'The Voice' by Matthew Arnold

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As the kindling glances,
Queen-like and clear,
Which the bright moon lances
From her tranquil sphere
At the sleepless waters
Of a lonely mere,
On the wild whirling waves, mournfully, mournfully,
Shiver and die.As the tears of sorrow
Mothers have shed-
Prayers that tomorrow
Shall in vain be sped
When the flower they flow for
Lies frozen and dead-
Fall on the throbbing brow, fall on the burning breast,
Bringing no rest.Like bright waves that fall
With a lifelike motion
On the lifeless margin of the sparkling Ocean;
A wild rose climbing up a mouldering wall-
A gush of sunbeams through a ruined hall-
Strains of glad music at a funeral-
So sad, and with so wild a start
To this deep-sobered heart,
So anxiously and painfully,
So drearily and doubtfully,
And oh, with such intolerable change
Of thought, such contrast strange,
O unforgotten voice, thy accents come,
Like wanderers from the world's extremity,
Unto their ancient home!In vain, all, all in vain,
They beat upon mine ear again,
Those melancholy tones so sweet and still.
Those lute-like tones which in the bygone year
Did steal into mine ear-
Blew such a thrilling summons to my will,
Yet could not shake it;
Made my tost heart its very life-blood spill,
Yet could not break it.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Voice by Matthew Arnold: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

When it comes to English literature, Matthew Arnold is a name that is recognized by many. He was a poet, a critic, and a prominent figure in the Victorian era. One of his most famous poems is "The Voice," which was published in 1867. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will take a closer look at this poem and analyze its themes, literary devices, and overall message.

Overview

"The Voice" is a poem about longing, loss, and the power of memory. The speaker of the poem is addressing someone who has passed away, possibly a loved one or a friend. Throughout the poem, the speaker hears the voice of this person in the wind, in the leaves, and in the sounds of nature. The voice is a reminder of what has been lost, but also a source of comfort and connection to the past.

Themes

One of the main themes of "The Voice" is the power of memory. The speaker is haunted by the memory of the person who has passed away, and the voice represents a way to connect with that memory. The voice is a reminder of the past, but also a way to keep that past alive in the present.

Another theme of the poem is the idea of longing. The speaker longs for the person who has passed away, and the voice represents a way to fulfill that longing. The voice is a way to feel connected to the person, even though they are no longer physically present.

Literary Devices

Arnold uses a variety of literary devices throughout "The Voice" to create a sense of atmosphere and emotion. One of the most prominent devices is imagery. The speaker describes the sounds of nature in great detail, such as the "wild wind" and the "still sky." These descriptions create a sense of atmosphere and help to convey the speaker's emotions.

Another device that Arnold uses is repetition. The phrase "come back" is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the speaker's longing and desire to be reunited with the person who has passed away. The repetition also creates a sense of rhythm and structure to the poem.

Arnold also uses metaphor in "The Voice." The voice is described as a "mournful melody," which represents the sadness and grief that the speaker feels. The voice is also described as a "spirit" and a "phantom," which suggests that it is not a physical presence, but rather a memory or a feeling.

Interpretation

"The Voice" is a deeply emotional poem that explores themes of loss, memory, and longing. The speaker is haunted by the memory of someone who has passed away, and the voice represents a way to connect with that memory. The voice is a reminder of what has been lost, but also a source of comfort and connection to the past.

The poem can be interpreted in a number of ways. Some readers may see the voice as a literal presence, a ghostly spirit that has returned to comfort the speaker. Others may see the voice as a metaphor for memory, a way to keep the past alive in the present. Regardless of the interpretation, the poem is a powerful exploration of grief and loss.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "The Voice" is a beautifully written poem that explores themes of memory, loss, and longing. Arnold's use of imagery, repetition, and metaphor create a powerful sense of emotion and atmosphere. The poem is a reminder of the power of memory and the importance of keeping the past alive in the present. Whether read as a literal or metaphorical representation, "The Voice" is a timeless exploration of human grief and the search for connection.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Voice by Matthew Arnold is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a beautiful piece of literature that captures the essence of love, loss, and longing. The poem is a perfect example of Arnold's ability to use language to evoke powerful emotions in his readers. In this analysis, we will take a closer look at The Voice and explore its themes, structure, and language.

The poem is a monologue in which the speaker addresses his lost love. The poem begins with the speaker hearing the voice of his lost love. The voice is described as "the voice that is still." This line sets the tone for the poem and establishes the theme of loss. The speaker is haunted by the memory of his lost love, and the voice serves as a reminder of what he has lost.

The poem is structured in four stanzas, each with four lines. The structure is simple, but it serves to emphasize the poem's themes. The repetition of the four-line stanzas creates a sense of rhythm and continuity. The poem's structure is also reflective of the speaker's state of mind. The repetition of the stanzas suggests that the speaker is stuck in a cycle of grief and longing.

The language used in The Voice is simple yet powerful. Arnold uses imagery to create a vivid picture of the speaker's emotions. The line "the voice that is still" is a perfect example of this. The use of the word "still" creates a sense of emptiness and loss. The speaker is haunted by the memory of his lost love, and the stillness of the voice serves as a reminder of what he has lost.

Arnold also uses repetition to emphasize the poem's themes. The repetition of the phrase "come back" in the second stanza creates a sense of desperation. The speaker is begging his lost love to return to him, but he knows that it is impossible. The repetition of the phrase "come back" serves to emphasize the speaker's longing and his inability to move on.

The poem's themes are universal and timeless. The theme of loss is something that everyone can relate to. We have all experienced loss in our lives, whether it be the loss of a loved one or the loss of a relationship. The Voice captures the essence of this feeling and expresses it in a way that is both beautiful and poignant.

The theme of longing is also present in the poem. The speaker is longing for his lost love to return to him. This theme is something that many people can relate to. We have all experienced the feeling of longing for something that we cannot have. The Voice captures this feeling and expresses it in a way that is both powerful and relatable.

The poem's final stanza is particularly powerful. The speaker realizes that his lost love will never return to him. He says, "But ah! we cannot have that long lost breath again." This line is a reminder that once something is lost, it cannot be regained. The speaker must learn to accept his loss and move on.

In conclusion, The Voice by Matthew Arnold is a beautiful poem that captures the essence of love, loss, and longing. The poem's themes are universal and timeless, and its language is simple yet powerful. The poem's structure serves to emphasize its themes, and its repetition creates a sense of rhythm and continuity. The Voice is a classic poem that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.

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