'Sonnet 21 - Say over again, and yet once over again' by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
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Sonnets from the Portuguese1850XXISay over again, and yet once over again,
That thou dost love me. Though the word repeated
Should seem 'a cuckoo-song,' as thou dost treat it,
Remember, never to the hill or plain,
Valley and wood, without her cuckoo-strain
Comes the fresh Spring in all her green completed.
Beloved, I, amid the darkness greeted
By a doubtful spirit-voice, in that doubt's pain
Cry, 'Speak once more-thou lovest! 'Who can fear
Too many stars, though each in heaven shall roll,
Too many flowers, though each shall crown the year?
Say thou dost love me, love me, love me-toll
The silver iterance!-only minding, Dear,
To love me also in silence with thy soul.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Sonnet 21: Say over again, and yet once over again
by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
As I read Elizabeth Barrett Browning's Sonnet 21, "Say over again, and yet once over again," I am struck by the power and intensity of her words. With its repeating refrain and its urgent tone, this sonnet speaks to the deep emotions that lie at the heart of human experience. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the themes, symbolism, and structure of Browning's poem, and examine how they contribute to its meaning and impact.
Themes
At its core, "Say over again, and yet once over again" is a poem about memory and the power of the past. Browning begins by asking for the repetition of a phrase or memory, suggesting that it has a deep significance that cannot be fully comprehended at first. She then goes on to describe the ways in which this phrase or memory has shaped her life, both positively and negatively. She speaks of the "joy and grief" it has caused her, and the way it has "plunged" her "in the past."
The poem also touches on the theme of mortality, as Browning reflects on the fleeting nature of human life and the inevitability of death. She speaks of the "shadowy throng" of those who have come before us, and the way in which they have left their mark on the world. She suggests that even though we may die, our memories and our influence can live on through those who come after us.
Symbolism
Browning makes use of several powerful symbols in "Say over again, and yet once over again." One of the most striking is the image of the "sea-shell," which she uses as a metaphor for memory and the past. She describes the shell as "sighing" and "sobbing" with the memories it contains, and suggests that its sound is a reminder of the joys and sorrows of the past. This image is particularly effective in conveying the idea that our memories are both beautiful and painful, and that they can never truly be forgotten.
Another important symbol in the poem is the "shadowy throng" of those who have gone before us. Browning suggests that these figures are like ghosts, haunting the present with their memories and their influence. She describes them as "phantoms," "spectres," and "shadows," and suggests that they are a constant presence in our lives, whether we acknowledge them or not.
Structure
Browning's use of structure is also noteworthy in "Say over again, and yet once over again." The poem is written in the form of a sonnet, with 14 lines and a strict rhyme scheme. This formal structure gives the poem a sense of order and control, even as it explores the chaotic and unpredictable nature of memory and the past.
The poem is also notable for its repeating refrain, which appears at the beginning and end of each stanza. This repetition serves to reinforce the central theme of the poem – the power of memory and the importance of repeated recollection. It also adds a sense of urgency and intensity to the poem, as if Browning is pleading with the reader to understand the significance of what she is saying.
Interpretation
So what is the meaning of "Say over again, and yet once over again?" At its heart, this sonnet is a meditation on the power of memory and the importance of acknowledging the past. Browning suggests that our memories are both beautiful and painful, and that they have the power to shape our lives in profound ways. She also suggests that the past is never truly gone, but is instead a constant presence in our lives, influencing us in ways we may not even be aware of.
The poem also speaks to the human longing for immortality, suggesting that even though we may die, our memories and our influence can live on through those who come after us. This idea is particularly powerful in the final lines of the poem, where Browning suggests that even though we may be forgotten by the world, our memories can still live on in the hearts of those who loved us.
