'Affection' by Mary Elizabeth Coleridge
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The earth that made the rose,
She also is thy mother, and not I.
The flame wherewith thy maiden spirit glows
Was lighted at no hearth that I sit by.
I am as far below as heaven above thee.
Were I thine angel, more I could not love thee.
Bid me defend thee!
Thy danger over-human strength shall lend me,
A hand of iron and a heart of steel,
To strike, to wound, to slay, and not to feel.
But if you chide me,
I am a weak, defenceless child beside thee.
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Deeper Look Into Mary Elizabeth Coleridge's "Affection"
Mary Elizabeth Coleridge's poem "Affection" is a powerful piece of literature that evokes complex emotions and thoughts. This sonnet is a perfect example of how a piece of writing can be both simple and complex at the same time. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, symbols, and literary devices used in "Affection" and see how they contribute to the poem's overall meaning.
The Themes of "Affection"
At its core, "Affection" is a poem about love and the longing for connection. The speaker is yearning for the touch, the gaze, and the presence of their beloved. They are desperate to be with the one they love, and their whole being is consumed by this desire. This theme of longing is prevalent throughout the poem, and it is what gives the poem its emotional charge and makes it relatable to readers.
The theme of longing is further reinforced by the theme of separation. The speaker is physically apart from their beloved, and this separation is what causes the longing. The distance between the two lovers is depicted as a vast, empty space that the speaker must traverse to be reunited with their beloved. This theme of separation also highlights the pain and the emptiness that comes with being apart from the ones we love.
Another theme that runs throughout the poem is the idea of sacrifice. The speaker is willing to give up everything, even their own life, to be with their beloved. The idea of sacrifice adds a layer of complexity to the poem, as it raises questions about the nature of love and the lengths we are willing to go to be with the ones we love.
The Symbols in "Affection"
"Affection" is a poem that is rich in symbolism. One of the main symbols in the poem is the sea. The sea is used to represent the vast expanse that separates the speaker from their beloved. The sea is also a symbol of the unknown and the uncertain, as the speaker is unsure if they will ever be reunited with their beloved. The sea is a powerful symbol that adds depth and meaning to the poem.
Another symbol in the poem is the lighthouse. The lighthouse is a symbol of hope and safety. It represents the possibility of being reunited with the one we love. The lighthouse is a beacon that guides the speaker through the darkness and the uncertainty of the sea. It is a symbol of the speaker's faith that they will be reunited with their beloved.
The speaker's heart is also a symbol in the poem. The heart represents the speaker's love and their desire for their beloved. The heart is also a symbol of the speaker's vulnerability. The speaker's heart is exposed and open, and it is at the mercy of their beloved. The heart is a powerful symbol that adds emotional depth to the poem.
The Literary Devices in "Affection"
"Affection" is a poem that is full of literary devices. One of the most prominent devices in the poem is the use of imagery. The imagery used in the poem is vivid and evocative, and it helps to bring the poem to life. The imagery of the sea, the lighthouse, and the heart all contribute to the poem's overall meaning and emotional impact.
Another literary device used in the poem is repetition. The repetition of the phrase "I would" throughout the poem emphasizes the speaker's desire and their willingness to do whatever it takes to be with their beloved. The repetition of this phrase also creates a sense of urgency and desperation in the poem.
The poem also makes use of rhyme and meter. The sonnet form of the poem gives it a structured and formal quality that adds to its emotional impact. The rhyme scheme of the poem (ABBAABBA CDCDCD) adds to its musicality and helps to create a sense of unity and coherence.
The Interpretation of "Affection"
At its core, "Affection" is a poem about the power of love and the human desire for connection. The poem speaks to the universal experience of longing for someone we cannot be with, and it captures the pain and the emptiness that comes with separation. The poem is also about sacrifice and the lengths we are willing to go to be with the ones we love.
Through the use of vivid imagery, powerful symbols, and evocative language, Coleridge creates a poem that is both simple and complex. The simplicity of the poem's structure and form belies the complexity of its themes and symbols. The poem is a testament to the power of poetry to evoke complex emotions and thoughts.
In conclusion, "Affection" is a powerful sonnet that speaks to the universal human experience of love and longing. Its themes of separation, sacrifice, and the power of love are timeless and relatable. The poem's vivid imagery, powerful symbols, and evocative language make it a masterpiece of English literature.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry has always been a medium of expressing emotions and feelings. It has the power to touch the hearts of people and leave a lasting impact on their minds. One such poem that has stood the test of time is "Affection" by Mary Elizabeth Coleridge. This classic poem is a beautiful portrayal of the complex emotions that arise in a relationship.
The poem begins with the speaker expressing her love for her partner. She says, "I love you, not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you." This line beautifully captures the essence of true love. Love is not just about the other person, but it is also about how they make us feel. Being with someone we love brings out the best in us, and this is what the speaker is trying to convey.
The next few lines of the poem talk about the various ways in which the speaker loves her partner. She says, "I love you, not only for what you have made of yourself but for what you are making of me." This line shows how the speaker's partner has helped her grow and become a better person. Love is not just about receiving, but it is also about giving. When we love someone, we want to see them grow and flourish.
The speaker then goes on to say, "I love you for the part of me that you bring out." This line is particularly powerful because it shows how love can bring out different aspects of our personality. When we are with someone we love, we feel comfortable being ourselves. We can let our guard down and show our true selves. This is what the speaker is trying to convey when she talks about the part of her that her partner brings out.
The next few lines of the poem talk about the speaker's fears and insecurities. She says, "I fear not the fate which leaves you my friend; I fear lest you should cease to be my friend." This line shows how the speaker is afraid of losing her partner's friendship. Love is not just about romance, but it is also about having a strong bond of friendship. The speaker is afraid of losing this bond, which is why she expresses her fear in this line.
The poem then takes a darker turn when the speaker talks about death. She says, "I love you, in a manner that is not of this world. I love you with a love that shall not die till the sun grows cold." This line shows how the speaker's love is eternal. Even death cannot separate her from her partner. This is a powerful message because it shows how love can transcend even the boundaries of life and death.
The final lines of the poem talk about the speaker's hope for the future. She says, "I love you with the breath, the smiles, and the tears of all my life; and, if God choose, I shall love you better after death." This line shows how the speaker's love is not limited to the present moment. She hopes to love her partner even after death. This is a beautiful message because it shows how love can endure even after we are gone.
In conclusion, "Affection" by Mary Elizabeth Coleridge is a beautiful poem that captures the essence of true love. The poem talks about the various ways in which the speaker loves her partner and how love can bring out different aspects of our personality. It also shows how love can transcend even the boundaries of life and death. This classic poem is a testament to the power of love and its ability to touch the hearts of people.
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