'Out of Pompeii' by William Wilfred Campbell
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1She lay, face downward, on her beaded arm,
2In this her new, sweet dream of human bliss,
3Her heart within her fearful, fluttering, warm,
4Her lips yet pained with love's first timorous kiss.
5She did not note the darkening afternoon,
6She did not mark the lowering of the sky
7O'er that great city. Earth had given its boon
8Unto her lips, love touched her and passed by.
9In one dread moment all the sky grew dark,
10The hideous rain, the panic, the red rout,
11Where love lost love, and all the world might mark
12The city overwhelmed, blotted out
13Without one cry, so quick oblivion came,
14And life passed to the black where all forget;
15But she,—we know not of her house or name,—
16In love's sweet musings doth lie dreaming yet.
17The dread hell passed, the ruined world grew still,
18And the great city passed to nothingness:
19The ages went and mankind worked its will.
20Then men stood still amid the centuries' press,
21And in the ash-hid ruins opened bare,
22As she lay down in her shamed loveliness,
23Sculptured and frozen, late they found her there,
24Image of love 'mid all that hideousness.
25Her head, face downward, on her bended arm,
26Her single robe that showed her shapely form,
27Her wondrous fate love keeps divinely warm
28Over the centuries, past the slaying storm,
29The heart can read in writings time hath left,
30That linger still through death's oblivion;
31And in this waste of life and light bereft,
32She brings again a beauty that had gone.
33And if there be a day when all shall wake,
34As dreams the hoping, doubting human heart,
35The dim forgetfulness of death will break
36For her as one who sleeps with lips apart;
37And did God call her suddenly, I know
38She'd wake as morning wakened by the thrush,
39Feel that red kiss across the centuries glow,
40And make all heaven rosier by her blush.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Out of Pompeii by William Wilfred Campbell: A Literary Criticism
If you are a lover of classic poetry, then you must have heard of William Wilfred Campbell's "Out of Pompeii". This is a poem that has touched the hearts of many and has been a favorite of literary enthusiasts for several decades now. In this literary criticism, we are going to take a closer look at this timeless piece of poetry and try to understand its meaning, themes, and literary devices.
Background Information
"Out of Pompeii" was written by William Wilfred Campbell, a Canadian poet, in the late 1800s. The poem was inspired by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, which destroyed the Roman city of Pompeii. Wilfred Campbell was fascinated by the tragedy of Pompeii and wrote this poem as a tribute to the people who lost their lives in the eruption.
Summary of the Poem
The poem "Out of Pompeii" tells the story of a Roman woman who was trapped in the city during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. The poem starts with an introduction to the city of Pompeii, which is described as a beautiful and peaceful place. However, things quickly take a turn for the worse as the volcano erupts and the woman is trapped in the ruins of the city.
Throughout the poem, the woman's thoughts are described as she tries to come to terms with her impending death. She remembers her past life and the people she loved, and she wonders if she will ever be able to see them again. The poem ends with a powerful image of the woman's body being frozen in time by the ash and lava of the volcano.
Themes
The themes of "Out of Pompeii" are centered around life, death, and the power of nature. The poem explores what it means to face death and the fear that comes with it. It also highlights the fragility of life and how quickly it can be taken away. Finally, the poem showcases the power of nature and how it can destroy even the most beautiful and peaceful places.
Literary Devices
Wilfred Campbell's use of literary devices in "Out of Pompeii" is nothing short of masterful. The poem is full of powerful imagery, metaphors, and symbols that bring the story to life. Some of the most notable literary devices in the poem include:
Imagery
The imagery in "Out of Pompeii" is vivid and descriptive, helping to create a rich and immersive experience for the reader. For example, the poem describes the eruption of Mount Vesuvius as "a great cataract of fire and death". This image of fire and death is repeated throughout the poem, helping to create a sense of fear and danger.
Metaphors
Wilfred Campbell uses several metaphors in the poem to help illustrate the themes of life, death, and nature. One of the most powerful metaphors in the poem is the comparison of the volcano to a "great beast". This metaphor helps to highlight the destructive power of nature and the fear it can inspire in humans.
