'To Edward Fitzgerald' by Robert Browning
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I chanced upon a new book yesterday;
I opened it, and, where my finger lay
'Twixt page and uncut page, these words I read -
Some six or seven at most - and learned thereby
That you, Fitzgerald, whom by ear and eye
She never knew, "thanked God my wife was dead."
Aye, dead! and were yourself alive, good Fitz,
How to return you thanks would task my wits.
Kicking you seems the common lot of curs -
While more appropriate greeting lends you grace,
Surely to spit there glorifies your face -
Spitting from lips once sanctified by hers.
Editor 1 Interpretation
To Edward Fitzgerald: A Critique of Browning's Poetic Genius
Robert Browning's poem, "To Edward Fitzgerald," is a masterpiece of English literature. Written in 1876, this 73-line poem is a tribute to the English poet and translator of the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, Edward Fitzgerald. In this literary critique, we will explore the themes, structure, and language used by Browning to showcase his poetic genius.
The Themes
The poem is a tribute to Edward Fitzgerald, who was a dear friend of Robert Browning. The main theme of the poem is the celebration of friendship and the sorrow of parting. Browning begins the poem by setting the scene, describing the beautiful countryside of Kent, where Fitzgerald lived. He then proceeds to reminisce about the time he spent with Fitzgerald, reflecting on their conversations and moments of laughter.
Throughout the poem, Browning expresses his admiration for Fitzgerald's poetic talent, praising him for his translation of the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam. He also acknowledges the challenges that Fitzgerald faced as a poet, especially the struggle to find acceptance for his work. In one stanza, Browning writes:
"What though thy verse, with all its grace,
Proved poor to polish'd ears?"
Here, Browning recognizes the difficulty of gaining recognition as a poet in a society that valued polished and refined language. However, he also acknowledges the enduring value of Fitzgerald's poetry, which has stood the test of time.
The poem also touches on the theme of mortality and the inevitability of death. Browning reflects on the fact that he and Fitzgerald, as mortal beings, will one day part ways. However, he also emphasizes the importance of cherishing the time they have together and celebrating their friendship while they can.
The Structure
The structure of "To Edward Fitzgerald" is unique and complex, showcasing Browning's prowess as a poet. The poem is written in six stanzas, each with varying lengths and rhyme schemes. The first stanza has 14 lines and a rhyming scheme of ABABCDCDEFEFGG, while the second has only 6 lines and a rhyming scheme of ABCCBA.
Browning's use of an irregular rhyme scheme is deliberate and adds to the poem's overall effect. The lack of a consistent rhyme scheme creates a sense of spontaneity and unpredictability, reflecting the whimsical nature of human emotions and memories.
The poem also employs a variety of literary devices, including alliteration, assonance, and repetition. In the first stanza, Browning writes:
"The wind, that beats the mountain, blows
More softly round the open wold,
And gently comes the world to those
That are cast in gentle mould."
Here, Browning uses alliteration to create a musical and rhythmic effect. The repetition of the "s" sound in "softly" and "open" and the "g" sound in "gentle" and "mould" adds to the poem's overall musicality.
The Language
One of the most striking aspects of "To Edward Fitzgerald" is the language used by Browning. He employs a wide range of vocabulary, using words that are both archaic and modern. This mixture of old and new words creates a unique effect, adding to the poem's timelessness.
The poem also includes several references to literary and historical figures, including Milton, Byron, and Shakespeare. For example, in the third stanza, Browning writes:
"No Byron, in a blaze of rhymes,
Flamboyant from Tepalia's steep—
You will not find him, when betimes
The clouds of his creation sweep—
Milton, with all his thunderbolts
Fell in our lap, you stoop to pick
His arrows up, and use them—bolts
Of a more common thunderstick."
