'Be still, my soul, be still' by Alfred Edward Housman
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BE still, my soul, be still; the arms you bear are brittle,
Earth and high heaven are fixt of old and founded strong.
Think rather,—call to thought, if now you grieve a little,
The days when we had rest, O soul, for they were long.
Men loved unkindness then, but lightless in the quarry
I slept and saw not; tears fell down, I did not mourn;
Sweat ran and blood sprang out and I was never sorry:
Then it was well with me, in days ere I was born.
Now, and I muse for why and never find the reason,
I pace the earth, and drink the air, and feel the sun.
Be still, be still, my soul; it is but for a season:
Let us endure an hour and see injustice done.
Ay, look: high heaven and earth ail from the prime foundation;
All thoughts to rive the heart are here, and all are vain:
Horror and scorn and hate and fear and indignation—
Oh why did I awake? when shall I sleep again?
Editor 1 Interpretation
Be Still, My Soul, Be Still by A. E. Housman
Introduction
"Be still, my soul, be still" is a famous poem by A. E. Housman, a British poet and scholar known for his melancholic and reflective poetry. The poem was first published in Housman's 1922 collection "Last Poems", and has since become one of his most popular and enduring works. In this 4000 word literary criticism and interpretation, we will analyze the themes, imagery, language, and structure of "Be still, my soul, be still" and explore what makes it a classic piece of poetry.
Summary
"Be still, my soul, be still" is a short, four-stanza poem that expresses the speaker's desire for peace and stillness in the face of life's challenges and uncertainties. The poem opens with a series of images that evoke movement and chaos: "Be still, my soul, be still; the arms you bear are brittle,/Earth and high heaven are fixt of old and founded strong." The second stanza introduces the image of the "sea-worn cliff" and the "unquiet water" that crashes against it, further emphasizing the idea of turmoil and unrest.
However, in the third stanza, the speaker begins to offer a solution to this turmoil: "Be still, my soul, be still; the hour is hastening on/When we shall be forever with the Lord." The final stanza concludes with a repetition of the opening line, as the speaker urges their soul to "Be still, my soul, be still" and find peace in the knowledge of God's love.
Themes
One of the main themes of "Be still, my soul, be still" is the idea of finding inner peace and stillness amidst the chaos and uncertainty of life. The poem acknowledges the challenges and difficulties that we all face, but suggests that through faith and a connection to a higher power, we can achieve a sense of calm and tranquility.
Another important theme is the idea of mortality and the inevitability of death. The poem implies that our time on earth is fleeting and temporary, and that we should prepare ourselves for the afterlife by seeking spiritual solace and comfort.
Imagery
Housman's use of vivid and striking imagery is one of the hallmarks of his poetry, and "Be still, my soul, be still" is no exception. The opening lines of the poem introduce a series of images that suggest motion and instability: "The arms you bear are brittle,/Earth and high heaven are fixt of old and founded strong." The use of the word "brittle" implies that the speaker is fragile and easily broken, while the contrast with the unyielding strength of the earth and sky emphasizes the transient nature of human existence.
The second stanza introduces the image of the "sea-worn cliff" and the "unquiet water" that crashes against it, further emphasizing the idea of turmoil and unrest. The use of the word "unquiet" suggests a sense of agitation and unease, while the image of the cliff represents a sense of solidity and stability that is threatened by the restless sea.
Language
Housman's poetry is known for its spare, understated language, and "Be still, my soul, be still" is no exception. The poem is written in plain, unadorned language, with a simple and straightforward syntax that emphasizes the clarity and directness of the speaker's message.
However, despite its simplicity, the poem is full of powerful and evocative language that reinforces the themes and imagery of the poem. Words like "brittle", "unquiet", and "cliff" create a vivid and memorable picture in the reader's mind, while the repetition of the phrase "Be still, my soul, be still" throughout the poem creates a powerful sense of calm and reassurance.
Structure
"Be still, my soul, be still" is written in a simple, four-stanza structure, with each stanza consisting of three lines. The use of the three-line stanza, or tercet, is a common feature of Housman's poetry, and is often used to create a sense of balance and symmetry.
The poem is also notable for its use of repetition, both of individual words and phrases, and of entire lines. The repetition of the phrase "Be still, my soul, be still" throughout the poem creates a powerful sense of reassurance and calm, while the repetition of the first line of the final stanza reinforces the speaker's message and creates a sense of closure.