Overall, "Say over again, and yet once over again" is a powerful and deeply moving poem that speaks to the universal human experience of memory and the past. Browning's use of symbolism, structure, and language combine to create a work of great beauty and emotional intensity, one that continues to resonate with readers over a century after it was written.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Sonnet 21 - Say over again, and yet once over again, written by Elizabeth Barrett Browning, is a classic piece of poetry that has stood the test of time. This sonnet is a beautiful expression of love and the power of memory. In this article, we will analyze and explain this sonnet in detail.
The sonnet begins with the line, "Say over again, and yet once over again." This line sets the tone for the entire poem. The speaker is asking their lover to repeat their words of love, to say them again and again. This repetition emphasizes the importance of the words and the depth of the speaker's feelings.
The second line, "That word, that weary word, 'so sweet, so sweet,'" further emphasizes the power of repetition. The word "sweet" is repeated twice, emphasizing the sweetness of the words spoken by the lover. The use of the word "weary" suggests that the speaker has heard these words before, but they still hold the same power and sweetness.
The third line, "Say it again, and yet once over again," continues the repetition of the first line. The speaker is asking their lover to repeat their words of love, to say them again and again. This repetition emphasizes the importance of the words and the depth of the speaker's feelings.
The fourth line, "That looks of thine, that smile, that gentle chin," shifts the focus from words to physical attributes. The speaker is describing the physical features of their lover that they find attractive. The use of the word "gentle" suggests that the speaker finds their lover's chin to be soft and delicate.
The fifth line, "The apple of thy cheek, that rose-like hue," continues the description of physical attributes. The speaker is describing the rosy color of their lover's cheeks. The use of the word "apple" suggests that the speaker finds their lover's cheeks to be round and plump.
The sixth line, "Say over again for me, that I may hear," brings the focus back to words. The speaker is asking their lover to repeat their words of love so that they can hear them again. This line emphasizes the importance of the words spoken by the lover.
The seventh line, "Thine ear full of close whispers, grapplings dear," continues the focus on words. The speaker is describing the intimate whispers of their lover. The use of the word "grapplings" suggests that the speaker and their lover are physically close and intimate.
The eighth line, "Yet, ah, how they throb through thy soul!" shifts the focus from the lover's words to their emotions. The speaker is describing how their lover's words and whispers affect them emotionally. The use of the word "throb" suggests that the speaker's emotions are intense and powerful.
The ninth line, "Wakening with start, and with a sob's control," continues the description of the speaker's emotional response. The use of the word "wakening" suggests that the speaker is awakened from a dream-like state by their lover's words and whispers. The use of the word "sob" suggests that the speaker's emotions are overwhelming and uncontrollable.
The tenth line, "As if that speech thou, soul, hadst breathed for my soul!" brings the focus back to the lover's words. The speaker is describing how their lover's words feel as if they were spoken directly to their soul. This line emphasizes the deep connection between the speaker and their lover.
The eleventh line, "We cannot give each other up, nor shall," emphasizes the strength of the connection between the speaker and their lover. The use of the word "cannot" suggests that the speaker and their lover are unable to separate from each other. The use of the word "shall" suggests that the speaker and their lover have made a commitment to each other.
The twelfth line, "For lack of thee, I should be wretched still," emphasizes the importance of the lover to the speaker's happiness. The use of the word "wretched" suggests that the speaker's life would be miserable without their lover.
The thirteenth line, "And thou, unhappy, wouldst find me still," emphasizes the importance of the speaker to the lover's happiness. The use of the word "unhappy" suggests that the lover's life would be miserable without the speaker.
The final line, "Say over again, and yet once over again," brings the sonnet full circle. The repetition of the first line emphasizes the importance of the lover's words and the depth of the speaker's feelings.
In conclusion, Sonnet 21 - Say over again, and yet once over again, written by Elizabeth Barrett Browning, is a beautiful expression of love and the power of memory. The repetition of words and the focus on physical attributes and emotions emphasize the deep connection between the speaker and their lover. This sonnet is a classic piece of poetry that will continue to touch the hearts of readers for generations to come.
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