'A Valentine' by Lewis Carroll
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Sent to a friend who had complained that I was glad enough to see
him when he came, but didn't seem to miss him if he stayed away.
And cannot pleasures, while they last,
Be actual unless, when past,
They leave us shuddering and aghast,
With anguish smarting?
And cannot friends be firm and fast,
And yet bear parting?
And must I then, at Friendship's call,
Calmly resign the little all
(Trifling, I grant, it is and small)
I have of gladness,
And lend my being to the thrall
Of gloom and sadness?
And think you that I should be dumb,
And full DOLORUM OMNIUM,
Excepting when YOU choose to come
And share my dinner?
At other times be sour and glum
And daily thinner?
Must he then only live to weep,
Who'd prove his friendship true and deep
By day a lonely shadow creep,
At night-time languish,
Oft raising in his broken sleep
The moan of anguish?
The lover, if for certain days
His fair one be denied his gaze,
Sinks not in grief and wild amaze,
But, wiser wooer,
He spends the time in writing lays,
And posts them to her.
And if the verse flow free and fast,
Till even the poet is aghast,
A touching Valentine at last
The post shall carry,
When thirteen days are gone and past
Of February.
Farewell, dear friend, and when we meet,
In desert waste or crowded street,
Perhaps before this week shall fleet,
Perhaps to-morrow.
I trust to find YOUR heart the seat
Of wasting sorrow.
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Valentine by Lewis Carroll: A Poetic Masterpiece
When we think of Lewis Carroll, we think of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass. However, one of his lesser-known literary works is his poem, A Valentine. Although it is short, it is a poetic masterpiece that showcases Carroll's wit, humor, and love for language.
The Structure and Form of A Valentine
A Valentine is a simple poem in structure and form. It consists of four stanzas, each with two lines. The rhyme scheme of the poem is AABB, which means that the first and second lines of each stanza rhyme with each other, and the third and fourth lines of each stanza rhyme with each other. The rhythm of the poem is also simple, with each line consisting of two iambs (a metrical foot consisting of one unstressed syllable followed by one stressed syllable).
Despite its simplicity, the form and structure of A Valentine serve a purpose. The short and sweet nature of the poem allows for the focus to be on the language and wordplay, which is where Carroll's true talent lies.
The Language and Wordplay of A Valentine
The language and wordplay of A Valentine are where Carroll's true talent shines. The poem is full of clever puns and double entendres that make the reader chuckle and appreciate the intricacy of the language.
For example, in the first stanza, Carroll writes:
A "is for 'Arterial,'
B 'is for 'Bilious';
C 'is for 'Corpuscle', and*--*
The use of medical terms like "arterial" and "bilious" is unexpected in a love poem, but it adds to the humor and cleverness of the poem. The use of the word "corpuscle" is a nod to Carroll's background in mathematics and science, as a corpuscle is a term used in physics to describe a particle.
In the second stanza, Carroll writes:
D is for 'Doldrums' you feel
E is for 'Everlasting';
F's for the fever, you know*
To which I am a prey.
The use of the word "doldrums" is a clever play on words, as it can mean both a feeling of boredom or depression and a region near the equator where there is little wind for sailing. The use of the word "everlasting" adds to the romantic tone of the poem, but it also has a medical connotation, as it can refer to a type of flower that has healing properties. The use of the word "fever" is a nod to the passion and intensity of love, but it also has a medical connotation, as it can refer to a symptom of an illness.
In the third stanza, Carroll writes:
G is for 'Gruel,' I'll make you*
H is for 'Heartburn' that follows;
I is the Influenza you'll
Have when protection it swallows.
The use of the word "gruel" is a callback to Carroll's earlier works, as it is what the orphaned children in Oliver Twist are forced to eat. The use of the word "heartburn" adds to the humor of the poem, as it is a common symptom of eating something spicy or greasy. The use of the word "influenza" is a clever play on words, as it can mean both a viral illness and a type of influence or persuasion.
