'Change' by Sarah Teasdale


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Remember me as I was then;
Turn from me now, but always see
The laughing shadowy girl who stood
At midnight by the flowering tree,
With eyes that love had made as bright
As the trembling stars of the summer night.

Turn from me now, but always hear
The muted laughter in the dew
Of that one year of youth we had,
The only youth we ever knew --
Turn from me now, or you will see
What other years have done to me.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, Change by Sarah Teasdale: A Masterpiece of Versatility and Poetic Excellence

If you are a poetry enthusiast, then you must have come across Sarah Teasdale's exceptional piece - Poetry, Change. The poem, which was published in 1920, is a masterpiece of versatility and poetic excellence. It is an astute observation of the ever-changing nature of life and the human condition. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the deeper meaning of the poem and explore the different themes and literary devices used.

Overview of the Poem

Poetry, Change is a short, four-stanza poem that explores the theme of change. The poem begins by acknowledging the inevitability of change, as the world is in a constant state of flux. The second stanza shows how change affects human life, and the third stanza depicts change through the seasons. The final stanza is a reflection on the beauty of change, as it brings about new beginnings and opportunities. The poem is written in free verse, which allows Teasdale to experiment with different forms and techniques.

Analysis of the Poem

Theme of Change

The theme of change is the central focus of the poem. Teasdale acknowledges that everything in life is subject to change, and we must embrace it to grow and evolve. The first stanza, "I shall not be afraid of change," sets the tone for the poem and establishes the core message. We are reminded that change is inevitable, and we must not fear it. The second stanza, "I shall not fear to follow where/ the path may lead me," is a powerful declaration that we must have the courage to follow our path, even if it leads us to unexpected places. This is a reminder that change can be scary, but we must embrace it to grow and learn.

Use of Imagery

Teasdale's use of imagery is one of the most striking features of the poem. She paints vivid pictures of change through the seasons, using nature as a metaphor for the cyclical nature of life. In the third stanza, she writes, "I shall not die without a hope/ That spring will come and bud and bloom again." This imagery of spring and new beginnings is a powerful reminder that change brings about new opportunities and growth.

Use of Repetition

Teasdale's use of repetition is another literary device that adds to the power of the poem. The repetition of the phrase "I shall not" in each stanza creates a strong sense of determination and resolve. It is a declaration of the speaker's commitment to embracing change and facing the unknown.

Tone and Mood

The tone and mood of the poem are optimistic and hopeful. Teasdale acknowledges the challenges of change but focuses on the potential for growth and new beginnings. The poem has a sense of resilience and determination that is both inspiring and uplifting.

Interpretation of the Poem

Poetry, Change is a celebration of the human spirit and its ability to adapt and grow in the face of change. Teasdale's message is clear - change is inevitable, and we must embrace it to grow and evolve. The poem is a reminder that we should not fear change but rather see it as an opportunity to discover new paths and possibilities.

The poem's use of nature as a metaphor for change is particularly powerful. Just as the seasons change and give way to new life and growth, so too does our own lives. Teasdale's use of imagery shows us that there is beauty in change and that it brings about new opportunities and growth.

The poem also speaks to the resilience of the human spirit. The repeated use of the phrase "I shall not" creates a sense of determination and resolve. Teasdale's message is clear - we must have the courage to face change head-on, even if it leads us to unexpected places.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Poetry, Change is a powerful poem that speaks to the resilience of the human spirit and our ability to adapt and grow in the face of change. Teasdale's use of imagery, repetition, and free verse creates a powerful message that reminds us that change is inevitable but should not be feared. The poem is a celebration of the human spirit and its capacity for growth and new beginnings. If you haven't read this masterpiece yet, I highly recommend it!

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry has always been a medium for expressing emotions and thoughts that are difficult to articulate in everyday language. Sarah Teasdale's poem "Poetry Change" is a beautiful example of how poetry can capture the essence of change and transformation.

The poem begins with the speaker acknowledging the power of poetry to transform the world. She says, "I saw a man pursuing the horizon; / Round and round they sped. / I was disturbed at this; / I accosted the man. / 'It is futile,' I said, / 'You can never —' / 'You lie,' he cried, / And ran on."

This opening stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The man pursuing the horizon represents the human desire for change and progress. The speaker is initially skeptical of this pursuit, but the man's determination and passion convince her that change is possible.

The second stanza of the poem is where the speaker begins to explore the power of poetry to effect change. She says, "From the depths of the mirror / A corpse was contemplating me. / The mirror is not a book / It gives no guarantee. / I sought my brother and I found all three."

This stanza is particularly powerful because it speaks to the idea that poetry can reveal truths about ourselves and the world around us. The image of the corpse in the mirror represents the speaker's own mortality and the fragility of life. The line "The mirror is not a book / It gives no guarantee" suggests that poetry is a more reliable source of truth than the material world.

The final line of the stanza, "I sought my brother and I found all three," is a reference to the Christian concept of the Trinity. The speaker is suggesting that through poetry, she has found a deeper understanding of herself, others, and the divine.

The third stanza of the poem is where the speaker begins to explore the transformative power of poetry. She says, "My soul and I went to the great sea to bathe. / And when we reached the shore, / The sea was wild and dark, / And the grey waves surged up. / But I saw him [the man pursuing the horizon] from afar, / And before I could run / He plunged in with a roar, / A living arrow of light."

This stanza is particularly powerful because it speaks to the idea that poetry can inspire us to take action and effect change in the world. The man pursuing the horizon represents the human desire for change and progress, and his willingness to plunge into the wild and dark sea represents the courage and determination required to effect change.

The final stanza of the poem is where the speaker brings all of these ideas together. She says, "In the change of Philomel, / By the crude highway, / The murmurous agitation / Of the orioles in spring, / And the voice of the turtle-dove / In the trees where fruit is hung, / Come with me, come with me, / And we will make new things."

This stanza is particularly powerful because it speaks to the idea that poetry can inspire us to create new things and effect change in the world. The references to Philomel, the orioles, and the turtle-dove suggest that even the natural world is constantly changing and transforming. The speaker is suggesting that through poetry, we can tap into this transformative power and create new things in the world.

Overall, Sarah Teasdale's poem "Poetry Change" is a beautiful exploration of the power of poetry to effect change and transformation. The poem speaks to the human desire for progress and the transformative power of poetry to inspire us to take action and create new things in the world.

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