'Love Arm'd' by Arphra Behn


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Love in Fantastique Triumph satt,
Whilst bleeding Hearts around him flow'd,
For whom Fresh pains he did create,
And strange Tryanic power he show'd;
From thy Bright Eyes he took his fire,
Which round about, in sport he hurl'd;
But 'twas from mine he took desire,
Enough to undo the Amorous World.
From me he took his sighs and tears,
From thee his Pride and Crueltie;
From me his Languishments and Feares,
And every Killing Dart from thee;
Thus thou and I, the God have arm'd,
And sett him up a Deity;
But my poor Heart alone is harm'd,
Whilst thine the Victor is, and free.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, Love Arm'd: A Masterpiece of Sensual Poetry by Aphra Behn

If you're a connoisseur of poetry, then you must be familiar with the name Aphra Behn, one of the most influential poets of her time. Behn's poetry was imbued with sensuality, wit and passion, and her works celebrated love, freedom, and the power of femininity.

Among her many works, "Poetry, Love Arm'd" stands out as a masterpiece of sensual poetry, embodying Behn's unique style and voice. In this essay, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of "Poetry, Love Arm'd," and analyze its significance and influence.

The Themes of "Poetry, Love Arm'd"

At its core, "Poetry, Love Arm'd" is a celebration of love and passion. The poem is divided into three sections, each of which explores a different aspect of love.

The first section is a tribute to the power of love, which the speaker compares to an army that conquers all. Behn invokes the image of Cupid, the god of love, who "leads the van, and first assaults the heart." The language is highly sensual and evocative, as the speaker describes the "flaming dart" of love that pierces the heart and sets it on fire.

The second section explores the agony and ecstasy of love. The speaker describes the intense emotional pain that love can bring, as well as the pleasure and bliss that come with mutual love. Behn uses vivid imagery to convey the emotional intensity of love, as when she describes the lover's heart as a "tempest-toss'd vessel" that is "torn with anxious thoughts."

The third and final section of the poem is a celebration of the power of women. The speaker describes women as "love's richest prize," and praises their ability to "surpass the fairest part of man." Behn presents women as the equal and even superior of men, both in terms of their beauty and their intelligence.

The Structure of "Poetry, Love Arm'd"

"Poetry, Love Arm'd" is a lyric poem, meaning that it expresses the personal feelings and emotions of the speaker. The poem is written in rhymed couplets, with each line consisting of ten syllables. The use of rhyme and meter gives the poem a lyrical quality, and adds to its overall beauty and harmony.

The poem is also notable for its use of imagery and symbolism. Behn uses a variety of metaphors and similes to convey the power and intensity of love. For example, she compares love to a "flaming dart," a "mighty army," and a "tempest-toss'd vessel." These images are highly evocative and help to create a vivid and emotional portrait of love.

The Language of "Poetry, Love Arm'd"

Behn's language in "Poetry, Love Arm'd" is highly sensual and erotic. She uses a variety of techniques to create a sense of intimacy and sensuality, such as using the second person to address the beloved directly ("Thou art the conqueror of hearts") and personifying love as a powerful force ("Love, thou art absolute, sole lord of life").

The language of the poem is also notable for its use of gendered language. Behn presents women as the equal and even superior of men, both in terms of their beauty and their intelligence. The speaker describes women as "love's richest prize," and praises their ability to "surpass the fairest part of man." This feminist perspective was highly unusual for its time, and demonstrates Behn's commitment to celebrating and empowering women.

The Significance and Influence of "Poetry, Love Arm'd"

"Poetry, Love Arm'd" was a groundbreaking work of poetry that helped to establish Behn as one of the most important poets of her time. The poem's sensual language and celebration of love and femininity were highly influential, and helped to shape the work of many later poets.

In particular, Behn's use of gendered language and feminist perspective were highly unusual for her time, and helped to pave the way for later feminist writers. Behn's celebration of women as the equal and even superior of men was a radical departure from the prevailing attitudes of her time, and helped to empower and inspire generations of women writers.

In conclusion, "Poetry, Love Arm'd" is a masterpiece of sensual poetry that celebrates the power and intensity of love, as well as the beauty and intelligence of women. Behn's use of rhyme, meter, and imagery creates a highly evocative and emotional portrait of love, while her feminist perspective and celebration of women helped to pave the way for later feminist writers. "Poetry, Love Arm'd" is a timeless work of poetry that continues to inspire and influence readers to this day.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Love Arm'd: An Analysis of Aphra Behn's Classic Poem

Aphra Behn, one of the most celebrated female writers of the 17th century, is known for her bold and provocative works. Her poem "Poetry Love Arm'd" is no exception. This classic poem is a powerful exploration of the relationship between love and poetry, and the ways in which they can both inspire and destroy us.

At its core, "Poetry Love Arm'd" is a love poem. But it is not a conventional love poem. Behn's poem is a complex and nuanced exploration of the many facets of love, from its beauty and passion to its darker, more destructive aspects. The poem is structured as a dialogue between the speaker and Love, personified as a god-like figure. Through this dialogue, Behn explores the ways in which love and poetry are intertwined, and the ways in which they can both empower and enslave us.

The poem begins with the speaker addressing Love, asking him to "arm" her with his power. She wants to be able to write poetry that will capture the essence of love, to be able to express the intensity of her feelings in words. Love responds by telling her that he will indeed arm her, but warns her that his power is not to be taken lightly. He tells her that his power can be both a blessing and a curse, and that she must be prepared for the consequences of wielding it.

As the poem progresses, the speaker becomes more and more enamored with Love's power. She describes how his power fills her with a sense of awe and wonder, and how it inspires her to create poetry that is both beautiful and profound. She revels in the intensity of her emotions, and in the way that Love's power allows her to express them in ways that she never thought possible.

But as the poem reaches its climax, the darker side of Love's power begins to emerge. The speaker realizes that Love's power is not just a force for good, but can also be destructive and dangerous. She describes how Love's power can lead to obsession and madness, and how it can consume us completely if we are not careful. She realizes that Love's power is not something to be taken lightly, and that it can have serious consequences if we are not prepared for it.

In the final stanza of the poem, the speaker comes to a realization about the true nature of love. She realizes that love is not just a feeling, but a force that can shape our lives in profound ways. She understands that love can be both beautiful and terrifying, and that it is up to us to decide how we will wield its power. She ends the poem by declaring that she will continue to write poetry about love, but that she will do so with a newfound respect for its power and its potential to both inspire and destroy.

Overall, "Poetry Love Arm'd" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the many facets of love and its relationship to poetry. Behn's use of personification and dialogue allows her to explore these themes in a nuanced and complex way, and her language is both beautiful and evocative. The poem is a testament to Behn's skill as a writer, and to her ability to capture the complexities of human emotion in her work. It is a classic poem that continues to resonate with readers today, and is a testament to the enduring power of love and poetry.

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