'The Bridge of Sighs' by Thomas Hood
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One more Unfortunate,
Weary of breath,
Rashly importunate,
Gone to her death!
Take her up tenderly,
Lift her with care;
Fashion'd so slenderly
Young, and so fair!
Look at her garments
Clinging like cerements;
Whilst the wave constantly
Drips from her clothing;
Take her up instantly,
Loving, not loathing.
Touch her not scornfully;
Think of her mournfully,
Gently and humanly;
Not of the stains of her,
All that remains of her
Now is pure womanly.
Make no deep scrutiny
Into her mutiny
Rash and undutiful:
Past all dishonour,
Death has left on her
Only the beautiful.
Still, for all slips of hers,
One of Eve's family—
Wipe those poor lips of hers
Oozing so clammily.
Loop up her tresses
Escaped from the comb,
Her fair auburn tresses;
Whilst wonderment guesses
Where was her home?
Who was her father?
Who was her mother?
Had she a sister?
Had she a brother?
Or was there a dearer one
Still, and a nearer one
Yet, than all other?
Alas! for the rarity
Of Christian charity
Under the sun!
O, it was pitiful!
Near a whole city full,
Home she had none.
Sisterly, brotherly,
Fatherly, motherly
Feelings had changed:
Love, by harsh evidence,
Thrown from its eminence;
Even God's providence
Seeming estranged.
Where the lamps quiver
So far in the river,
With many a light
From window and casement,
From garret to basement,
She stood, with amazement,
Houseless by night.
The bleak wind of March
Made her tremble and shiver;
But not the dark arch,
Or the black flowing river:
Mad from life's history,
Glad to death's mystery,
Swift to be hurl'd—
Anywhere, anywhere
Out of the world!
In she plunged boldly—
No matter how coldly
The rough river ran—
Over the brink of it,
Picture it—think of it,
Dissolute Man!
Lave in it, drink of it,
Then, if you can!
Take her up tenderly,
Lift her with care;
Fashion'd so slenderly,
Young, and so fair!
Ere her limbs frigidly
Stiffen too rigidly,
Decently, kindly,
Smooth and compose them;
And her eyes, close them,
Staring so blindly!
Dreadfully staring
Thro' muddy impurity,
As when with the daring
Last look of despairing
Fix'd on futurity.
Perishing gloomily,
Spurr'd by contumely,
Cold inhumanity,
Burning insanity,
Into her rest.—
Cross her hands humbly
As if praying dumbly,
Over her breast!
Owning her weakness,
Her evil behaviour,
And leaving, with meekness,
Her sins to her Saviour!
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Bridge of Sighs: A Poem for the Ages
By Thomas Hood
Have you ever read a poem that hits you right in the gut? One that leaves you with a heavy heart and a sense of melancholy? That's exactly what "The Bridge of Sighs" by Thomas Hood does. It's a haunting, beautiful poem that explores the concept of despair and hopelessness.
Firstly, let's talk about the structure of the poem. It's written in quatrains, which means that each stanza consists of four lines. This creates a sense of order and stability, which is in sharp contrast to the themes of the poem. The use of a regular rhyme scheme (ABAB) also adds to the sense of order.
But although the structure of the poem is stable, the subject matter is anything but. The poem is set in Venice and tells the story of a young woman who is sentenced to death. She is led to her execution across a bridge called the Bridge of Sighs. The bridge's name refers to the belief that prisoners would sigh as they crossed it, knowing that they were leaving behind the world of the living.
Throughout the poem, the woman's thoughts are revealed through a series of questions. She wonders why she is being punished, why she was born, and why she must die. These questions echo the feelings of hopelessness and despair that many people experience when faced with difficult situations.
But even in the darkest moments of the poem, there is a glimmer of hope. The woman imagines a future where she is remembered and loved, even after death. She imagines that people will visit her grave and think fondly of her. This is a powerful message of hope in the face of despair.
The language used in the poem is also worth noting. Hood's use of metaphors and imagery create a vivid picture of the woman's journey to her death. The "sullen water" that the woman must cross is a metaphor for the River Styx, which in Greek mythology was the boundary between the world of the living and the world of the dead. The "black canal" is also a powerful image, conjuring up feelings of darkness and despair.
Overall, "The Bridge of Sighs" is a beautiful, haunting, and deeply emotional poem. Its themes of despair and hopelessness are universal, and its message of hope in the face of death is a powerful one. If you haven't read this poem, I highly recommend that you do. It's a true masterpiece of literature that will stay with you long after you've finished reading it.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Bridge of Sighs: A Masterpiece of Poetry
Thomas Hood’s “The Bridge of Sighs” is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a masterpiece that captures the essence of human emotions and the struggles of life. The poem is a poignant portrayal of a young woman’s tragic life and her ultimate demise. The Bridge of Sighs is a metaphor for the journey of life, and the poem is a reflection of the human condition.
The poem is set in Venice, Italy, and the Bridge of Sighs is a real bridge that connects the Doge’s Palace to the prison. The bridge is called the Bridge of Sighs because it was believed that prisoners would sigh as they crossed it, knowing that they would never see the outside world again. The bridge is a symbol of the transition from life to death, and the poem uses it as a metaphor for the journey of life.
The poem begins with a description of the young woman, who is the protagonist of the poem. She is described as “a palace child” who is “fair and proud.” The use of the word “palace” suggests that she is from a wealthy family, and the words “fair and proud” suggest that she is beautiful and confident. However, despite her privileged upbringing, the young woman is unhappy. She is “pale and wan” and “weary of her life.”
The young woman’s unhappiness is a reflection of the human condition. Despite our material possessions and social status, we all experience moments of sadness and despair. The poem captures this universal truth and reminds us that we are all vulnerable to the struggles of life.
The young woman’s unhappiness is compounded by her love for a man who is not of her social class. The poem describes him as “a youth with hoary hair.” The use of the word “hoary” suggests that he is old, but it also suggests that he is wise and experienced. The young woman’s love for this man is forbidden, and she knows that she can never be with him. This unrequited love is a source of great pain for the young woman, and it ultimately leads to her tragic demise.
The poem describes the young woman’s journey across the Bridge of Sighs. She is being led to the prison, where she will spend the rest of her life. As she crosses the bridge, she looks out at the world she is leaving behind. She sees the “blue sky” and the “bright sun,” and she knows that she will never see them again. The use of the words “blue sky” and “bright sun” suggests that the world outside the prison is full of life and vitality. The young woman’s journey across the bridge is a metaphor for the journey of life. We are all on a journey, and we all have to cross the Bridge of Sighs at some point.
The poem ends with a powerful image of the young woman’s death. She is described as “cold and still,” and the poem suggests that she has died of a broken heart. The use of the words “cold and still” suggests that she has lost all warmth and vitality. The young woman’s death is a tragic reminder of the fragility of life and the power of love.
In conclusion, Thomas Hood’s “The Bridge of Sighs” is a masterpiece of poetry. It captures the essence of the human condition and reminds us of the struggles of life. The poem is a poignant portrayal of a young woman’s tragic life and her ultimate demise. The Bridge of Sighs is a metaphor for the journey of life, and the poem is a reflection of the human condition. It is a timeless classic that will continue to inspire and move readers for generations to come.
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