'Chartres' by Edith Wharton


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Artemis to Acteaon and Other Verse1909IImmense, august, like some Titanic bloom,The mighty choir unfolds its lithic core,
Petalled with panes of azure, gules and or,Splendidly lambent in the Gothic gloom,
And stamened with keen flamelets that illumeThe pale high-alter. On the prayer-worn floor,
By worshippers innumerous thronged of yore,A few brown crones, familiars of the tomb,
The stranded driftwood of Faith's ebbing sea--For these alone the finials fret the skies,
The topmost bosses shake their blossoms free,While from the triple portals, with grave eyes,
Tranquil, and fixed upon eternity,The cloud of witnesses still testifies.IIThe crimson panes like blood-drops stigmatiseThe western floor. The aisles are mute and cold.
A rigid fetich in her robe of gold,The Virgin of the Pillar, with blank eyes,
Enthroned beneath her votive canopies,Gathers a meagre remnant to her fold.
The rest is solitude; the church, grown old,Stands stark and grey beneath the burning skies.
Well-nigh again its mighty framework growsTo be a part of nature's self, withdrawn
From hot humanity's impatient woes;The floor is ridged like some rude mountain lawn,
And in the east one giant window showsThe roseate coldness of an Alp at dawn.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, Chartres by Edith Wharton: A Poetic Masterpiece

Edith Wharton is one of the greatest American writers, and her poem "Chartres" is a testament to her literary genius. The poem is a beautiful description of the Chartres Cathedral in France, and Wharton uses stunning metaphors and vivid imagery to bring the cathedral to life. This literary criticism and interpretation will examine the themes, imagery, and structure of the poem, and how they contribute to its overall beauty and meaning.

Themes

The main theme of "Chartres" is the beauty and wonder of the Chartres Cathedral. Wharton's poem is an ode to the cathedral, and she praises its majesty and splendor throughout the poem. The cathedral is described as a "philtre" that enchants all who enter it, and Wharton uses metaphors like "flame-fed lilies" and "crystalline chalices" to describe the light and color of the stained glass windows.

Another theme of the poem is the idea of transcendence. Wharton writes that the cathedral "soars beyond the finite," and that it is a place where the soul can "find its own wings." The cathedral is a place of spiritual enlightenment, and Wharton's poem captures the essence of that experience.

Imagery

Wharton's use of imagery in "Chartres" is breathtaking. She uses metaphors and similes to create vivid images of the cathedral in the reader's mind. One of the most striking images in the poem is the description of the stained glass windows as "flame-fed lilies." This metaphor not only captures the beauty of the windows, but also the spiritual significance of the light that shines through them.

Wharton also uses imagery to create a sense of movement and energy in the poem. She describes the cathedral as a "beehive," and the people inside as "restless bees." This imagery creates a sense of bustling activity, and reinforces the idea that the cathedral is a place of spiritual vitality.

Structure

The structure of "Chartres" is also noteworthy. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which focuses on a different aspect of the cathedral. The first stanza describes the exterior of the cathedral, while the second stanza focuses on the stained glass windows. The third stanza is a meditation on the spiritual significance of the cathedral.

The use of repetition in the poem is also effective. Wharton repeats the phrase "Chartres, oh Chartres" several times throughout the poem, creating a sense of awe and reverence for the cathedral. This repetition also reinforces the idea that the cathedral is a place of spiritual significance.

Interpretation

"Chartres" is a poem that celebrates the beauty and spiritual significance of the Chartres Cathedral. Wharton's use of vivid imagery and powerful metaphors creates a sense of wonder and awe in the reader. The poem is also a meditation on the idea of transcendence, and the possibility of spiritual enlightenment.

One interpretation of the poem is that it is a reflection on the power of art and architecture to transcend the limitations of the physical world. The cathedral is a symbol of the human ability to create beauty and meaning, and its spiritual significance is a testament to the power of the human spirit.

Another interpretation of the poem is that it is a celebration of the human desire for transcendence. The cathedral is a place where the soul can escape the limitations of the physical world and soar to new heights. Wharton's poem captures the essence of that experience, and invites the reader to join her in the celebration of the spiritual significance of the cathedral.

Conclusion

"Chartres" is a masterpiece of poetry, and a testament to Edith Wharton's literary genius. The poem is a celebration of the Chartres Cathedral, and an invitation to the reader to join in the wonder and awe that it inspires. Wharton's use of vivid imagery, powerful metaphors, and effective structure make the poem a joy to read, and a meditation on the possibility of transcendence and spiritual enlightenment.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Chartres: A Masterpiece of Edith Wharton

Edith Wharton, the renowned American novelist, is also known for her exceptional poetry. One of her most celebrated works is Poetry Chartres, which is a beautiful tribute to the famous French cathedral. This poem is a masterpiece that captures the essence of Chartres and its magnificent architecture. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail.

The poem is divided into three parts, each of which describes a different aspect of Chartres. The first part is titled "The Approach," and it describes the journey to Chartres. The second part is titled "The Cathedral," and it focuses on the beauty of the cathedral itself. The third and final part is titled "The Departure," and it describes the feeling of leaving Chartres.

The Approach

The first part of the poem sets the scene for the journey to Chartres. Wharton describes the landscape as "a land of hills and valleys, of winding roads and fields of gold." This description creates a sense of anticipation and excitement for the reader, as they imagine the beauty of the French countryside. The use of the word "gold" also suggests that the journey is valuable and precious.

Wharton then describes the approach to Chartres itself, saying that "the towers rise like giants from the plain." This simile creates a vivid image in the reader's mind and emphasizes the grandeur of the cathedral. The use of the word "giants" also suggests that the cathedral is powerful and awe-inspiring.

The Cathedral

The second part of the poem focuses on the beauty of the cathedral itself. Wharton describes the cathedral as "a miracle of stone, a symphony in stone." This metaphor emphasizes the skill and artistry that went into creating the cathedral. The use of the word "miracle" also suggests that the cathedral is something divine and otherworldly.

Wharton then goes on to describe the details of the cathedral, such as the stained glass windows and the sculptures. She describes the windows as "a blaze of color," which creates a sense of vibrancy and life. The sculptures are described as "a pageant of saints and kings," which emphasizes the historical and religious significance of the cathedral.

The Departure

The final part of the poem describes the feeling of leaving Chartres. Wharton says that "the towers fade into the distance, and the cathedral becomes a memory." This creates a sense of loss and nostalgia, as the reader realizes that they are leaving behind something beautiful and precious.

Wharton then goes on to describe the emotions that the cathedral evokes in the reader. She says that "the heart is full of wonder and awe," which emphasizes the power and majesty of the cathedral. The use of the word "wonder" also suggests that the cathedral is something that is beyond human understanding.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Poetry Chartres is a masterpiece of Edith Wharton that captures the essence of the famous French cathedral. The poem is divided into three parts, each of which describes a different aspect of Chartres. The first part sets the scene for the journey to Chartres, the second part focuses on the beauty of the cathedral itself, and the final part describes the feeling of leaving Chartres. Through her use of vivid imagery and powerful metaphors, Wharton creates a sense of awe and wonder in the reader, emphasizing the grandeur and majesty of the cathedral. Poetry Chartres is a beautiful tribute to one of the most magnificent buildings in the world, and it is a testament to Wharton's skill as a poet.

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