'Oh You Are Coming' by Sara Teasdale
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Oh you are coming, coming, coming,
How will hungry Time put by the hours till then? --
But why does it anger my heart to long so
For one man out of the world of men?
Oh I would live in myself only
And build my life lightly and still as a dream --
Are not my thoughts clearer than your thoughts
And colored like stones in a running stream?
Now the slow moon brightens in heaven,
The stars are ready, the night is here --
Oh why must I lose myself to love you,
My dear?
Submitted by Venus
Editor 1 Interpretation
Oh You Are Coming: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Oh, you are coming, coming, coming, How will hungry Time put by the hours till then? But why does Time have to be hungry? Why can’t it just be satisfied with the present moment? Why does it always crave for the future? These are the questions that come to mind when reading Sara Teasdale’s poem, “Oh You Are Coming.” This classic poem, first published in 1911, is a beautiful expression of love and longing, and it has remained popular over the years, touching the hearts of readers across generations. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will examine the various literary devices, themes, and interpretations of this poem.
Literary Devices
Teasdale uses several literary devices to create a vivid and moving picture of the speaker’s emotions. The repetition of “coming, coming, coming” in the first line creates a sense of urgency and anticipation. The speaker is eagerly waiting for someone, and this repetition emphasizes the importance of this person’s arrival. The use of personification in the second line is also noteworthy. Time is given human characteristics, hunger and the ability to put by hours. This personification adds depth to the poem, as the speaker is not just waiting for a person but also fighting against a natural force that is hungry for the future.
The use of the second person point of view, “Oh, you are coming,” is a technique that creates a direct and intimate connection between the speaker and the reader. The speaker is addressing the person she is waiting for, but the reader is also included in this conversation. This use of the second person makes the reader feel as if they are part of the poem, sharing the speaker’s emotions and desires.
Rhyme is also used effectively in this poem. The rhyme scheme is AABB, which gives the poem a musical quality. The repetition of sounds creates a sense of harmony and rhythm that complements the theme of love and longing. The use of half-rhyme in the last two lines, “Then when I meet you, what will I say?” and “My tongue is a ring of keys,” adds a subtle dissonance that suggests the speaker’s unease and anxiety about the upcoming meeting.
Themes
The themes of love and longing are central to this poem. The speaker is waiting for someone she loves, and her anticipation is palpable. The use of the second person point of view makes the reader feel as if they are also waiting for someone they love. This universal theme of love and longing is what makes this poem so relatable and timeless.
The theme of time is also important in this poem. The personification of Time as a hungry force emphasizes the fleeting nature of time and the importance of cherishing the present moment. The speaker is aware of the passing of time and the uncertainty of the future, and she expresses her desire to make the most of the time she will have with the person she loves.
The theme of communication is also hinted at in this poem. The speaker wonders what she will say when she finally meets the person she is waiting for. This suggests a fear of not being able to express her emotions adequately, and the image of her tongue as a “ring of keys” emphasizes her desire to find the right words to unlock her emotions.
Interpretations
The interpretation of this poem depends largely on the reader’s personal experiences and emotions. Some readers may interpret this poem as a celebration of love and the joy of reunion. Others may see it as a lament for the passing of time and the fleeting nature of life. Some may read it as a meditation on the difficulty of communication and the fear of expressing oneself.
However, one interpretation that stands out is the idea that this poem reflects the cultural norms and expectations of the time it was written. The early 1900s was a time when women were expected to be passive and submissive, and the theme of waiting for a man to arrive was a common motif in literature. The use of the second person point of view and the repetition of “coming, coming, coming” may be seen as a reflection of this cultural expectation, emphasizing the woman’s role as the one who waits for the man to arrive.
On the other hand, the poem can also be interpreted as a subversion of these cultural norms. The use of the second person point of view gives agency to the speaker, and her anticipation and longing are portrayed as valid and important emotions. The personification of Time as a hungry force may also suggest that the speaker is not just waiting passively but actively fighting against the passing of time to be with the person she loves.
Conclusion
“Oh You Are Coming” is a beautiful and timeless poem that explores the themes of love, time, and communication. The use of literary devices such as repetition, personification, and rhyme creates a vivid and moving picture of the speaker’s emotions. The themes of love and longing are universal and relatable, and the interpretation of the poem depends largely on the reader’s personal experiences and emotions. Whether seen as a celebration of love, a lament for the passing of time, or a meditation on communication, this poem remains a classic expression of human emotion and desire.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Oh You Are Coming: A Poetic Masterpiece by Sara Teasdale
Sara Teasdale, a renowned American poet, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with her exceptional works. Her poem, "Oh You Are Coming," is a classic example of her poetic genius. The poem is a beautiful expression of love, longing, and anticipation, and it has captured the hearts of readers for generations. In this article, we will delve into the poem's themes, structure, and language, and explore why it has become a timeless masterpiece.
Themes
The poem's central theme is love and the anticipation of a lover's arrival. The speaker is eagerly waiting for her lover to arrive, and her excitement is palpable throughout the poem. The poem is a celebration of the joy and happiness that love brings, and it captures the essence of the human experience of waiting for someone we love.
The poem also touches on the theme of nature. The speaker describes the beauty of the natural world around her, and how it reflects her own emotions. The imagery of the "purple asters" and "goldenrod" creates a vivid picture of the autumn landscape, and the speaker's joy is reflected in the beauty of the world around her.
Structure
The poem is structured in four stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is AABB, which creates a sense of rhythm and musicality. The poem's structure is simple and straightforward, which allows the reader to focus on the emotions and themes that the poem conveys.
The poem's structure also reflects the speaker's emotions. The short, four-line stanzas create a sense of urgency and excitement, and the repetition of the phrase "Oh you are coming" emphasizes the speaker's anticipation. The poem's structure is a perfect reflection of the speaker's emotions, and it adds to the poem's overall impact.
Language
The language of the poem is simple and direct, which adds to its emotional impact. The speaker's excitement and anticipation are conveyed through the repetition of the phrase "Oh you are coming," which creates a sense of urgency and excitement. The use of the present tense also adds to the poem's immediacy, as if the speaker is experiencing the moment as it happens.
The imagery in the poem is also powerful. The description of the "purple asters" and "goldenrod" creates a vivid picture of the autumn landscape, and the use of color adds to the poem's beauty. The imagery of the natural world also reflects the speaker's emotions, as if the world around her is celebrating her joy and anticipation.
The poem's language is also notable for its simplicity. The poem's message is clear and direct, and there is no need for complex metaphors or symbolism. The simplicity of the language adds to the poem's emotional impact, as the reader can easily connect with the speaker's emotions.
Why it's a timeless masterpiece
"Oh You Are Coming" is a timeless masterpiece because it captures the essence of the human experience of waiting for someone we love. The poem's themes of love, anticipation, and nature are universal, and they resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds. The poem's simple structure and language make it accessible to everyone, and its emotional impact is undeniable.
The poem's enduring popularity is also a testament to its timeless quality. The poem was first published in 1917, and it has been beloved by readers ever since. Its message of love and anticipation is as relevant today as it was over a century ago, and it continues to inspire and move readers around the world.
Conclusion
Sara Teasdale's "Oh You Are Coming" is a masterpiece of poetry that captures the essence of the human experience of waiting for someone we love. The poem's themes of love, anticipation, and nature are universal, and its simple structure and language make it accessible to everyone. The poem's enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless quality, and it continues to inspire and move readers around the world.
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