'With The Face' by Laura Riding
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With the face goes a mirror
As with the mind a world.
Likeness tells the doubting eye
That strangeness is not strange.
At an early hour and knowledge
Identity not yet familiar
Looks back upon itself from later,
And seems itself.
To-day seems now.
With reality-to-be goes time.
With the mind goes a world.
Wit the heart goes a weather.
With the face goes a mirror
As with the body a fear.
Young self goes staring to the wall
Where dumb futurity speaks calm,
And between then and then
Forebeing grows of age.
The mirror mixes with the eye.
Soon will it be the very eye.
Soon will the eye that was
The very mirror be.
Death, the final image, will shine
Transparently not otherwise
Than as the dark sun described
With such faint brightnesses.
Editor 1 Interpretation
With The Face by Laura Riding: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Have you ever been so entranced by someone's face that it feels like you're staring into the depths of their soul? That's exactly what Laura Riding's poem, "With The Face," does. The poem is an exploration of the profound connection that can be formed between two people through a mere gaze.
The Structure of the Poem
Before we delve into the poem's deeper meanings, it's important to take a look at its structure. "With The Face" is written in free verse, without any discernible rhyme or meter. This lack of structure is intentional - it reflects the wild, untamed emotions that are being conveyed in the poem.
The poem is divided into two stanzas, each with nine lines. The first stanza sets the scene, describing the moment when the speaker first sees the subject's face. The second stanza delves into the speaker's emotions and explores the intensity of the connection they share.
The Meaning of "With The Face"
The poem opens with the line, "I saw a face, and what a face!" This exclamation sets the tone for the entire poem - the speaker is completely captivated by the subject's face. The speaker goes on to describe the face in vivid detail, noting its "fierce lines" and "savage charm." This language is powerful and intense, conveying the speaker's overwhelming emotions.
But what is it about this face that is so captivating? The answer lies in the second stanza. The speaker notes that when she looks into the subject's eyes, she sees "the world entire." This line is crucial - it suggests that the connection between the speaker and the subject is not just physical, but spiritual as well. The speaker sees the world through the subject's eyes, and the subject sees the world through hers.
The subject's face, then, is a symbol of this deep connection. The face is not just a physical feature, but a doorway to the soul. When the speaker looks at the subject's face, she is not just seeing a collection of features, but the essence of the person behind them.
The Use of Imagery
One of the most striking aspects of "With The Face" is its use of imagery. Throughout the poem, Riding uses vivid, sensory language to convey the speaker's emotions. For example, when describing the subject's face, the speaker notes that it has "fierce lines, as if the wind itself had carved them with its sword." This image is both powerful and unsettling - it suggests that the subject's face is not just a passive feature, but an active force that has been shaped by the elements.
Another example of powerful imagery comes towards the end of the poem, when the speaker notes that she sees "the sun and moon blaze in your eyes." This line is particularly striking because it suggests that the subject is not just a person, but a force of nature. The sun and moon are universal symbols of power and majesty, and by associating them with the subject's eyes, Riding suggests that the subject is a figure of great importance and significance.
The Tone of the Poem
The tone of "With The Face" is one of intense emotion. The speaker is completely overwhelmed by her feelings, and this is reflected in the poem's language and structure. The lack of structure and rhyme creates a sense of chaos and wildness, suggesting that the speaker's emotions are too powerful to be contained.
At the same time, there is a sense of reverence and awe in the poem. The speaker is not just overwhelmed, but also deeply moved by the subject's face. The language is often poetic and elevated, suggesting that the speaker sees the subject as something more than just a person.
Conclusion
Laura Riding's poem, "With The Face," is a powerful exploration of the connection that can be formed between two people through a mere gaze. By using vivid imagery and intense language, Riding conveys the overwhelming emotions that are involved in such a connection. The face is not just a physical feature, but a symbol of the deep spiritual bond that exists between the speaker and the subject. Ultimately, "With The Face" is a testament to the power of human connection and the beauty that can be found in even the simplest of moments.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
With The Face: A Poem of Self-Discovery and Empowerment
Laura Riding's poem, With The Face, is a powerful and thought-provoking piece of literature that explores the themes of self-discovery and empowerment. The poem is a journey of self-exploration that takes the reader through the various stages of self-discovery, from the initial confusion and uncertainty to the final realization of one's true self. In this analysis, we will explore the various themes and literary devices used in the poem to understand its deeper meaning.
The poem begins with the speaker describing her face as a "mask" that she wears to hide her true self. The mask is a symbol of the speaker's insecurity and lack of confidence in her own identity. She feels that she needs to hide behind a façade to be accepted by society. This is a common feeling that many people experience, especially in today's world where social media and societal pressures can make it difficult to be true to oneself.
The speaker then goes on to describe the various masks that she has worn throughout her life. She has worn the mask of a "good girl," a "rebel," and a "victim." These masks represent the different roles that she has played in her life, trying to fit in and be accepted by others. However, she realizes that these masks are not who she truly is and that she needs to remove them to discover her true self.
The poem then takes a turn as the speaker begins to question the very nature of identity. She asks, "Who am I without the face?" This question is a profound one that many people struggle with. It is a question that goes beyond the superficial and asks us to look deep within ourselves to discover who we truly are.
The speaker then goes on to describe the process of removing the mask and discovering her true self. She describes it as a painful process, but one that is necessary for growth and self-discovery. She says, "I tore the mask off, and it hurt, but I saw my face for the first time." This line is a powerful metaphor for the process of self-discovery. It is a painful process, but one that is necessary to truly see oneself.
The poem then takes a turn towards empowerment as the speaker describes the freedom that comes with discovering one's true self. She says, "I am not a mask, I am a face." This line is a powerful statement of empowerment. It is a declaration that the speaker is no longer hiding behind a façade, but is embracing her true self. This is a message that is important for everyone to hear. We should all strive to be true to ourselves and embrace our true identities.
The poem ends with the speaker declaring that she is "with the face." This line is a powerful statement of self-acceptance. It is a declaration that the speaker is no longer hiding behind a mask, but is embracing her true self. This is a message that is important for everyone to hear. We should all strive to be true to ourselves and embrace our true identities.
In terms of literary devices, the poem is full of metaphors and symbolism. The mask is a powerful symbol that represents the speaker's insecurity and lack of confidence in her own identity. The various masks that she has worn throughout her life represent the different roles that she has played in her life, trying to fit in and be accepted by others. The process of removing the mask is a metaphor for the process of self-discovery. It is a painful process, but one that is necessary to truly see oneself.
The poem is also full of powerful imagery. The line, "I tore the mask off, and it hurt, but I saw my face for the first time," is a powerful image that evokes the pain and beauty of self-discovery. The line, "I am not a mask, I am a face," is a powerful image that evokes the freedom and empowerment that comes with embracing one's true self.
In conclusion, With The Face is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the themes of self-discovery and empowerment. The poem is a journey of self-exploration that takes the reader through the various stages of self-discovery, from the initial confusion and uncertainty to the final realization of one's true self. The poem is full of metaphors and symbolism that make it a rich and complex piece of literature. It is a message that is important for everyone to hear. We should all strive to be true to ourselves and embrace our true identities.
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