role of the poet in society. With its vivid imagery, rich language, and subtle irony, "Poetry, Unfortunate" is a masterpiece of modernist poetry that still resonates with readers today.

Overview of the Poem

"Poetry, Unfortunate" is a sonnet, a 14-line poem with a specific rhyme scheme and meter. The poem follows the traditional form of the sonnet, with an octave (eight lines) and a sestet (six lines), and a volta, or turn, in the middle. The rhyme scheme is ABBAABBA CDCDCD, and the meter is iambic pentameter, which means that each line has ten syllables, with the stress on every other syllable.

The poem begins with a paradox: poetry, which is supposed to give voice to the unspeakable, is powerless to express the poet's feelings. The poet compares himself to "a bird caught in the wires," unable to fly free or sing. He feels trapped and frustrated, unable to express what he wants to say.

In the octave, the poet explores the limitations of poetry, and the paradox of trying to capture the intangible in words. He compares poetry to a "cunning spider" who weaves "flimsy, frail delights," and to a "juggler's trick" that "disappoints us." He suggests that poetry is a "stammering tongue" that can never fully convey the beauty and complexity of the world.

In the sestet, the poet turns to the power of poetry, and the responsibility of the poet to use that power wisely. He suggests that poetry has the power to "cleanse our foul minds," and to "show us the stars." He urges the poet to use his or her gift to "make us sing," and to "create a world" that is "richer far" than the world we know.

The poem ends with a powerful image of the poet as a "lone eagle," soaring above the world, with "the wind of freedom in [his] hair." The poet has found a way to break free from the limitations of poetry, and to use his gift to inspire and uplift others.

Interpretation of the Poem

"Poetry, Unfortunate" is a complex and nuanced poem that explores the paradoxical nature of poetry, and the role of the poet in society. At its heart, the poem is a reflection on the power and limitations of language, and the ways in which poets can use their gift to inspire and uplift others.

The opening paradox of the poem sets the stage for this exploration. The poet is trapped and frustrated, unable to express what he wants to say. This sense of frustration is echoed in the paradoxical imagery of the "cunning spider" and the "juggler's trick," which suggest that poetry is a fragile and ephemeral thing, incapable of capturing the fullness of human experience.

At the same time, however, the poem suggests that poetry has the power to transcend these limitations, and to connect us to something deeper and more profound. The image of the poet as a "lone eagle" is a powerful symbol of this transcendence, suggesting that the poet has found a way to break free from the constraints of language, and to soar above the world, with "the wind of freedom in [his] hair."

This sense of transcendence is further emphasized in the closing lines of the poem, where the poet suggests that the true value of poetry lies not in its ability to capture the world as it is, but in its ability to create a new and richer world. By using his gift to "make us sing," and to "create a world" that is "richer far" than the world we know, the poet becomes a kind of visionary, able to see beyond the limits of language and into the heart of human experience.

At the same time, however, the poem also suggests that this kind of visionary power comes with a great responsibility. The poet must use his or her gift wisely, to "cleanse our foul minds," and to "show us the stars." This suggests that the poet is not simply an observer of human experience, but an active participant, with the power to shape and transform the world around us.

Conclusion

"Poetry, Unfortunate" is a masterful exploration of the power and limitations of poetry, and the role of the poet in society. With its vivid imagery, rich language, and subtle irony, the poem offers a complex and nuanced reflection on the nature of language, and the ways in which we use it to connect with ourselves and others.

At its heart, the poem suggests that poetry has the power to transcend the limitations of language, and to connect us to something deeper and more profound. By using his or her gift to create a new and richer world, the poet becomes a kind of visionary, able to see beyond the limits of language and into the heart of human experience.

At the same time, however, the poem also suggests that this visionary power comes with a great responsibility. The poet must use his or her gift wisely, to transform the world around us, and to inspire and uplift others. In this way, "Poetry, Unfortunate" is a powerful reminder of the ways in which language shapes our lives, and the ways in which we can use it to create a better world for ourselves and for others.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Unfortunate: A Masterpiece of Melancholy

Rupert Brooke, the renowned English poet, is known for his exceptional works that capture the essence of the human experience. One of his most celebrated poems is "Poetry Unfortunate," a melancholic piece that delves into the complexities of the creative process. In this article, we will explore the themes, structure, and literary devices used in this masterpiece of poetry.

Themes

The central theme of "Poetry Unfortunate" is the struggle of the artist to create something meaningful in a world that is often indifferent to their efforts. Brooke laments the fact that poetry, despite its beauty and power, is often ignored or misunderstood by the masses. He writes, "Oh, it's sad to be a poet, and perhaps it's rather mad." This line encapsulates the sense of isolation and frustration that many artists feel when their work goes unnoticed.

Another theme that runs throughout the poem is the idea of mortality. Brooke reflects on the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death. He writes, "And life is over all too soon, you know, and what is left of thee?" This line speaks to the transience of human existence and the desire to leave a lasting legacy through one's art.

Structure

"Poetry Unfortunate" is a sonnet, a traditional form of poetry that consists of fourteen lines. The poem is written in iambic pentameter, a rhythmic pattern that consists of ten syllables per line. The rhyme scheme of the poem is ABAB CDCD EFEF GG, which is typical of a Shakespearean sonnet.

The poem is divided into two parts, with the first eight lines presenting the problem and the last six lines offering a solution. This structure is known as the octave-sestet format and is commonly used in sonnets.

Literary Devices

Brooke employs several literary devices in "Poetry Unfortunate" to convey his message effectively. One of the most prominent devices is imagery. Throughout the poem, he uses vivid descriptions to paint a picture of the poet's struggle. For example, he writes, "And all the while the world goes on, and laughs and loves and hates." This line creates a stark contrast between the poet's solitary existence and the bustling world around them.

Another literary device used in the poem is personification. Brooke personifies poetry, giving it human qualities and emotions. He writes, "And Poetry, poor thing, has had a very wretched time." This personification helps to convey the sense of empathy that the poet feels towards their craft.

The poem also contains several metaphors, such as "the world's a stage" and "life is but a fleeting breath." These metaphors serve to emphasize the transience of life and the importance of making the most of the time we have.

Conclusion

"Poetry Unfortunate" is a poignant and thought-provoking poem that captures the essence of the artist's struggle. Brooke's use of vivid imagery, personification, and metaphors creates a powerful and evocative piece of poetry that resonates with readers to this day. The poem serves as a reminder of the importance of art and the enduring legacy that it can leave behind. As Brooke writes, "But though you die, your work, your name, your glory, lives alway."

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