'Master And Mistress' by Stanley Kunitz

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Collected Poems2000As if I were composed of dust and air,
The shape confronting me upon the stair
(Athlete of shadow, lighted by a stain
On its disjunctive breast--I saw it plain--)
Moved through my middle flesh.I turned around,
Shaken and it was marching without sound
Beyond the door; and when my hand was takenFrom my mouth to beat the standing heart, I cried
My distant name, thinking myself had died.
One moment I was entered; one moment then
I knew a total century of pain
Between the twinkling of two thoughts.The ghost
Knocked on my ribs, demanding, "Host! Host!
I am diseased with motion.Give me bread
Before I quickly go.Shall I be fed?"
Yielding, I begged of him: "Partake of me.
Whatever runneth from the artery,
This body and its unfamiliar wine,
Stored in whatever dark of love, are thine."
But he denied me, saying, "Every part
of thee is given, yea, thy flesh, thy heart."

Editor 1 Interpretation

Master and Mistress: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Introduction

Stanley Kunitz’s poem, Master and Mistress, is a beautifully crafted piece of literature that explores the complexities of love and power dynamics in relationships. Published in 1927 as part of his first collection of poems, Intellectual Things, Master and Mistress is widely considered to be one of Kunitz’s most enduring works.

Literary Analysis

Master and Mistress is a poem that is rich in metaphor and symbolism. The poem is written in the second person, addressing a woman who is referred to as the mistress. The master in the poem is not explicitly identified, but it is implied that he is the man whom the mistress is in a relationship with.

The poem begins with the image of the mistress as a “dark swan” who is “sailing on a silver lake”. The image of the swan is a common literary device used to represent beauty and elegance. The silver lake, on the other hand, captures the idea of purity and clarity. The imagery in this opening stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is at once haunting and enchanting.

The second stanza of the poem introduces the notion of power dynamics in relationships. The mistress is depicted as having “a key / To all the secrets of your heart”. This key symbolizes the power that she holds over the master. It is through this key that she is able to unlock the secrets of his heart and gain control over him.

The third stanza of the poem explores the theme of love and the different forms it can take. The mistress is described as having “the power / To loose the chains of love”. This line suggests that love can be both liberating and enslaving. The chains of love can be stifling, but they can also be broken by the power of love itself.

The fourth stanza of the poem is perhaps the most poignant. The mistress is described as having “the power / To break your heart”. This line captures the fragility of the human heart and how easily it can be shattered by love. The use of the word “break” is particularly powerful, as it suggests a violent and irreversible act.

The final stanza of the poem returns to the image of the swan. The mistress is described as “sailing away / On a silver lake”. This line suggests that the mistress has the power to leave the master and move on with her life. The image of the silver lake once again captures the notion of purity and clarity, suggesting that the mistress is moving on to a better place.

Interpretation

Master and Mistress is a poem that explores the complexities of love and power dynamics in relationships. The mistress is depicted as having power over the master, but this power is not necessarily a positive thing. Love can be both liberating and enslaving, and the mistress has the power to either break the master’s heart or set him free.

At its core, Master and Mistress is a poem about the fragility of the human heart. Love is a powerful force that can bring great joy and great pain. The poem explores the different forms that love can take and the different ways in which it can affect us.

Ultimately, Master and Mistress is a poem about the power of choice. The mistress has the power to either break the master’s heart or set him free. The choice is hers, and it is through this choice that she exercises her power.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Master and Mistress is a beautiful and haunting poem that explores the complexities of love and power dynamics in relationships. The poem is rich in metaphor and symbolism, and it captures the fragility of the human heart in a way that is both poignant and powerful. Stanley Kunitz’s mastery of language and imagery is on full display in this classic piece of literature.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry is a form of art that has the power to evoke emotions, inspire change, and connect people across time and space. One such poem that has stood the test of time is "Master and Mistress" by Stanley Kunitz. This poem is a masterpiece that captures the essence of love, passion, and the complexities of human relationships. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, literary devices, and the overall impact of this poem.

Firstly, the poem is a reflection of the speaker's thoughts and feelings about his relationship with his lover. The speaker is deeply in love with his mistress, and he expresses this love through vivid imagery and metaphors. For instance, he compares his lover to a "wild rose" and himself to a "thorn." This metaphorical comparison highlights the beauty and fragility of his lover, while also acknowledging his own flaws and imperfections.

Furthermore, the poem explores the theme of power dynamics in relationships. The speaker acknowledges that he is the "master" in the relationship, but he also recognizes the power that his mistress holds over him. He describes her as a "queen" who rules over his heart and mind. This theme of power dynamics is further emphasized through the use of the word "slave" in the final stanza. The speaker acknowledges that he is enslaved by his love for his mistress, and he is willing to submit to her will.

Another significant theme in the poem is the idea of transformation and growth. The speaker describes his lover as a "wild rose" that has the potential to bloom and grow into something beautiful. He recognizes that his love and support are essential for her growth and transformation. This theme is further emphasized through the use of the word "alchemy" in the final stanza. The speaker believes that his love has the power to transform his mistress into something greater than she already is.

In terms of literary devices, the poem is rich in metaphors, imagery, and symbolism. The metaphor of the "wild rose" is used throughout the poem to describe the speaker's lover. This metaphor highlights the beauty, fragility, and potential for growth that his lover possesses. The use of the word "queen" is also a metaphor that emphasizes the power and authority that his mistress holds over him.

The poem is also rich in imagery, with vivid descriptions of nature and the natural world. For instance, the speaker describes his lover as a "wild rose" and himself as a "thorn." This imagery highlights the beauty and danger that exists in nature, and how these elements are reflected in human relationships.

Finally, the poem is full of symbolism, with the use of the word "alchemy" in the final stanza being the most significant. Alchemy is a process of transformation, where base metals are turned into gold. In the context of the poem, the word "alchemy" symbolizes the transformative power of love. The speaker believes that his love has the power to transform his mistress into something greater than she already is.

In conclusion, "Master and Mistress" is a masterpiece of poetry that explores the themes of love, power dynamics, transformation, and growth. The poem is rich in literary devices, with metaphors, imagery, and symbolism used to convey the speaker's thoughts and feelings about his relationship with his lover. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry to evoke emotions, inspire change, and connect people across time and space.

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