'Wife 's Will, The' by Charlotte Brontë


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Sit still­ a word­ a breath may break
(As light airs stir a sleeping lake,)
The glassy calm that soothes my woes,
The sweet, the deep, the full repose.
O leave me not ! for ever be
Thus, more than life itself to me !

Yes, close beside thee, let me kneel­
Give me thy hand that I may feel
The friend so true­so tried­so dear,
My heart's own chosen­indeed is near;
And check me not­this hour divine
Belongs to me­is fully mine.

'Tis thy own hearth thou sitt'st beside,
After long absence­wandering wide;
'Tis thy own wife reads in thine eyes,
A promise clear of stormless skies,
For faith and true love light the rays,
Which shine responsive to her gaze.

Aye,­well that single tear may fall;
Ten thousand might mine eyes recall,
Which from their lids, ran blinding fast,
In hours of grief, yet scarcely past,
Well may'st thou speak of love to me;
For, oh ! most truly­I love thee !

Yet smile­for we are happy now.
Whence, then, that sadness on thy brow ?
What say'st thou ? " We must once again,
Ere long, be severed by the main ? "
I knew not this­I deemed no more,
Thy step would err from Britain's shore.

" Duty commands ?" 'Tis true­'tis just;
Thy slightest word I wholly trust,
Nor by request, nor faintest sigh
Would I, to turn thy purpose, try;
But, William­hear my solemn vow­
Hear and confirm !­with thee I go.

" Distance and suffering," did'st thou say ?
" Danger by night, and toil by day ?"
Oh, idle words, and vain are these;
Hear me ! I cross with thee the seas.
Such risk as thou must meet and dare,
I­thy true wife­will duly share.

Passive, at home, I will not pine;
Thy toils­thy perils, shall be mine;
Grant this­and be hereafter paid
By a warm heart's devoted aid:
'Tis granted­with that yielding kiss,
Entered my soul unmingled bliss.

Thanks, William­thanks ! thy love has joy,
Pure­undefiled with base alloy;
'Tis not a passion, false and blind,
Inspires, enchains, absorbs my mind;
Worthy, I feel, art thou to be
Loved with my perfect energy.

This evening, now, shall sweetly flow,
Lit by our clear fire's happy glow;
And parting's peace-embittering fear,
Is warned, our hearts to come not near;
For fate admits my soul's decree,
In bliss or bale­to go with thee !

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Wife's Will by Charlotte Brontë: A Masterpiece of Poetic Expression

When it comes to Victorian literature, Charlotte Brontë is a name that stands out as one of the most prominent and influential writers of her time. Her novel, Jane Eyre, is a classic that has inspired generations of readers and writers alike. But what many people don't know is that Brontë was also a gifted poet, and her work deserves just as much recognition as her prose. One of her most remarkable poems is The Wife's Will, a powerful and emotive piece that captures the struggles of a woman in a male-dominated society.

The Historical Context

To fully appreciate The Wife's Will, we must first understand the historical context in which it was written. Brontë lived in the Victorian era, a time when women had very few rights and were expected to conform to strict societal norms. Women were not allowed to vote, own property, or pursue higher education, and their primary role was to be a wife and mother. The patriarchal system was deeply entrenched, and women who dared to challenge it were often ostracized and shamed.

Against this backdrop, The Wife's Will takes on a whole new meaning. It is a poem that speaks to the struggles of women who were denied agency and autonomy. The protagonist of the poem is a wife who is dying and wants to assert her own will. She wishes to leave her husband and be free to live her life as she sees fit. As we read the poem, we can sense the frustration and anger that the protagonist feels as she confronts the limitations of her gender.

The Poetic Structure

The Wife's Will is a poem that is structured in six stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, and the meter is iambic tetrameter. This structure gives the poem a sense of rhythm and flow that is satisfying to read. The language is simple and direct, but it is also rich in imagery and metaphor.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is the repetition of the phrase "let me go." This repetition reinforces the protagonist's desire for freedom and underscores the obstacles that she faces. The husband is portrayed as a figure of authority who wants to keep his wife under his control, and the wife is portrayed as a victim who is struggling to break free.

