'Make Bright The Arrows' by Edna St. Vincent Millay
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Make bright the arrows
Gather the shields:
Conquest narrows
The peaceful fields.
Stock well the quiver
With arrows bright:
The bowman feared
Need never fight.
Make bright the arrows,
O peaceful and wise!
Gather the shields
Against surprise.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Make Bright The Arrows: A Masterpiece of Edna St. Vincent Millay
Are you ready to be captivated by a stunning poem that celebrates love and warrior spirit? Then, Edna St. Vincent Millay's "Make Bright The Arrows" is the perfect piece for you. This poem is a true masterpiece of the American poet, who won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1923, and who is widely regarded as one of the leading voices of Modernism in the early 20th century.
"Make Bright The Arrows" is a love poem that tells the story of a warrior who is leaving his beloved to go to war. The poem is composed of six stanzas of six lines each, with a rhyme scheme of ABABCC. The poem is full of vivid imagery, metaphors, and allusions that create a powerful and emotional atmosphere.
Interpretation of the Poem
The poem begins with the speaker addressing someone, saying "Make bright the arrows / Gather the shields". The speaker is talking to someone who is going to war, and he is asking them to prepare themselves for battle. The use of the imperative "Make" and "Gather" creates a sense of urgency and importance, and it highlights the speaker's concern for the warrior's safety.
In the second stanza, the speaker says, "Consecrate the swords / To the battlefield." Here, the speaker is telling the warrior to dedicate his sword to the battlefield. The word "consecrate" suggests that the sword is not just a weapon but a sacred object that has a special meaning in the context of war.
The third stanza is where the poem takes a romantic turn. The speaker says, "But leave me love behind you / In the fields of gold." Here, the speaker is telling the warrior to leave his love behind, in a metaphorical sense. The "fields of gold" represent a place of happiness and abundance, and the speaker is saying that the warrior should keep his love safe in his heart, even when he is away.
In the fourth stanza, the speaker says, "Lay down the spear / And let the shield fall." The speaker is asking the warrior to put down his weapons and let go of his defenses. This is a powerful metaphor that suggests that the warrior should be vulnerable and open to love, even in the midst of war.
The fifth stanza is one of the most beautiful and poignant in the poem. The speaker says, "Here in my arms / Till the trumpet sounds." The speaker is telling the warrior to stay with her, to embrace her, and to find comfort in her arms until the trumpet sounds, signaling the beginning of the battle. This is a powerful expression of love and intimacy that contrasts with the violence and chaos of war.
In the final stanza, the speaker says, "Then go where the trumpet calls you / For it calls us all." The speaker is acknowledging the inevitability of war and the fact that everyone is called to fight in their own way. The use of the word "us" suggests that the speaker is also a warrior in her own right, and that she understands the warrior's struggle and sacrifice.
Literary Criticism of the Poem
"Make Bright The Arrows" is a poem that is full of literary devices and techniques that create a rich and vibrant narrative. One of the most notable aspects of the poem is its use of imagery. Throughout the poem, Millay uses vivid and evocative images that create a sense of place and atmosphere. For example, the "fields of gold" in the third stanza are a powerful image that represents happiness and abundance, while the "trumpet" in the final stanza represents the call to battle.
Another notable aspect of the poem is its use of metaphors. Millay uses metaphorical language to create a sense of depth and complexity in the poem. For example, the "swords" in the second stanza are not just weapons but sacred objects that have a special meaning in the context of war. The use of the word "consecrate" suggests that the swords are imbued with a spiritual significance that goes beyond their physical form.
The poem also makes use of allusion, which is a technique that references other works of literature or art. In the fifth stanza, for example, the speaker says, "Here in my arms / Till the trumpet sounds." This line alludes to the famous painting "The Last Judgment" by Michelangelo, which depicts the final trumpet call that signals the end of the world.
Finally, the rhyme scheme of the poem is also worth noting. The ABABCC rhyme scheme creates a sense of musicality and rhythm in the poem, which makes it more engaging and memorable. The use of rhyme also creates a sense of unity and coherence in the poem, which helps to reinforce its central themes and messages.
Conclusion
"Make Bright The Arrows" is a stunning poem that celebrates love and warrior spirit in equal measure. Through its use of vivid imagery, powerful metaphors, and allusions to other works of art, the poem creates a rich and complex narrative that is both emotional and thought-provoking. This poem is a true testament to Edna St. Vincent Millay's talent as a poet and her ability to create works of art that resonate with readers long after they have been written.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Make Bright The Arrows: An Analysis of Edna St. Vincent Millay's Classic Poem
Edna St. Vincent Millay is one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, known for her lyrical and emotionally charged poetry. Her poem "Make Bright The Arrows" is a classic example of her work, exploring themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. In this analysis, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this powerful poem.
The poem begins with the speaker addressing a lover, urging them to "make bright the arrows" and "set love's bow." The imagery of arrows and bows immediately conjures up thoughts of Cupid, the Roman god of love, who is often depicted with a bow and arrow. The speaker is asking their lover to take aim and shoot their love, to make it clear and powerful.
The second stanza continues this theme of love and passion, with the speaker describing the "quivering strings" of the bow and the "trembling heart" of the lover. The language is sensual and evocative, painting a picture of two people consumed by desire. The use of the word "quivering" suggests a sense of urgency and excitement, while "trembling" implies vulnerability and fear.
In the third stanza, the tone shifts slightly as the speaker acknowledges the fleeting nature of love. They describe how "time's unerring dart" will eventually strike, causing the lovers to part. This is a common theme in Millay's work, as she often explores the transience of human relationships. The use of the word "unerring" suggests that this separation is inevitable and cannot be avoided.
The fourth stanza is perhaps the most poignant, as the speaker describes the aftermath of the lovers' separation. They ask their lover to "leave no trace" of their love, to "let the night erase" their memories. This is a heartbreaking request, as it suggests that the speaker would rather forget their love entirely than be haunted by its memory. The use of the word "erase" is particularly powerful, as it implies a sense of finality and irrevocability.
The final stanza brings the poem full circle, as the speaker once again urges their lover to "make bright the arrows" and "set love's bow." This repetition reinforces the idea that love is cyclical and that even though it may end, it can always be rekindled. The final line, "Love's hour is brief," is a reminder that we must cherish our moments of love and passion, as they are fleeting and precious.
Overall, "Make Bright The Arrows" is a beautiful and poignant poem that explores the complexities of love and loss. Millay's use of imagery and language is masterful, evoking powerful emotions in the reader. The poem is a testament to the enduring power of love, even in the face of time and separation.
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