'Vitae Summa Brevis Spem Nos Vetat Incohare Longam' by Ernest Dowson
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Vitae Summa Brevis Spem Nos Vetat Incohare Longam
(The brief sum of life forbids us the hope of enduring long - Horace)
They are not long, the weeping and the laughter,
Love and desire and hate:
I think they have no portion in us after
We pass the gate.
They are not long, the days of wine and roses:
Out of a misty dream
Our path emerges for a while, then closes
Within a dream.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Vitae Summa Brevis Spem Nos Vetat Incohare Longam: A Deep Dive into Dowson's Masterpiece
Ernest Dowson is a poet who is often overlooked in the annals of literary history, yet his work remains poignant and relevant to this day. One of his most famous poems, Vitae Summa Brevis Spem Nos Vetat Incohare Longam, is a masterpiece of the decadent movement, a style of writing that valued emotional intensity, aestheticism, and individualism. In this literary criticism, we will examine this poem in detail, exploring its themes, symbols, and imagery.
The Poem
First, let us begin with the poem itself:
They are not long, the weeping and the laughter,
Love and desire and hate:
I think they have no portion in us after
We pass the gate.
They are not long, the days of wine and roses:
Out of a misty dream
Our path emerges for a while, then closes
Within a dream.
The poem is comprised of two stanzas, each with four lines. The overall structure is consistent with Dowson's style, which is often characterized by brevity and simplicity. However, the poem's meaning is far from simple.
Themes
The most prominent theme in this poem is the transience of life. Dowson uses the metaphor of "the days of wine and roses" to represent the fleeting moments of joy and happiness that we experience in life. He contrasts this with the idea that "they are not long," indicating that these moments are short-lived and will eventually pass.
This theme is further emphasized by the idea that "Our path emerges for a while, then closes / Within a dream." Here, Dowson suggests that life is like a dream, something that is fleeting and ephemeral. The metaphor of a path is also significant, as it implies a journey that has a beginning and an end. The closing of the path is an indication that life, like a journey, will eventually come to an end.
Another theme that is present in this poem is the idea of the afterlife. Dowson suggests that "They have no portion in us after / We pass the gate." The gate is likely a metaphor for death, and the idea that our emotions and desires have no place in the afterlife suggests that Dowson believed in some form of a spiritual existence after death.
Symbols
In addition to the themes present in this poem, there are also several prominent symbols that help to convey its meaning. One of the most significant symbols is the "days of wine and roses." This symbol represents the moments of joy and happiness that we experience in life. The fact that these moments are fleeting emphasizes the transience of life and the idea that we should cherish them while we can.
Another significant symbol in this poem is the gate. This symbol represents death and the idea that our emotions and desires have no place in the afterlife. The use of this symbol is particularly effective, as it helps to emphasize the poem's central theme of the transience of life.
Imagery
Finally, the imagery used in this poem is crucial to its overall meaning. The metaphor of a path that "emerges for a while, then closes / Within a dream" is particularly effective. This image helps to emphasize the idea that life is like a journey, something that has a beginning and an end. The fact that the path closes "within a dream" also emphasizes the idea that life is fleeting and ephemeral.
The image of "a misty dream" is also significant. This image helps to convey the idea that life is like a dream, something that is intangible and fleeting. The misty quality of the dream also emphasizes the idea that life is not always clear and that we must navigate through it with care.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Vitae Summa Brevis Spem Nos Vetat Incohare Longam is a masterpiece of the decadent movement. It explores themes of the transience of life and the afterlife, using symbols such as the "days of wine and roses" and the gate to convey its meaning. The use of powerful imagery helps to reinforce these themes, particularly the image of a path that emerges and closes within a dream. Overall, this poem remains a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing the moments of joy and happiness that we experience.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Vitae Summa Brevis Spem Nos Vetat Incohare Longam: A Masterpiece of Ernest Dowson
Ernest Dowson, a prominent figure in the late 19th century, was a poet, novelist, and short-story writer. He was known for his melancholic and romantic themes, which were often inspired by his own experiences. One of his most famous works is the poem "Poetry Vitae Summa Brevis Spem Nos Vetat Incohare Longam," which translates to "The brief sum of life forbids us the hope of enduring long." This poem is a masterpiece that captures the essence of life's fleeting nature and the inevitability of death.
The poem consists of three stanzas, each with four lines. The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, with the line "They are not long, the weeping and the laughter." This line suggests that both joy and sorrow are temporary and fleeting, and that life is short. The second line, "Love and desire and hate," further emphasizes the transience of emotions. The third line, "I think they have no portion in us after," suggests that these emotions do not have a lasting impact on our lives. The final line of the stanza, "We pass like shadows, we pass like smoke," reinforces the idea that life is fleeting and that we are mere shadows in the grand scheme of things.
The second stanza of the poem takes a more philosophical turn, with the line "Weaving olden dances, mingling hands and mingling glances." This line suggests that life is like a dance, with people coming together and then moving apart. The second line, "Till the moon has taken flight," suggests that this dance is temporary and that it will eventually come to an end. The third line, "To and fro we leap and chase," suggests that life is full of movement and activity, but that it is ultimately futile. The final line of the stanza, "But, like the fleeting shapes on tapestry," reinforces the idea that life is temporary and that we are merely passing through.
The third and final stanza of the poem takes a more personal turn, with the line "This life is all a fleeting show." This line suggests that life is like a performance, with people playing their roles and then moving on. The second line, "For man's illusion given," suggests that life is an illusion, and that we are all caught up in it. The third line, "But death is real, and stark, and cold," suggests that death is the only thing that is real and that it is the ultimate end of all things. The final line of the stanza, "I would not have thee false to thyself," suggests that we should be true to ourselves and not get caught up in the illusions of life.
The poem is a masterpiece of Victorian poetry, with its melancholic and romantic themes, and its emphasis on the fleeting nature of life. It captures the essence of human existence, with its joys and sorrows, its hopes and fears, and its ultimate end in death. The poem is a reminder that life is short and that we should make the most of it while we can. It is a call to live life to the fullest, to embrace our emotions and experiences, and to be true to ourselves. The poem is a timeless masterpiece that continues to resonate with readers today, and it is a testament to the enduring power of poetry.
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