The Interpretation

The Wife's Will can be interpreted in many ways, but at its core, it is a poem about the struggle for autonomy and agency. The protagonist is a woman who has been denied these things by her husband and by society at large. She is dying, and she wants to assert her own will before it is too late.

The poem can also be seen as a critique of the patriarchal system that dominated Victorian society. Brontë was a woman who challenged this system in her own life, and The Wife's Will can be seen as an expression of her own frustrations and desires.

The use of metaphor and imagery is also significant in the poem. The wife is compared to a bird that is trapped in a cage, and the husband is likened to a hunter who wants to keep her captive. This imagery conveys a sense of confinement and oppression, and it reinforces the idea that the wife is struggling to break free.

The Literary Criticism

The Wife's Will has been the subject of much literary criticism over the years. Some critics have praised the poem for its emotional power and its critique of the patriarchal system. Others have criticized it for being too simplistic and for relying too heavily on metaphor.

One of the most compelling criticisms of the poem is that it is autobiographical. Brontë herself was in a difficult marriage, and some scholars believe that The Wife's Will is a reflection of her own experiences. This interpretation adds a layer of depth and complexity to the poem and underscores the personal nature of Brontë's writing.

Another criticism of the poem is that it is not as famous as it should be. Brontë's prose is widely celebrated, but her poetry is often overlooked. This is a shame, as The Wife's Will is a remarkable piece of writing that deserves to be read and appreciated.

The Final Thoughts

In conclusion, The Wife's Will is a masterpiece of poetic expression that deserves to be recognized as one of Brontë's most significant works. It is a poem that speaks to the struggles of women in a patriarchal society and that challenges the assumptions and norms of Victorian culture. It is a poem that is emotional, powerful, and deeply personal, and it deserves to be read and appreciated by generations of readers to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Charlotte Brontë’s “The Wife’s Will” is a classic poem that explores the themes of love, loss, and the power dynamics within a marriage. The poem is written in the form of a will, in which the wife leaves her possessions to her husband, but also makes clear her wishes for him after her death. The poem is a powerful commentary on the role of women in Victorian society, and the ways in which they were often marginalized and oppressed.

The poem begins with the wife addressing her husband, telling him that she is leaving all of her possessions to him. She lists her various belongings, including her clothes, jewelry, and household items. However, she also makes it clear that she expects him to use these possessions in a certain way. She tells him to wear her clothes, to use her jewelry to attract other women, and to use her household items to impress his friends. This is a clear indication that the wife is aware of the power dynamics within their marriage, and that she is using her possessions as a way to assert some control over her husband.

The wife then goes on to express her wishes for her husband after her death. She tells him that she wants him to marry again, but only if he can find a woman who is as good as she was. She also tells him that she wants him to be happy, but not to forget her. This is a poignant moment in the poem, as it shows the wife’s love for her husband, even in death. It also highlights the fact that women in Victorian society were often expected to be selfless and to put the needs of their husbands above their own.

The poem then takes a darker turn, as the wife begins to express her anger and frustration with her husband. She tells him that he has been unfaithful to her, and that she knows about his affairs. She also tells him that she has been unhappy in their marriage, and that she has been longing for death. This is a powerful moment in the poem, as it shows the wife’s strength and resilience in the face of adversity. It also highlights the fact that women in Victorian society were often trapped in unhappy marriages, with no way out.

The poem ends with the wife expressing her hope that her husband will learn from her death, and that he will become a better person as a result. She tells him that she hopes he will find happiness, but that he must also learn to be faithful and to treat his next wife with respect. This is a powerful message, and one that is still relevant today. It shows that even in death, the wife is still trying to assert some control over her husband, and to make him a better person.

Overall, “The Wife’s Will” is a powerful and poignant poem that explores the themes of love, loss, and power dynamics within a marriage. It is a commentary on the role of women in Victorian society, and the ways in which they were often marginalized and oppressed. The poem is a testament to Charlotte Brontë’s skill as a writer, and her ability to capture the complexities of human relationships. It is a classic poem that still resonates with readers today, and one that will continue to be read and admired for generations to come.

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