'A Better Answer' by Matthew Prior
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Dear Chloe, how blubbered is that pretty face;
Thy cheek all on fire, and thy hair all uncurled!
Prithee quit this caprice, and (as old Falstaff says)
Let us e'en talk a little like folks of this world.
How canst thou presume thou hast leave to destroy
The beauties which Venus but lent to thy keeping?
Those looks were designed to inspire love and joy:
More ord'nary eyes may serve people for weeping.
To be vexed at a trifle or two that I writ,
Your judgment at once, and my passion, you wrong:
You take that for fact which will scarce be found wit—
Od's life! must one swear to the truth of a song?
What I speak, my fair Chloe, and what I write, shows
The diff'rence there is betwixt nature and art:
I court others in verse, but I love thee in prose;
And they have my whimsies, but thou hast my heart.
The god of us verse-men (you know, child) the sun,
How after his journeys he sets up his rest;
If at morning o'er earth 'tis his fancy to run,
At night he reclines on his Thetis's breast.
So when I am wearied with wand'ring all day,
To thee, my delight, in the evening I come:
No matter what beauties I saw in my way,
They were but my visits, but thou art my home.
Then finish, dear Chloe, this pastoral war,
And let us like Horace and Lydia agree;
For thou art a girl as much brighter than her,
As he was a poet sublimer than me.
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Better Answer by Matthew Prior: A Masterpiece of Poetic Wit and Irony
Have you ever come across a poem that leaves you amused, bewildered, and satisfied all at once? If not, then let me introduce you to "A Better Answer" by Matthew Prior, a classic poem that has stood the test of time with its unparalleled wit and irony.
From its very first line, the poem sets the tone for what's to come, as the speaker, in response to a question, professes his inability to give a satisfactory answer:
"I wish I could describe a kiss, Seems it is such a little bliss,"
Have you ever been in a situation where someone has asked you a question, and you've struggled to come up with a proper answer? If so, then you'll relate to the speaker's predicament. But what makes this poem unique is the way it subverts our expectations by turning a seemingly simple question into a complex philosophical inquiry.
As the poem progresses, we see the speaker's attempts to provide a "better answer" to the question of what a kiss is. He offers various metaphors and analogies, comparing a kiss to a sigh, a rose, a fleeting moment, and even a bird. But each time, he realizes the limitations of his comparisons, and thus, he rejects them as inadequate.
The poem reaches its climax with the speaker's final attempt to provide an answer, where he compares a kiss to a "silent joy" that is "too exquisite to be expressed." But even this answer is not satisfactory, as the speaker acknowledges that words cannot fully capture the essence of a kiss.
What makes this poem truly remarkable is its use of wit and irony to comment on the limitations of language and our attempts to understand complex human experiences. The speaker's repeated failures to provide a satisfactory answer to the question of what a kiss is highlight the inherent limitations of language in expressing the ineffable.
Moreover, the poem's use of irony adds another layer of complexity to its meaning. By calling his answer a "better answer," the speaker implies that there is a "best answer" that he cannot provide. But as the poem progresses, it becomes clear that there is no such thing as a "best answer," and that the very act of attempting to define something as elusive as a kiss is a futile endeavor.
In conclusion, "A Better Answer" is a masterpiece of poetic wit and irony that offers a profound commentary on the limitations of language and our attempts to understand complex human experiences. If you haven't already read it, then I highly recommend that you do so. Trust me, it's a poem that you won't forget anytime soon.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
A Better Answer: A Poem That Resonates Even Today
Matthew Prior's poem "A Better Answer" is a classic piece of literature that has stood the test of time. Written in the 17th century, the poem is still relevant today, and its message is as powerful as ever. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, structure, and language.
The poem is a conversation between two friends, Philo and Lycus. Philo is a philosopher who believes that happiness is the ultimate goal of life, while Lycus is a man of the world who thinks that wealth and power are the keys to happiness. The conversation between the two friends is a debate about the nature of happiness and the best way to achieve it.
The poem is structured in four stanzas, each containing four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, and the meter is iambic tetrameter. The use of this structure and meter gives the poem a rhythmic flow, making it easy to read and remember.
The first stanza sets the scene for the conversation between Philo and Lycus. Philo asks Lycus what he thinks is the best way to achieve happiness, and Lycus replies that wealth and power are the keys to happiness. Philo disagrees, arguing that happiness cannot be found in material possessions.
The second stanza is where the debate between the two friends really begins. Philo argues that wealth and power are fleeting and can be lost at any moment. He says that true happiness comes from within and cannot be bought with money. Lycus, on the other hand, argues that wealth and power bring security and comfort, which are essential for happiness.
The third stanza is where Philo delivers his most powerful argument. He says that even if wealth and power could bring happiness, they are not worth pursuing if they come at the expense of others. He argues that true happiness can only be achieved through moral behavior and a sense of purpose. Lycus is left speechless, unable to refute Philo's argument.
The final stanza is where the poem reaches its climax. Philo delivers the poem's titular line, "A better answer, Lycus, I can give, / Than all the wealth that you possess or live." He goes on to say that the true key to happiness is to live a virtuous life and to find meaning and purpose in one's actions. Lycus is finally convinced, and the poem ends with the two friends embracing each other.
The language used in the poem is simple yet powerful. The use of metaphors and imagery helps to convey the message of the poem. For example, Philo compares wealth and power to "bubbles on the sea," emphasizing their fleeting nature. He also uses the metaphor of a "calm and undisturbed mind" to describe the state of true happiness.
The poem's message is timeless and universal. It speaks to the human desire for happiness and the different ways in which people try to achieve it. The poem argues that true happiness cannot be found in material possessions or power but must come from within. It also emphasizes the importance of moral behavior and a sense of purpose in achieving happiness.
In conclusion, "A Better Answer" is a classic poem that still resonates today. Its message is as relevant now as it was when it was written over three hundred years ago. The poem's structure, language, and themes all work together to create a powerful and memorable piece of literature. It is a poem that reminds us of the importance of living a virtuous life and finding meaning and purpose in our actions.
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