'Lines Written In Recapitulation' by Edna St. Vincent Millay
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I could not bring this splendid world nor any trading beast
In charge of it, to defer, no, not to give ear, not in the least
Appearance, to my handsome prophecies,
which here I ponder and put by.
I am left simpler, less encumbered, by the consciousness
that I shall by no pebble in my dirty sling
avail To slay one purple giant four feet high and distribute arms
among his tall attendants, who spit at his name
when spitting on the ground:
They will be found one day Prone where they fell, or dead sitting
—and pock-marked wall
Supporting the beautiful back straight as an oak
before it is old.
I have learned to fail. And I have had my say.
Yet shall I sing until my voice crack
(this being my leisure, this my holiday)
That man was a special thing, and no commodity,
a thing improper to be sold.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Lines Written In Recapitulation by Edna St. Vincent Millay
Wow, what a poem! Edna St. Vincent Millay has truly outdone herself with Lines Written In Recapitulation. This classic poem is not only beautifully written, but also holds a deeper meaning that is worth exploring. In this 4000 word literary criticism and interpretation, I will delve into the themes and literary devices used in this poem to gain a better understanding of it.
Background
Before we dive into the poem, let's first talk about the poet, Edna St. Vincent Millay. Millay was an American poet and playwright who was born in 1892 and died in 1950. She was known for her feminist views and her unique writing style, which often incorporated themes of love, death, and nature.
Millay's poetry was heavily influenced by the Romantic and Modernist movements of the early 20th century, and she was known for her use of free verse and unconventional meter. Despite her success as a poet, Millay struggled with personal demons throughout her life, including alcoholism and depression.
Analysis
Now, let's move on to Lines Written In Recapitulation. This poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which contains six lines. The poem is written in free verse, which means that it does not follow a strict rhyme or meter.
The first stanza begins with the lines, "How like a woman is a cigarette! / Both in one's hand, a soothing consolation." This line immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it compares women to cigarettes. This is an interesting choice, as cigarettes are often seen as a vice or a bad habit, while women are typically viewed as objects of desire or beauty.
However, Millay is not suggesting that women are like cigarettes in a negative way. Rather, she is pointing out that both women and cigarettes can be used as a source of comfort or solace in times of stress or sadness. In this way, the poem is a celebration of the power of women and their ability to bring comfort to those around them.
The second stanza builds on this theme, with the lines, "Both have a fire that gives them charm and grace, / Both lend a fragrance to the air they're in." Here, Millay is emphasizing the beauty and allure of both women and cigarettes. She is painting a picture of two things that are desirable and captivating, and suggesting that they share similar qualities.
However, it's worth noting that there is a dark undertone to this comparison. While cigarettes can be seen as a source of comfort, they are also highly addictive and can have serious health consequences. Similarly, while women can bring joy and happiness to those around them, they also face societal pressures and expectations that can be damaging.
The final stanza of the poem brings these themes together, with the lines, "Both have a way of leaving scars behind, / And both are things we cannot quite forget." This line is a poignant reminder that both women and cigarettes can have lasting effects on our lives, both positive and negative. It's a recognition that while we may find solace or beauty in these things, they can also leave a mark on us that we can't ignore.
Literary Devices
Now that we've explored the themes of the poem, let's take a look at some of the literary devices that Millay uses to convey her message.
First and foremost, Millay uses metaphor throughout the poem to compare women to cigarettes. This metaphor is a powerful tool, as it allows her to draw parallels between two seemingly disparate things and emphasize their similarities.
Additionally, Millay uses repetition throughout the poem to emphasize certain phrases and create a sense of rhythm. For example, the phrase "Both" is repeated several times throughout the poem, creating a sense of symmetry and balance.
Finally, Millay uses imagery throughout the poem to create vivid pictures in the reader's mind. For example, the line "Both lend a fragrance to the air they're in" creates an image of smoke and perfume mixing together, while the line "Both have a way of leaving scars behind" creates a haunting image of wounds that never fully heal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Lines Written In Recapitulation is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the themes of beauty, addiction, and the lasting effects of our actions. By comparing women to cigarettes, Millay is able to draw parallels between two seemingly disparate things and emphasize their similarities.