Symbols
There are several symbols in "Out of Pompeii" that help to convey the themes of the poem. One of the most notable symbols is the image of the woman's body being frozen in time by the ash and lava of the volcano. This symbolizes the idea that life can be taken away in an instant and that we are all at the mercy of nature.
Interpretation
"Out of Pompeii" is a powerful and moving poem that explores the themes of life, death, and nature. At its core, the poem is a meditation on what it means to face death and how we can find meaning and purpose in the face of our own mortality.
The woman in the poem represents all of us, facing our own mortality and trying to make sense of our lives. Her memories and thoughts are a testament to the power of human connection and the importance of the people we love. Even as she faces her own death, she is still thinking of the people she loves and wondering if she will ever see them again.
The volcano in the poem represents the power of nature and the fragility of human life. The eruption of Mount Vesuvius is a reminder that even the most beautiful and peaceful places can be destroyed in an instant. It is a reminder that we are all at the mercy of nature and that life is precious and fleeting.
Conclusion
"Out of Pompeii" is a timeless piece of poetry that continues to resonate with readers today. Its themes of life, death, and nature are universal and speak to the human experience in a profound way. The poem is a testament to the power of language and the ability of poetry to capture the essence of the human experience.
If you have never read "Out of Pompeii" before, I highly recommend that you do. This is a poem that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it, and will continue to inspire and move you for years to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Out of Pompeii: An Exciting Journey into the Past
Have you ever wondered what life was like in ancient Pompeii? How did people live, love, and express themselves? William Wilfred Campbell's Poetry Out of Pompeii takes us on a thrilling journey into the past, revealing the beauty and tragedy of a lost civilization.
Campbell, a Canadian poet and writer, was inspired by the discovery of Pompeii in the late 19th century. He was fascinated by the idea of a city frozen in time, preserved by the ashes of Mount Vesuvius. In his poetry, he captures the essence of Pompeii, its people, and their emotions.
The poem begins with a vivid description of the city, "Pompeii, the city of the dead, / The city of silence and of dread." The use of alliteration and repetition creates a haunting atmosphere, setting the tone for the rest of the poem. Campbell invites us to imagine the ruins of Pompeii, the empty streets, and the ghostly shadows of its former inhabitants.
As we delve deeper into the poem, we encounter the voices of the people of Pompeii. Campbell brings them to life through his vivid descriptions and powerful imagery. We hear the laughter of children, the chatter of merchants, and the songs of lovers. We see the colorful frescoes on the walls, the intricate mosaics on the floors, and the beautiful gardens of the wealthy.
But amidst the beauty and joy, there is also tragedy and sorrow. Campbell reminds us of the fate that befell Pompeii, "The fiery rain fell from the sky, / The molten lava surged on high." He describes the panic and desperation of the people, "The cries of women and of men, / The rush of feet, the moans again." The use of rhyme and rhythm creates a sense of urgency and chaos, as if we are witnessing the disaster ourselves.
Yet, even in the face of death and destruction, there is still hope and resilience. Campbell portrays the people of Pompeii as brave and determined, "They fought the fire with all their might, / They battled on through the long night." He reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is still beauty and love, "The lovers clasped each other's hand, / And died together, heart to heart."
Through his poetry, Campbell not only captures the essence of Pompeii but also reflects on the human condition. He reminds us of the fragility of life, the inevitability of death, and the importance of cherishing every moment. He also celebrates the resilience and courage of the human spirit, the power of love, and the beauty of art.
In conclusion, Poetry Out of Pompeii is a masterpiece of poetry that takes us on an exciting journey into the past. Campbell's vivid descriptions, powerful imagery, and poignant reflections make us feel as if we are walking through the ruins of Pompeii ourselves. His poetry reminds us of the beauty and tragedy of life, the importance of cherishing every moment, and the resilience of the human spirit. If you haven't read this poem yet, I highly recommend it. It's a journey you won't forget.
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