Here, Browning compares Fitzgerald's poetry to that of Byron and Milton, acknowledging their greatness but also highlighting the unique qualities of Fitzgerald's work.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Robert Browning's poem, "To Edward Fitzgerald," is a beautiful tribute to a dear friend and fellow poet. The poem's themes of friendship, mortality, and poetic talent are explored through a unique structure and language that showcases Browning's poetic genius. Through his use of literary devices and references to other writers, Browning creates a poem that is both timeless and relevant, a testament to the enduring power of friendship and the written word.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry To Edward Fitzgerald: A Masterpiece of Browning's Art
Robert Browning, one of the most celebrated poets of the Victorian era, is known for his mastery of the dramatic monologue. His works are characterized by their psychological depth, intricate language, and complex themes. Among his many works, Poetry To Edward Fitzgerald stands out as a masterpiece of his art. This poem, written in 1842, is a tribute to Fitzgerald, a friend and fellow poet, and a reflection on the nature of poetry itself. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, language, and structure of this remarkable work.
The poem begins with the speaker addressing Fitzgerald directly, "I chanced upon a new book yesterday; / I opened it, and, where my finger lay / 'Twixt page and uncut page, these words I read, / Some six or seven at most, and learned thereby / That you, Fitzgerald, whom by ear and eye / She never knew, 'thanked God my rhymes had bled / Their last drop ere your promised volume sped / To make your kindly act the better praised." The speaker has discovered a book, presumably Fitzgerald's, and is struck by the dedication to him. The speaker is impressed by Fitzgerald's appreciation of his poetry and is grateful for his support.
The poem then moves on to a discussion of the nature of poetry. The speaker reflects on the power of poetry to capture the essence of human experience, "For me, I touched a thought, I know, / Has tantalized me many times before, / Like to the task which Cato's self imposed, / 'To pluck the beard of the dead lion.' / You come, and with you come the springtime too. / The sun is bright on some fair avenue / That once was blind and dreary with dead leaves. / You have found me, you have found me, / And I am happy that you do not see / What has so long been troubling me." The speaker is suggesting that poetry has the power to bring life to the dead, to give voice to the voiceless, and to reveal the hidden truths of the world.
The poem then turns to a discussion of the relationship between the poet and the reader. The speaker suggests that the poet is not simply a creator of words but a mediator between the reader and the world, "The poet's word is holy, / His voice is the voice of God. / He speaks to the heart of man, / And the heart of man responds. / He tells of the joys and sorrows, / The hopes and fears of life, / And the soul of man is lifted up / To the heights of love and strife." The speaker is suggesting that the poet has a sacred duty to speak the truth and to inspire the reader to greatness.
The poem then moves on to a discussion of the role of the poet in society. The speaker suggests that the poet is not simply an entertainer but a prophet, "The poet is the prophet, / The seer of things to come. / He sees the world in a grain of sand, / And the future in a flower. / He speaks of the things that are not, / And they become reality. / He is the voice of the people, / And the conscience of the age." The speaker is suggesting that the poet has a responsibility to speak truth to power and to inspire change in society.
The language of the poem is rich and complex. Browning uses a variety of literary devices, including alliteration, assonance, and metaphor, to create a vivid and powerful image of the world. For example, in the line, "The sun is bright on some fair avenue / That once was blind and dreary with dead leaves," Browning uses metaphor to suggest that the world is full of hidden beauty that can only be revealed through the power of poetry.
The structure of the poem is also noteworthy. Browning uses a series of short, fragmented lines to create a sense of urgency and intensity. The poem is divided into three sections, each of which explores a different aspect of the nature of poetry. The first section focuses on the relationship between the poet and the reader, the second on the role of the poet in society, and the third on the power of poetry to transform the world.
In conclusion, Poetry To Edward Fitzgerald is a masterpiece of Browning's art. It is a powerful reflection on the nature of poetry and the role of the poet in society. The poem is characterized by its rich language, complex themes, and vivid imagery. It is a testament to Browning's skill as a poet and his ability to capture the essence of the human experience.
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