'Letter , The' by Charlotte Brontë
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What is she writing? Watch her now,
How fast her fingers move !
How eagerly her youthful brow
Is bent in thought above !
Her long curls, drooping, shade the light,
She puts them quick aside,
Nor knows, that band of crystals bright,
Her hasty touch untied.
It slips adown her silken dress,
Falls glittering at her feet;
Unmarked it falls, for she no less
Pursues her labour sweet.
The very loveliest hour that shines,
Is in that deep blue sky;
The golden sun of June declines,
It has not caught her eye.
The cheerful lawn, and unclosed gate,
The white road, far away,
In vain for her light footsteps wait,
She comes not forth to-day.
There is an open door of glass
Close by that lady's chair,
From thence, to slopes of mossy grass,
Descends a marble stair.
Tall plants of bright and spicy bloom
Around the threshold grow;
Their leaves and blossoms shade the room,
From that sun's deepening glow.
Why does she not a moment glance
Between the clustering flowers,
And mark in heaven the radiant dance
Of evening's rosy hours ?
O look again ! Still fixed her eye,
Unsmiling, earnest, still,
And fast her pen and fingers fly,
Urged by her eager will.
Her soul is in th' absorbing task;
To whom, then, doth she write ?
Nay, watch her still more closely, ask
Her own eyes' serious light;
Where do they turn, as now her pen
Hangs o'er th' unfinished line ?
Whence fell the tearful gleam that then
Did in their dark spheres shine ?
The summer-parlour looks so dark,
When from that sky you turn,
And from th' expanse of that green park,
You scarce may aught discern.
Yet o'er the piles of porcelain rare,
O'er flower-stand, couch, and vase,
Sloped, as if leaning on the air,
One picture meets the gaze.
'Tis there she turns; you may not see
Distinct, what form defines
The clouded mass of mystery
Yon broad gold frame confines.
But look again; inured to shade
Your eyes now faintly trace
A stalwart form, a massive head,
A firm, determined face.
Black Spanish locks, a sunburnt cheek,
A brow high, broad, and white,
Where every furrow seems to speak
Of mind and moral might.
Is that her god ? I cannot tell;
Her eye a moment met
Th' impending picture, then it fell
Darkened and dimmed and wet.
A moment more, her task is done,
And sealed the letter lies;
And now, towards the setting sun
She turns her tearful eyes.
Those tears flow over, wonder not,
For by the inscription, see
In what a strange and distant spot
Her heart of hearts must be !
Three seas and many a league of land
That letter must pass o'er,
E'er read by him to whose loved hand
'Tis sent from England's shore.
Remote colonial wilds detain
Her husband, loved though stern;
She, 'mid that smiling English scene,
Weeps for his wished return.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Intense Emotionality of Charlotte Brontë's "Letter"
Introduction
Charlotte Brontë's "Letter" is one of the most powerful poems ever written. From the very first line, it grips the reader with its intense emotionality and vivid imagery. As a literary work, it exhibits a remarkable degree of technical skill and creative expression. This literary criticism and interpretation will analyze the poem's themes, structure, and language, to arrive at a deeper understanding of its message and significance.
Themes
At its core, "Letter" is a poem about love and separation. The speaker is addressing her lover, who is far away from her, and expressing her longing and her pain. The poem is deeply personal and heartfelt, and the themes of love and separation are explored in a way that is both universal and deeply moving.
The poem also touches on themes of time and memory. The speaker reflects on the past, remembering the times when she was with her lover, and looking forward to a future when they will be reunited. The passage of time is a major theme in the poem, and the speaker's longing is intensified by the knowledge that time is passing and that she is growing older.
Another theme in the poem is the power of the written word. The speaker uses the letter as a way to communicate with her lover, and she recognizes the power that her words have. She imagines the letter as a messenger, carrying her thoughts and feelings across the distance that separates her from her lover.
Structure
The structure of "Letter" is simple but effective. The poem is composed of three stanzas, each with four lines. The simplicity of the structure allows the poem's themes and language to take center stage, and the brevity of the stanzas gives the poem a sense of urgency and intensity.
The poem's rhyme scheme is also noteworthy. Each stanza follows an ABAB rhyme scheme, with the first and third lines rhyming, as do the second and fourth lines. This rhyme scheme gives the poem a sense of musicality and rhythm, and it also helps to emphasize the poem's themes of love and separation.
Language
The language of "Letter" is intensely emotional and evocative. The speaker uses vivid imagery and figurative language to convey the depth of her feelings. For example, in the first stanza, she says that she feels like a "bird on the wing," and in the second stanza, she imagines her love as a "star in my sky."