In the final stanza, Carroll writes:
J is for 'Jealousy,' don't
K for 'Kiss me' again.
L is for 'Love,' and you know
What that is--you feel the pain.
The use of the word "jealousy" adds a touch of reality to the poem, as it acknowledges that love is not always easy and can be complicated by jealousy. The use of the word "love" is simple but powerful, as it is the heart of the poem. The use of the phrase "you feel the pain" brings the poem full circle, as it is a reference to the medical terms used earlier in the poem.
The Meaning and Interpretation of A Valentine
On the surface, A Valentine appears to be a simple love poem. However, upon closer examination, it is much more than that. The poem is a commentary on the nature of love and the complexities that come with it.
The use of medical terms throughout the poem adds a layer of complexity to the poem. Love, like illness, can be unpredictable and uncontrollable. The use of words like "fever" and "influenza" highlight the intensity and passion of love, but also the potential for pain and suffering.
The use of puns and double entendres adds to the humor and lightness of the poem, but it also serves to illustrate the multifaceted nature of love. Love can be both joyful and painful, both sweet and bitter.
Overall, A Valentine is a poetic masterpiece that showcases Carroll's talent for language and wordplay. It is a commentary on the complexities of love and the unpredictable nature of emotions. It is a reminder that love, like life, can be full of surprises and unexpected twists and turns.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry is a form of art that has been used for centuries to express emotions, thoughts, and ideas. It is a powerful tool that can evoke strong feelings and create vivid images in the minds of readers. One such poem that has stood the test of time is "A Valentine" by Lewis Carroll. This classic poem is a beautiful expression of love that has captured the hearts of readers for generations. In this article, we will take a closer look at the poem and analyze its meaning and significance.
Lewis Carroll, the author of "A Valentine," was a renowned English writer, mathematician, and logician. He is best known for his children's books, including "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" and "Through the Looking-Glass." However, he also wrote poetry, and "A Valentine" is one of his most famous works.
The poem is a love letter written by the speaker to his beloved. It is a beautiful expression of love that is both romantic and playful. The poem is written in the form of a riddle, with each stanza containing clues that hint at the identity of the speaker's beloved.
The poem begins with the speaker asking his beloved to guess who is sending the Valentine. He tells her that he is not a bird, a bee, or a butterfly, but something that is "small and soft and brown." This first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is filled with playful and romantic imagery.
In the second stanza, the speaker tells his beloved that he is something that "loves one thing alone." This line is a clear indication of the speaker's devotion to his beloved. He is telling her that he loves her and only her, and that she is the most important thing in his life.
The third stanza is perhaps the most romantic of all. The speaker tells his beloved that he is something that "has a heart, and that is true." This line is a beautiful expression of the depth of the speaker's love. He is telling his beloved that his love for her is genuine and sincere, and that he will always be true to her.
The fourth stanza is where the riddle becomes a bit more challenging. The speaker tells his beloved that he is something that "comes and goes." This line is a bit more ambiguous than the previous ones, and it is up to the reader to interpret its meaning. Some may see it as a reference to the fleeting nature of love, while others may interpret it as a reference to the speaker's physical presence in his beloved's life.
The fifth stanza is where the riddle is finally solved. The speaker tells his beloved that he is something that "loves you dearly." This line is a beautiful expression of the speaker's love for his beloved. He is telling her that he loves her deeply and that she is the most important person in his life.
The final stanza is a playful conclusion to the poem. The speaker tells his beloved that he is something that "is hidden from your view." This line is a playful nod to the fact that the speaker's identity has been a mystery throughout the poem. He is telling his beloved that he has been hiding in plain sight all along, and that she should have known it was him all along.
Overall, "A Valentine" is a beautiful expression of love that is both romantic and playful. The poem is filled with vivid imagery and clever wordplay, and it is a testament to Lewis Carroll's skill as a poet. The poem has stood the test of time and continues to be a beloved classic to this day.
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