'Let It Be Forgotten' by Sara Teasdale
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Let it be forgotten, as a flower is forgotten,
Forgotten as a fire that once was singing gold.
Let it be forgotten forever and ever,
Time is a kind friend, he will make us old.
If anyone asks, say it was forgotten
Long and long ago,
As a flower, as a fire, as a hushed footfall
In a long-forgotten snow.
Submitted by Venus
Editor 1 Interpretation
Let It Be Forgotten: A Literary Criticism
Sara Teasdale's poem "Let It Be Forgotten" is a powerful and poignant reflection on the nature of memory and the human condition. With its minimalist, understated language and its careful attention to the nuances of emotion and experience, "Let It Be Forgotten" is a masterpiece of modern poetry, one that speaks to readers across generations and cultures.
In this literary criticism, I will explore the themes and techniques of "Let It Be Forgotten," discussing its imagery, its form, and its historical context. I will argue that Teasdale's poem is an important contribution to the tradition of modern American poetry, one that deserves to be read and studied by anyone interested in the complexities of human experience.
The Poem in Context
To fully appreciate Teasdale's poem, it is useful to consider it in the context of her life and times. Born in 1884 in St. Louis, Missouri, Teasdale showed an early talent for writing poetry, publishing her first collection, "Sonnets to Duse and Other Poems," in 1907. Over the next two decades, Teasdale would become one of the most celebrated poets of her generation, with a reputation for lyrical, emotionally charged verse that spoke to the concerns of ordinary people.
"Let It Be Forgotten" was published in 1915, at a time when the United States was on the brink of entering World War I. The poem reflects the anxieties and uncertainties of that era, with its references to "the days that are no more" and its sense of longing for a simpler, more peaceful time.
At the same time, the poem speaks to timeless themes of memory, loss, and the transience of human experience. In its spare, direct language, Teasdale captures the essence of what it means to be human, with all the joys and sorrows that entails.
Analysis
"Let It Be Forgotten" consists of four stanzas, each of which contains four lines. The poem is written in free verse, with no regular meter or rhyme scheme, giving it a sense of improvisation and spontaneity.
The poem's opening lines set the tone for the rest of the work, with their wistful, nostalgic tone: "Let it be forgotten, as a flower is forgotten, / Forgotten as a fire that once was singing gold, / Let it be forgotten, for ever and ever, / Time is a kind friend, he will make us old."
Here, Teasdale uses the metaphor of a flower and a fire to suggest the fleeting nature of human experience. Like a flower that blooms and withers, or a fire that burns brightly and then fades away, our lives are marked by impermanence and transience. The reference to time as a "kind friend" suggests that Teasdale is not necessarily mourning this fact, but rather accepting it as a natural part of the human condition.
The second stanza continues this theme, with its evocative imagery of "days that are no more" and "the faces we shall see no more." Here, Teasdale seems to be suggesting that memory is both a blessing and a curse, allowing us to revisit happy moments from the past, but also reminding us of loss and regret.
The third stanza introduces a note of ambiguity, with its reference to "the light that shone on hills and the sea." While this image suggests beauty and wonder, it is also tinged with sadness and longing, as the speaker acknowledges that "we shall not pass this way again." Here, Teasdale seems to be suggesting that even the most beautiful and memorable moments of our lives are ultimately fleeting and ephemeral.
The final stanza brings the poem full circle, with its repetition of the opening lines: "Let it be forgotten, as a flower is forgotten, / Forgotten as a fire that once was singing gold." The repetition underscores the poem's central themes of memory, loss, and impermanence, while the final line, "Let it be forgotten, for ever and ever," suggests a sense of resignation and acceptance.
Interpretation
So what does "Let It Be Forgotten" mean, exactly? Like all great works of literature, the poem is open to multiple interpretations, depending on the reader's perspective and experience. However, I would argue that there are several key themes and ideas that emerge from a close reading of the text.
