'Lines Written In Recapitulation' by Edna St. Vincent Millay
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I could not bring this splendid world nor any trading beast
In charge of it, to defer, no, not to give ear, not in the least
Appearance, to my handsome prophecies,
which here I ponder and put by.I am left simpler, less encumbered, by the consciousness
that I shall by no pebble in my dirty sling
avail To slay one purple giant four feet high and distribute armsamong his tall attendants, who spit at his namewhen spitting on the ground:
They will be found one day Prone where they fell, or dead sitting-and pock-marked wall
Supporting the beautiful back straight as an oak
before it is old.I have learned to fail. And I have had my say.
Yet shall I sing until my voice crack
(this being my leisure, this my holiday)
That man was a special thing, and no commodity,a thing improper to be sold.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Lines Written In Recapitulation by Edna St. Vincent Millay
Have you ever read a poem that takes you on a journey through time and space, leaving you with a sense of nostalgia and a longing for the past? Edna St. Vincent Millay's "Lines Written In Recapitulation" is one such poem. With its vivid imagery and poignant tone, this poem captures the essence of loss and the yearning for what once was.
Overview
"Lines Written In Recapitulation" was published in 1939, towards the end of Millay's career as a poet. The poem consists of three stanzas, each with eight lines, and follows an ABAB rhyme scheme. The title of the poem suggests a reflection on the past, and the poem itself is a recollection of childhood memories, filled with joy, innocence, and wonder.
Analysis
The poem opens with the lines "Somewhere, and always, / Beyond ourselves, beyond the present, / The long kiss goodnight of oblivion, / The long embrace of love." These lines set the tone for the entire poem, as they evoke a sense of timelessness and transcendence. The speaker is suggesting that there is a world beyond our own, a world where time and space do not exist, and where love and oblivion coexist.
The second stanza takes the reader on a journey through the speaker's childhood, as she recalls the sights, sounds, and smells of her past. She describes the "fields of goldenrod" and the "crickets' voices," and how they "sang the songs of summer." The speaker also remembers the smell of "new-mown hay," and how it "mingled with the smell of apples." These sensory details create a vivid picture of the speaker's past, and the reader can almost feel the warmth of the sun on their skin and the scent of the hay and apples in the air.
The final stanza is a reflection on the speaker's present, and how it compares to her past. She admits that she "cannot go back," and that "the goldenrod is not for me." The speaker is aware that she can never return to her childhood, and that the world she remembers no longer exists. She realizes that time has passed and that she has grown older, and that the world around her has changed.
Themes
One of the main themes of "Lines Written In Recapitulation" is the passing of time and the inevitability of change. The speaker is aware that her childhood is gone forever, and that she can never return to that world. The poem is a meditation on the transience of life and the impermanence of all things.
Another theme of the poem is the power of memory and nostalgia. The speaker is able to revisit her past through her memories, and she finds comfort in reliving those moments. The poem suggests that memories are a way of preserving the past, and that they can bring us joy even in the present.
Interpretation
"Lines Written In Recapitulation" is a deeply personal poem, and it reflects Millay's own experiences as a writer and a woman. Millay was known for her feminist views, and her poetry often dealt with issues of love, sexuality, and gender roles. The poem can be read as a reflection on Millay's own life, as she looks back on her childhood and realizes how much has changed.
The poem can also be read as a commentary on the power of poetry itself. Millay was a prolific writer, and her poetry was often praised for its emotional depth and lyrical beauty. The poem suggests that poetry is a way of capturing the past and preserving it for future generations.
Conclusion
"Lines Written In Recapitulation" is a beautiful and poignant poem, filled with vivid imagery and powerful emotions. The poem captures the essence of loss and nostalgia, and it reminds us of the transience of life and the power of memory. Millay's poetry continues to inspire and move readers today, and "Lines Written In Recapitulation" is no exception.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Edna St. Vincent Millay's "Lines Written In Recapitulation" is a classic poem that captures the essence of nostalgia and the bittersweet feeling of reminiscing about the past. The poem is a beautiful reflection on the fleeting nature of time and the inevitability of change.
The poem begins with the speaker reflecting on the past and the memories that have been left behind. The speaker is filled with a sense of longing and nostalgia as she recalls the moments that have shaped her life. She speaks of the "golden days" of her youth, when life was simpler and the world seemed full of endless possibilities.
As the poem progresses, the speaker begins to acknowledge the passing of time and the changes that have occurred. She speaks of the "fading light" of her youth and the realization that time waits for no one. The speaker is filled with a sense of regret as she realizes that she can never go back to the past and relive those moments.
The poem is filled with beautiful imagery that captures the essence of the speaker's emotions. The "fading light" of her youth is a powerful metaphor for the passing of time and the inevitability of change. The speaker's longing for the past is captured in the image of the "golden days" of her youth, which represents a time of innocence and hope.
The poem also explores the theme of mortality and the fleeting nature of life. The speaker acknowledges that life is short and that we must make the most of the time we have. She speaks of the "hourglass" of life, which represents the limited time we have to make our mark on the world.
Despite the sense of regret and longing that permeates the poem, there is also a sense of acceptance and resignation. The speaker acknowledges that the past cannot be changed and that we must learn to live in the present. She speaks of the "new day" that is dawning, which represents a new beginning and a chance to make the most of the time we have.
Overall, "Lines Written In Recapitulation" is a beautiful poem that captures the essence of nostalgia and the bittersweet feeling of reminiscing about the past. The poem is a powerful reminder that life is short and that we must make the most of the time we have. It is a timeless classic that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.
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