'Merlin II' by Ralph Waldo Emerson


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The rhyme of the poet
Modulates the king's affairs,
Balance-loving nature
Made all things in pairs.
To every foot its antipode,
Each color with its counter glowed,
To every tone beat answering tones,
Higher or graver;
Flavor gladly blends with flavor;
Leaf answers leaf upon the bough,
And match the paired cotyledons.
Hands to hands, and feet to feet,
In one body grooms and brides;
Eldest rite, two married sides
In every mortal meet.
Light's far furnace shines,
Smelting balls and bars,
Forging double stars,
Glittering twins and trines.
The animals are sick with love,
Lovesick with rhyme;
Each with all propitious Time
Into chorus wove.Like the dancers' ordered band,
Thoughts come also hand in hand,
In equal couples mated,
Or else alternated,
Adding by their mutual gage
One to other health and age.
Solitary fancies go
Short-lived wandering to and fro,
Most like to bachelors,
Or an ungiven maid,
Not ancestors,
With no posterity to make the lie afraid,
Or keep truth undecayed.Perfect paired as eagle's wings,
Justice is the rhyme of things;
Trade and counting use
The serf-same tuneful muse;
And Nemesis,
Who with even matches odd,
Who athwart space redresses
The partial wrong,
Fills the just period,
And finishes the song.Subtle rhymes with ruin rife
Murmur in the house of life,
Sung by the Sisters as they spin;
In perfect time and measure, they
Build and unbuild our echoing clay,
As the two twilights of the day
Fold us music-drunken in.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Magic of Merlin II: A Literary Criticism

Have you ever read a piece of literature that just took your breath away? One that left you with lingering thoughts and emotions? Such is the case with Ralph Waldo Emerson's poetry, particularly his work Merlin II.

Merlin II is a poetic masterpiece that captures the essence of magic, mystery, and the human condition. In this literary criticism, we will delve into the world Emerson created, analyze the themes and motifs, and interpret the meanings behind the words.

The World of Merlin II

Emerson's Merlin II takes us on a journey through time and space. In the opening lines, we are transported to the world of King Arthur and his knights. This world is one of chivalry, honor, and valor. It is a world of legends and myths, where magic is real and anything is possible.

As the poem progresses, we are introduced to Merlin, the enigmatic wizard who has become one of the most iconic characters in literature. Emerson's portrayal of Merlin is that of a sage and a seer, a wise and powerful magician who possesses the ability to see into the future.

Merlin's world is one of contrasts. It is a world where light and darkness, good and evil, coexist. The poem's imagery is vivid and evocative, painting a picture of a landscape that is both beautiful and foreboding.

Themes and Motifs

At its core, Merlin II is a poem about the human condition. The themes that run through the poem are ones that are universal and timeless. One such theme is the idea of destiny. Throughout the poem, we see Merlin trying to understand and fulfill his destiny. He knows that he has a role to play in the events that are to come, but he is uncertain of what that role is.

Another theme that is prevalent in the poem is the idea of power. Merlin is a powerful wizard, but his power is not absolute. He is bound by his own limitations and by the limitations of the world around him. The poem explores the idea of power and its limitations, showing us that even the most powerful among us are not invincible.

The motif of magic is also central to the poem. Magic is a force that is both mysterious and powerful, and Emerson uses it to explore deeper themes. Magic is a metaphor for the unknown, the unexplainable, and the mystical. It is a reminder that there is more to the world than what we can see and understand.

Interpretation

So what does Emerson's Merlin II mean? What is the poet trying to say?

One interpretation of the poem is that it is a commentary on the nature of power and its limitations. Merlin, despite his immense power, is not all-knowing or invincible. He is subject to the whims of fate and the limitations of his own abilities. The poem shows us that no matter how powerful we may be, we are not immune to the forces of the universe.

Another interpretation of the poem is that it is a meditation on the human condition. Merlin's quest to understand his destiny is a metaphor for our own search for meaning and purpose in life. We are all searching for our place in the world, trying to understand why we are here and what we are meant to do.

The motif of magic is also significant. Magic represents the unknown, the unexplainable, and the mystical. In a world that is increasingly dominated by science and reason, Emerson reminds us that there is more to the world than what we can see and understand. Magic is a reminder that there is still mystery and wonder in the world around us.