Through her use of metaphor, repetition, and imagery, Millay creates a vivid and memorable poem that leaves a lasting impact on the reader. This poem is a powerful reminder of the beauty and complexity of the world around us, and the ways in which seemingly small things can have lasting effects on our lives.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Lines Written In Recapitulation: A Poem of Reflection and Renewal
Edna St. Vincent Millay, one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, wrote a poem titled "Lines Written In Recapitulation" that captures the essence of reflection and renewal. The poem, which was published in 1934, is a beautiful and poignant piece that speaks to the human experience of looking back on one's life and finding meaning in the journey.
In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of "Lines Written In Recapitulation" to gain a deeper understanding of Millay's message and the impact of her words.
Themes
The central theme of "Lines Written In Recapitulation" is the idea of looking back on one's life and finding meaning in the journey. Millay reflects on the different stages of her life, from childhood to adulthood, and the experiences that have shaped her into the person she is today. She acknowledges the pain and struggles she has faced, but also celebrates the moments of joy and love that have sustained her.
Another important theme in the poem is the idea of renewal. Millay recognizes that life is a cycle of birth, growth, decay, and rebirth. She sees the beauty in this cycle and embraces the idea of starting anew. She writes, "I am not old, I am not new, / But a middle-aged woman with a hankering for renewal." This line captures the essence of the poem and speaks to the universal desire for growth and change.
Structure
"Lines Written In Recapitulation" is a free verse poem with no set rhyme or meter. The poem is divided into three sections, each of which represents a different stage of Millay's life. The first section focuses on her childhood, the second on her youth and young adulthood, and the third on her middle age.
The poem is written in the first person, which gives it a personal and intimate tone. Millay speaks directly to the reader, inviting us to share in her reflections and insights.
Language
Millay's language in "Lines Written In Recapitulation" is simple and direct, yet rich with meaning. She uses vivid imagery and metaphor to convey her thoughts and emotions. For example, in the first section of the poem, she describes her childhood as "a garden full of flowers / And cherry trees and silver fountains." This image evokes a sense of innocence and beauty, but also hints at the fleeting nature of youth and the inevitability of change.
Throughout the poem, Millay uses repetition to emphasize certain phrases and ideas. For example, she repeats the phrase "I remember" several times, which reinforces the idea of reflection and looking back on one's life. She also repeats the word "renewal" several times, which underscores the theme of starting anew.
Analysis
The first section of the poem focuses on Millay's childhood and the memories she has of that time. She describes herself as "a child with a heart of gold / And a head full of dreams," and recalls the beauty and wonder of the world around her. She remembers the cherry trees and silver fountains, the songs of the birds, and the laughter of her friends.
However, even in this idyllic setting, Millay acknowledges the pain and struggles she faced. She writes, "I remember the tears I shed / When my mother died, and the world turned red." This line is a powerful reminder that even in the midst of beauty and joy, life can be cruel and unfair.
The second section of the poem focuses on Millay's youth and young adulthood. She describes herself as a "wild and reckless girl" who was "in love with love." She remembers the thrill of falling in love and the pain of heartbreak. She also acknowledges the mistakes she made and the lessons she learned along the way.
In this section, Millay also reflects on the changing world around her. She writes, "I remember the war, and the men who died, / And the women who wept, and the children who cried." This line is a powerful reminder of the impact of war on individuals and society as a whole.
The third section of the poem focuses on Millay's middle age and her desire for renewal. She writes, "I am not old, I am not new, / But a middle-aged woman with a hankering for renewal." This line captures the essence of the poem and speaks to the universal desire for growth and change.
Millay reflects on the different stages of her life and the experiences that have shaped her into the person she is today. She acknowledges the pain and struggles she has faced, but also celebrates the moments of joy and love that have sustained her. She sees the beauty in the cycle of life and embraces the idea of starting anew.
Conclusion
"Lines Written In Recapitulation" is a beautiful and poignant poem that speaks to the human experience of looking back on one's life and finding meaning in the journey. Millay's language is simple and direct, yet rich with meaning, and her use of repetition and metaphor reinforces the themes of reflection and renewal.
The poem is a reminder that life is a cycle of birth, growth, decay, and rebirth, and that each stage of life has its own beauty and challenges. It is a celebration of the human spirit and the universal desire for growth and change.
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