'A Last Word' by Ernest Dowson
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Let us go hence: the night is now at hand;
The day is overworn, the birds all flown;
And we have reaped the crops the gods have sown;
Despair and death; deep darkness o'er the land,
Broods like an owl; we cannot understand
Laughter or tears, for we have only known
Surpassing vanity: vain things alone
Have driven our perverse and aimless band.
Let us go hence, somewhither strange and cold,
To Hollow Lands where just men and unjust
Find end of labour, where's rest for the old,
Freedom to all from love and fear and lust.
Twine our torn hands! O pray the earth enfold
Our life-sick hearts and turn them into dust.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Analysis of Ernest Dowson's "A Last Word"
Ernest Dowson's poem "A Last Word" is a moving and melancholic meditation on the transience of life and the inevitability of death. The poem speaks to the universal human experience of grappling with the meaning of existence and the ultimate futility of our struggles against the relentless march of time.
Background
Ernest Dowson was a British poet and novelist who lived from 1867 to 1900. He was part of the "Decadent" literary movement of the late 19th century, which was characterized by a rejection of conventional morality and a fascination with death, decay, and the darker aspects of human experience. Dowson's poetry reflects this aesthetic, and "A Last Word" is no exception.
Analysis
The poem begins with the speaker addressing an unnamed interlocutor, imploring them to "think not of me as one who for long / Looked on these fields, and whispered to his friend." The speaker is clearly aware that his time is running out, and that he will soon be gone.
The second stanza continues in this vein, with the speaker reflecting on the fleeting nature of life: "The time for reaping is over and done, / And the fields are rank with the ripened corn." Here, Dowson employs a vivid agricultural metaphor to drive home the point that our time on earth is limited, and that we must make the most of it while we can.
In the third stanza, the speaker turns his attention to the more metaphysical aspects of existence, musing on the nature of the afterlife: "When the last red leaf is fluttered and gone, / When the rooks are blown from the windy hall." The use of natural imagery here is particularly effective, as it underscores the idea that death is a natural part of the cycle of life.
The fourth stanza is perhaps the most poignant of the entire poem, as the speaker implores his interlocutor to "think of me as one who loved his fellow-men." This plea for compassion and understanding underscores the essential humanity of the speaker, and reminds us that even in the face of death, our ability to love and connect with others remains a fundamental aspect of our existence.
The final stanza brings the poem full circle, as the speaker returns to the idea of his impending demise: "And the end of the world is come, and the sun / Has turned into darkness, and the moon into blood." This apocalyptic imagery underscores the finality of death and the ultimate insignificance of our struggles in the face of the vastness of the universe.
Interpretation
At its core, "A Last Word" is a poem about the human condition, and the ways in which we grapple with the inevitability of our own mortality. The speaker's reflections on life, death, and the afterlife are universal, and speak to the fundamental questions that have preoccupied humankind for centuries.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of natural imagery to underscore the cyclical nature of existence. The agricultural metaphors in the second stanza, for example, serve to remind us that life is a fleeting and transient thing, and that we must make the most of it while we can. The use of natural imagery in the third stanza similarly underscores the inevitability of death, and reminds us that it is an essential part of the cycle of life.
At the same time, however, Dowson also makes clear that even in the face of death, our ability to love and connect with others remains a fundamental aspect of our existence. The speaker's plea for compassion and understanding in the fourth stanza serves to underscore this point, and reminds us that even in the darkest moments of our lives, we can find meaning and purpose through our relationships with others.
Conclusion
Ernest Dowson's "A Last Word" is a powerful and poignant meditation on the human condition, and the ways in which we come to terms with our own mortality. Through its use of natural imagery, the poem underscores the cyclical nature of existence, and reminds us that death is an essential part of the cycle of life. At the same time, however, Dowson also makes clear that even in the face of death, our ability to love and connect with others remains a fundamental aspect of our existence. In this way, "A Last Word" serves as a powerful reminder of the essential humanity that lies at the heart of our lives, even in the face of the most profound and inevitable of human experiences.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Ernest Dowson's "A Last Word" is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a beautiful and melancholic piece that explores the themes of love, loss, and mortality. The poem is a perfect example of Dowson's unique style, which is characterized by its simplicity, elegance, and emotional depth.
The poem begins with the speaker addressing his lover, telling her that he has loved her more than anyone else in the world. He then goes on to say that he knows that their love is doomed to end, and that he will soon be gone from her life forever. The speaker's tone is one of resignation and acceptance, as if he has come to terms with his fate.
The second stanza of the poem is perhaps the most poignant. The speaker tells his lover that he will not be able to see her again, and that he will not be able to hear her voice. He then goes on to say that he will not be able to touch her, or feel her presence. The imagery in this stanza is incredibly powerful, as it evokes a sense of loss and longing that is almost palpable.
The third stanza of the poem is a reflection on the nature of love and mortality. The speaker tells his lover that their love will not last forever, and that they will both eventually die. He then goes on to say that even though their love will end, it will still be remembered, and that it will live on in the memories of those who knew them.
The final stanza of the poem is a beautiful and haunting conclusion. The speaker tells his lover that he will be gone soon, and that he will not be able to say goodbye. He then goes on to say that he hopes that she will remember him, and that she will think of him from time to time. The final line of the poem, "I have been faithful to thee, Cynara! in my fashion," is perhaps the most famous, and it perfectly captures the bittersweet nature of the poem.
Overall, "A Last Word" is a beautiful and moving poem that explores the themes of love, loss, and mortality. Dowson's use of simple language and powerful imagery creates a sense of emotional depth that is rare in poetry. The poem is a testament to the power of love, and to the human ability to find beauty and meaning in even the most tragic of circumstances.
In conclusion, "A Last Word" is a classic poem that deserves to be read and appreciated by anyone who loves poetry. Its timeless themes and beautiful language make it a true masterpiece of the genre. Whether you are a seasoned poetry lover or a newcomer to the world of verse, this poem is sure to touch your heart and leave a lasting impression.
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