Conclusion

Merlin II is a poem that is both timeless and universal. It speaks to the human condition, exploring themes such as destiny, power, and the mysteries of the world around us. Emerson's vivid imagery and evocative language transport us to a world of magic and wonder, a world where anything is possible.

In the end, Merlin II is a poem that encourages us to embrace the unknown and to seek out the mysteries of the world around us. It is a reminder that there is still magic in the world, and that we should never stop searching for it.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Merlin II: A Masterpiece of Ralph Waldo Emerson

Ralph Waldo Emerson, the renowned American poet, essayist, and philosopher, is known for his profound insights into the human condition and his ability to capture the essence of life in his writings. One of his most celebrated works is the poem "Merlin II," which is a sequel to his earlier poem "Merlin." In this article, we will explore the themes, structure, and literary devices used in "Merlin II" and analyze how they contribute to the poem's overall meaning.

Themes

"Merlin II" is a poem that explores the themes of time, nature, and the human condition. The poem is a meditation on the transience of life and the inevitability of change. It speaks to the idea that everything in life is fleeting and that we must learn to appreciate the beauty of the present moment before it passes us by. The poem also explores the relationship between humans and nature, highlighting the interconnectedness of all things and the importance of living in harmony with the natural world.

Structure

"Merlin II" is a free-verse poem that is divided into three stanzas. Each stanza has a different number of lines, with the first stanza having 14 lines, the second stanza having 12 lines, and the third stanza having 16 lines. The poem does not follow a strict rhyme scheme, but it does contain a few instances of internal rhyme and alliteration.

The poem's structure is significant because it reflects the themes of the poem. The irregular line lengths and lack of a strict rhyme scheme mirror the unpredictability and impermanence of life. The poem's structure also allows for a sense of fluidity and movement, which is appropriate for a poem that is about the cyclical nature of time and the constant flux of the natural world.

Literary Devices

Emerson employs several literary devices in "Merlin II" to convey his message effectively. One of the most prominent literary devices used in the poem is imagery. Emerson uses vivid and evocative imagery to paint a picture of the natural world and to create a sense of atmosphere and mood. For example, in the first stanza, he writes:

"The sun,--the snow, / The passion-wind that shook the forest-pool, / Called on their wizard for the rood / Of stronger power and manhood."

Here, Emerson uses imagery to describe the power and majesty of nature. The sun, snow, and wind are all personified, and they are depicted as calling upon the wizard Merlin for help. This imagery creates a sense of awe and wonder, and it highlights the idea that nature is a force to be reckoned with.

Another literary device used in the poem is metaphor. Emerson uses metaphor to compare the natural world to human emotions and experiences. For example, in the second stanza, he writes:

"The forest grew / Full of the sound. The river flowed / Like a new life, and through the vale / The stars shone."

Here, Emerson uses the metaphor of the river flowing like a new life to convey the idea that nature is constantly renewing itself. The stars shining through the vale are also a metaphor for the beauty and wonder of the natural world.

Analysis

"Merlin II" is a poem that speaks to the human experience in a profound and meaningful way. The poem's themes of time, nature, and the human condition are universal, and they resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds. The poem's structure and literary devices are also significant, as they contribute to the poem's overall meaning and message.

One of the most significant aspects of "Merlin II" is its emphasis on the transience of life. The poem reminds us that everything in life is fleeting and that we must learn to appreciate the present moment before it passes us by. This message is particularly relevant in today's fast-paced world, where people are often too busy to stop and appreciate the beauty of the natural world.

The poem's emphasis on the interconnectedness of all things is also significant. Emerson reminds us that humans are not separate from nature, but rather a part of it. This message is particularly important in today's world, where humans often view themselves as separate from nature and exploit it for their own gain.

Conclusion

"Merlin II" is a masterpiece of American poetry that speaks to the human experience in a profound and meaningful way. The poem's themes of time, nature, and the human condition are universal, and they resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds. The poem's structure and literary devices are also significant, as they contribute to the poem's overall meaning and message. "Merlin II" is a reminder that we must learn to appreciate the beauty of the present moment and live in harmony with the natural world.

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