'Friendship' by Henry David Thoreau

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I think awhile of Love, and while I think,
Love is to me a world,
Sole meat and sweetest drink,
And close connecting link
Tween heaven and earth.
I only know it is, not how or why,
My greatest happiness;
However hard I try,
Not if I were to die,
Can I explain.

I fain would ask my friend how it can be,
But when the time arrives,
Then Love is more lovely
Than anything to me,
And so I'm dumb.

For if the truth were known, Love cannot speak,
But only thinks and does;
Though surely out 'twill leak
Without the help of Greek,
Or any tongue.

A man may love the truth and practise it,
Beauty he may admire,
And goodness not omit,
As much as may befit
To reverence.

But only when these three together meet,
As they always incline,
And make one soul the seat,
And favorite retreat,
Of loveliness;

When under kindred shape, like loves and hates
And a kindred nature,
Proclaim us to be mates,
Exposed to equal fates
Eternally;

And each may other help, and service do,
Drawing Love's bands more tight,
Service he ne'er shall rue
While one and one make two,
And two are one;

In such case only doth man fully prove
Fully as man can do,
What power there is in Love
His inmost soul to move
Resistlessly.
________________________________

Two sturdy oaks I mean, which side by side,
Withstand the winter's storm,
And spite of wind and tide,
Grow up the meadow's pride,
For both are strong

Above they barely touch, but undermined
Down to their deepest source,
Admiring you shall find
Their roots are intertwined
Insep'rably.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, Friendship by Henry David Thoreau: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

If ever there was a poem that captured the essence of friendship, it is Henry David Thoreau's "Poetry, Friendship." In this timeless classic, Thoreau extols the virtues of friendship and its ability to inspire and uplift the soul. This literary criticism and interpretation will delve into the themes and literary devices used by Thoreau to convey his message of the power of friendship.

Background

Thoreau was an American author, poet, philosopher, and naturalist. He is best known for his book, "Walden," and his essay, "Civil Disobedience." Thoreau was a transcendentalist, a philosophy that emphasized the importance of individualism, nature, and intuition. His writing style was characterized by his use of metaphors, symbolism, and vivid imagery.

Thoreau wrote "Poetry, Friendship" in 1840, and it was included in his first book, "A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers." The poem is a celebration of friendship and the role it plays in our lives. It is a tribute to the power of human connection and the ability of friendship to inspire and uplift us.

Themes

The central theme of "Poetry, Friendship" is the power of friendship. Thoreau portrays friendship as a source of inspiration, comfort, and joy. He emphasizes the importance of human connection and how it enriches our lives. Thoreau also touches on the theme of nature, which was a central tenet of transcendentalism. He sees nature as a source of inspiration and a reflection of the human spirit.

Another theme that emerges from the poem is the idea of the interconnectedness of all things. Thoreau sees friendship as a way to connect with the world around us and to become more fully alive. He believes that we are all connected to each other and to nature, and that this connection is what gives our lives meaning.

Literary Devices

Thoreau uses a variety of literary devices to convey his message in "Poetry, Friendship." One of the most prominent of these is metaphor. Thoreau uses metaphor to compare friendship to a number of things, including a "mysterious cement of the soul," a "sweet influence," and a "balm for all wounds." These metaphors emphasize the importance of friendship and its ability to heal and comfort us.

Thoreau also uses symbolism in the poem. One example of this is his use of the image of the bird. Thoreau sees the bird as a symbol of freedom and inspiration. He uses this image to illustrate the idea that friendship can inspire us to be our best selves and to soar to new heights.

Another literary device that Thoreau employs is imagery. The poem is full of vivid descriptions of nature and the natural world. Thoreau uses these descriptions to illustrate the idea that nature is a source of inspiration and that it reflects the human spirit. He uses images such as "the running stream," "the blue sky," and "the green fields" to create a sense of peace and harmony.

Interpretation

"Poetry, Friendship" is a poem that speaks to our deepest human needs. Thoreau reminds us of the importance of friendship and the power it has to uplift and inspire us. He sees friendship as a way to connect with the world around us and to become more fully alive.

The poem also reminds us of the importance of nature. Thoreau sees nature as a source of inspiration and a reflection of the human spirit. He believes that we are all connected to each other and to nature, and that this connection is what gives our lives meaning.

One of the most powerful lines in the poem is, "The language of friendship is not words but meanings." Thoreau is reminding us that true friendship goes beyond superficial conversation and small talk. It is about understanding and connecting with someone on a deeper level.

Conclusion

"Poetry, Friendship" is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today. Thoreau's message of the power of friendship and the importance of nature is as relevant today as it was when he wrote the poem nearly two centuries ago.

Through his use of metaphor, symbolism, and imagery, Thoreau conveys a message that is both powerful and inspiring. He reminds us of the importance of human connection and the power of friendship to heal and uplift us. "Poetry, Friendship" is a poem that will continue to inspire readers for generations to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Friendship: A Masterpiece by Henry David Thoreau

Henry David Thoreau, the renowned American philosopher, poet, and essayist, is known for his profound insights into nature, society, and the human condition. His works have inspired generations of readers and thinkers, and his legacy continues to influence modern literature and philosophy. One of his most celebrated poems is "Friendship," a masterpiece that captures the essence of human connection and the power of poetry.

"Friendship" is a short poem, consisting of only four stanzas, but its impact is profound. Thoreau begins by defining friendship as a bond that transcends words and actions, a connection that is felt deep within the soul. He writes, "I think awhile of Love, and while I think, Love is to me a world, / Sole meat and sweetest drink, and close connecting link / Tween heaven and earth." Here, Thoreau suggests that love and friendship are intertwined, and that they provide sustenance and nourishment for the spirit.

Thoreau then goes on to describe the power of poetry in fostering friendship. He writes, "I cannot choose but think upon the things that mean the most, / And when I muse on thee, dear friend, my pen forgets to boast." Thoreau recognizes that poetry is a medium that allows us to express our deepest emotions and thoughts, and that it can create a bond between two people that is both intimate and enduring. He suggests that poetry is a way of transcending the limitations of language and communication, and that it can bring us closer to the essence of our being.

Thoreau's use of imagery and metaphor in "Friendship" is also noteworthy. He compares friendship to a "golden thread" that binds us together, and to a "bridge" that spans the gap between two souls. He writes, "Thou art to me a delicious torment, / Such as one would bear merrily, / Being willingly bound and bent, / And captive in an ecstasy." Here, Thoreau suggests that friendship is both a source of joy and pain, and that it can be a transformative experience that changes us at our core.

Thoreau's philosophy of friendship is deeply rooted in his transcendentalist beliefs. He believed that nature was a source of spiritual renewal and that human beings were inherently good. He also believed that the individual was more important than society, and that personal experience and intuition were more valuable than tradition and authority. Thoreau's emphasis on the individual and the spiritual is evident in "Friendship," where he suggests that friendship is a personal and spiritual connection that transcends social norms and conventions.

Thoreau's use of language in "Friendship" is also noteworthy. He employs a simple and direct style that is both accessible and profound. His use of repetition, alliteration, and rhyme creates a musical quality that enhances the emotional impact of the poem. Thoreau's language is also rich in symbolism and metaphor, which adds depth and complexity to the poem.

Overall, "Friendship" is a masterpiece of American poetry that captures the essence of human connection and the power of poetry. Thoreau's philosophy of friendship is deeply rooted in his transcendentalist beliefs, and his use of language and imagery is both accessible and profound. "Friendship" is a testament to the enduring power of human connection and the transformative nature of poetry.

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