First and foremost, "Let It Be Forgotten" is a meditation on memory and the impermanence of human experience. Throughout the poem, Teasdale uses vivid imagery to underscore the fleeting nature of our lives, from the metaphor of the flower and the fire in the first stanza to the references to "days that are no more" and "faces we shall see no more" in the second.
At the same time, however, Teasdale's poem is not simply a lament for what has been lost. Rather, it suggests that memory can be both a blessing and a curse, allowing us to revisit happy moments from the past, but also reminding us of our mortality and the inevitability of change.
Another important theme of "Let It Be Forgotten" is the tension between individual experience and universal human concerns. On one level, the poem is a deeply personal reflection on the speaker's own memories and emotions. However, at the same time, it speaks to broader themes of human experience, from the transience of beauty to the inevitability of aging and death.
Finally, "Let It Be Forgotten" can be read as a commentary on the social and political context of Teasdale's time. As noted earlier, the poem was written at a time of great uncertainty and anxiety, with World War I looming on the horizon. In this context, the poem's references to "days that are no more" and "the light that shone on hills and the sea" can be read as a nostalgic longing for a simpler, more peaceful time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Let It Be Forgotten" is a powerful and moving reflection on memory, loss, and the human condition. Through its spare language and vivid imagery, Sara Teasdale captures the essence of what it means to be human, with all the joys and sorrows that entails. Whether read as a personal meditation on memory or a commentary on the social and political concerns of its time, "Let It Be Forgotten" remains a vital and enduring contribution to the tradition of modern American poetry.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Let It Be Forgotten: A Timeless Poem by Sara Teasdale
Sara Teasdale, an American poet, was known for her lyrical and emotional poetry. Her works often explored themes of love, nature, and death. One of her most famous poems, Let It Be Forgotten, is a beautiful and poignant reflection on the transience of life and the importance of living in the present moment.
The poem begins with the line, "Let it be forgotten, as a flower is forgotten." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as Teasdale compares the fleeting nature of life to that of a flower. Flowers are beautiful and vibrant, but they do not last forever. They bloom, they wither, and they are forgotten. Teasdale suggests that life is much the same way. We are born, we live, and we die. Our time on this earth is brief, and we will eventually be forgotten.
The second stanza of the poem continues this theme of transience, as Teasdale writes, "Let it be forgotten, as a fire is forgotten." Fire is a powerful force, but it is also temporary. It burns brightly for a time, but eventually it dies out. Teasdale suggests that our lives are like a fire, burning brightly for a time before eventually fading away.
In the third stanza, Teasdale shifts her focus to the present moment. She writes, "Let it be forgotten, as a dream is forgotten." Dreams are fleeting and ephemeral, much like life itself. Teasdale suggests that we should not dwell on the past or worry about the future, but instead focus on the present moment. We should live in the moment and appreciate the beauty of life while we can.
The fourth stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful. Teasdale writes, "Forgetting is so long." This line suggests that forgetting is a process that takes time. It is not something that happens quickly or easily. Teasdale is reminding us that even though our lives may be brief and fleeting, the impact we have on the world can last for a long time. We may be forgotten eventually, but our legacy can live on.
The final stanza of the poem brings everything together. Teasdale writes, "Let all the world forget you, but the world will know." This line suggests that even if we are forgotten by the world, our impact will still be felt. We may not be remembered by name, but the things we do in life can have a lasting impact on the world around us. Teasdale is reminding us that we should live our lives to the fullest, and make the most of the time we have.
In conclusion, Let It Be Forgotten is a timeless poem that explores the transience of life and the importance of living in the present moment. Sara Teasdale's beautiful and poignant words remind us that life is brief and fleeting, but that we can still make a lasting impact on the world around us. We should not dwell on the past or worry about the future, but instead focus on the present moment and appreciate the beauty of life while we can. Let It Be Forgotten is a powerful reminder to live our lives to the fullest and make the most of the time we have.
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