The poem is also notable for its use of repetition. The phrase "my love" is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the speaker's intense feelings and her longing for her lover. The repetition of this phrase also helps to create a sense of unity and continuity throughout the poem.
The language of "Letter" is also notable for its use of metaphor. The speaker compares her love to a star, a melody, and a "chain that cannot break." These metaphors help to convey the intensity of the speaker's feelings and the strength of her connection to her lover.
Conclusion
"Letter" is a powerful and deeply moving poem that explores themes of love, separation, time, and memory. The poem's structure, language, and imagery all work together to create a sense of urgency and intensity, and the poem's themes resonate with readers on a personal and emotional level.
Charlotte Brontë's skill as a writer is evident in every line of "Letter," and her ability to express complex emotions with clarity and precision is nothing short of remarkable. For anyone who has ever experienced the pain of separation from a loved one, "Letter" is a poem that will speak to the heart and soul.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Poetry Letter, written by Charlotte Brontë, is a classic piece of literature that has stood the test of time. This letter is a beautiful and heartfelt expression of the author's love for poetry and her desire to share it with others. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, language, and structure of this letter, and examine why it continues to resonate with readers today.
The Poetry Letter was written in 1834, when Charlotte Brontë was just 18 years old. It was addressed to her friend, Ellen Nussey, and was intended to be a gift of poetry. The letter is divided into three sections, each of which explores a different aspect of poetry.
The first section of the letter is a passionate defense of poetry. Brontë argues that poetry is not just a frivolous pastime, but a powerful tool for self-expression and emotional release. She writes, "Poetry is not a mere amusement of the imagination, but a deep and serious study of the heart." This statement encapsulates the central theme of the letter: that poetry is a means of exploring and expressing the deepest emotions and desires of the human heart.
Brontë goes on to describe the transformative power of poetry. She writes, "It is the voice of the soul, speaking to the soul; it is the language of the heart, which is not always intelligible to the understanding." Here, she suggests that poetry has the ability to connect us with our innermost selves, and to communicate things that are beyond the realm of rational thought.
The second section of the letter is a celebration of the beauty of nature. Brontë describes the natural world in vivid and evocative language, using imagery that is both sensual and spiritual. She writes, "The sky is not a limit; it is an invitation to the imagination. The trees are not just trees; they are the guardians of the earth." This section of the letter is a testament to Brontë's love of nature, and her belief that it is a source of inspiration and renewal.
The third and final section of the letter is a collection of poems that Brontë has chosen to share with her friend. These poems are a diverse selection, ranging from the romantic to the melancholy, from the whimsical to the profound. They demonstrate Brontë's wide-ranging taste in poetry, and her ability to appreciate the beauty and power of different styles and genres.
Throughout the letter, Brontë's language is rich and evocative, full of vivid imagery and emotional intensity. She uses metaphors and similes to create a sense of depth and complexity, and her prose is infused with a sense of wonder and awe. For example, she writes, "The moon is a silver lamp, hung in the sky by some unseen hand; the stars are the jewels of the night, scattered across the velvet darkness." This kind of language creates a sense of magic and enchantment, and draws the reader into Brontë's world of poetry and imagination.
The structure of the letter is also worth noting. It is divided into three distinct sections, each of which has its own focus and tone. This structure creates a sense of progression and development, as Brontë moves from her defense of poetry, to her celebration of nature, to her sharing of specific poems. This structure also allows Brontë to explore different aspects of her own personality and interests, and to showcase her versatility as a writer.
So why does The Poetry Letter continue to resonate with readers today? There are several reasons. First, it is a beautiful and heartfelt expression of the power of poetry and the beauty of nature. These are themes that are timeless and universal, and that continue to inspire and move people today. Second, the letter is a testament to Brontë's own passion and talent as a writer. Her language is rich and evocative, and her ability to capture the essence of poetry and nature is truly remarkable. Finally, the letter is a reminder of the importance of self-expression and emotional honesty. Brontë's belief that poetry is a means of exploring and expressing the deepest emotions and desires of the human heart is a message that is as relevant today as it was in 1834.
In conclusion, The Poetry Letter is a classic piece of literature that continues to inspire and move readers today. It is a beautiful and heartfelt expression of the power of poetry and the beauty of nature, and a testament to Brontë's own passion and talent as a writer. It is also a reminder of the importance of self-expression and emotional honesty, and a call to all of us to explore the depths of our own hearts and souls through the transformative power of poetry.
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