Interpretation
"Be still, my soul, be still" can be interpreted as a meditation on the human condition and our search for meaning and purpose in life. The poem acknowledges the challenges and difficulties that we all face, but suggests that through faith and a connection to a higher power, we can achieve a sense of calm and tranquility.
The poem can also be read as a reflection on mortality and the inevitability of death. The image of the "sea-worn cliff" and the "unquiet water" crashing against it can be seen as a metaphor for the fragility of human existence, while the speaker's reference to "the hour...when we shall be forever with the Lord" suggests a belief in an afterlife and an eternal spiritual existence.
Ultimately, "Be still, my soul, be still" is a poem that speaks to the universal human experience of struggle and search for meaning, and offers a message of hope and reassurance in the face of life's challenges. Through its powerful imagery, spare language, and simple structure, the poem has become a classic piece of poetry that continues to resonate with readers today.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Be still, my soul, be still" is a timeless piece of poetry that speaks to the human experience of struggle, search for meaning, and ultimate hope. Through its vivid imagery, spare language, and simple structure, the poem offers a message of reassurance and peace in the face of life's challenges and uncertainties. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its power and relevance, and it continues to inspire and touch readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Be still, my soul, be still! These words have been immortalized in the classic poem written by Alfred Edward Housman. This poem is a masterpiece that has stood the test of time and continues to inspire and move people to this day. In this analysis, we will delve deep into the meaning and significance of this poem and explore the various literary devices used by Housman to create a powerful and evocative piece of poetry.
The poem begins with the words "Be still, my soul, be still!" This line sets the tone for the entire poem and establishes the central theme of stillness and calmness. The speaker is addressing his own soul, urging it to be still and quiet. This can be interpreted as a call for inner peace and tranquility, a desire to find a sense of calm amidst the chaos of life.
The second line of the poem reads, "The arms you bear are brittle, / Earth and high heaven are fixt of old and founded strong." Here, Housman uses a metaphor to compare the arms of the soul to something that is brittle and fragile. This suggests that the soul is vulnerable and in need of protection. The second part of the line refers to the unchanging nature of the world, emphasizing the need for the soul to find stability and strength within itself.
The third line of the poem reads, "Think rather,-- call to thought, / if now you grieve a little, / The days when we had rest." Here, the speaker is urging the soul to focus on positive memories and to think back to a time when they felt at peace. This is a common technique used in mindfulness practices, where individuals are encouraged to focus on positive memories and experiences to help them find a sense of calm and happiness.
The fourth line of the poem reads, "O Soul, be changed to little water-drops / And fall into the ocean, ne'er be found." Here, Housman uses another metaphor to compare the soul to water-drops. This suggests that the soul should let go of its individuality and merge with the greater whole, finding a sense of unity and oneness with the world around it.
The fifth line of the poem reads, "Be not as one that hath a tongue / But none to speak." Here, the speaker is urging the soul to find its voice and to speak out. This can be interpreted as a call for the soul to express itself and to share its thoughts and feelings with others.
The sixth line of the poem reads, "Be not as one that hath a tongue / But none to speak." Here, Housman uses repetition to emphasize the importance of finding one's voice and speaking out. This line also serves to reinforce the central theme of the poem, which is the need for stillness and calmness.
The seventh line of the poem reads, "Be not as one that hath a tongue / But none to speak." Here, Housman uses repetition once again to drive home the importance of finding one's voice and speaking out. This line also serves to create a sense of urgency and importance, urging the soul to take action and find its voice.
The eighth and final line of the poem reads, "Be still, my soul, be still." Here, Housman brings the poem full circle, returning to the opening line and reinforcing the central theme of stillness and calmness. This line serves to bring the poem to a close and to leave the reader with a sense of peace and tranquility.
In terms of literary devices, Housman uses a variety of techniques to create a powerful and evocative poem. These include metaphors, repetition, and imagery. The use of metaphors helps to create a sense of depth and meaning, while repetition serves to reinforce the central themes of the poem. The imagery used in the poem is also powerful, creating vivid mental pictures that help to bring the poem to life.
Overall, "Be still, my soul, be still" is a masterpiece of poetry that continues to inspire and move people to this day. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of finding inner peace and tranquility, and of the need to find one's voice and speak out. Through its use of literary devices and powerful imagery, this poem is a testament to the enduring power of poetry and its ability to touch the hearts and minds of people across generations.
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