'Sonnet 05: If I Should Learn, In Some Quite Casual Way' by Edna St. Vincent Millay

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If I should learn, in some quite casual way,
That you were gone, not to return again—
Read from the back-page of a paper, say,
Held by a neighbor in a subway train,
How at the corner of this avenue
And such a street (so are the papers filled)
A hurrying man—who happened to be you—
At noon to-day had happened to be killed,
I should not cry aloud—I could not cry
Aloud, or wring my hands in such a place—
I should but watch the station lights rush by
With a more careful interest on my face,
Or raise my eyes and read with greater care
Where to store furs and how to treat the hair.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Sonnet 05: If I Should Learn, In Some Quite Casual Way

Introduction

Edna St. Vincent Millay is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished poets of the 20th century, and her work has been studied and celebrated for decades. One of her most famous poems, "Sonnet 05: If I Should Learn, In Some Quite Casual Way," is a masterful example of her craft, blending complex themes with beautiful and evocative language. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the many layers of meaning in this classic work.

Analysis

The poem begins with a hypothetical situation: the speaker imagines herself learning something important "in some quite casual way." This phrase sets the tone for the entire poem, as it suggests that the speaker is not actively seeking knowledge, but rather stumbling upon it by chance. The use of the word "casual" also implies a certain nonchalance or lack of concern, which is echoed throughout the poem.

As the poem progresses, the speaker reveals what it is that she fears learning: that her lover has been unfaithful. She describes this knowledge as a "bitter thing," and says that it would "stab" her heart. These violent images contrast sharply with the casual tone of the opening lines, creating a sense of tension that runs throughout the entire poem.

The next several lines are devoted to describing the speaker's reaction to this hypothetical knowledge. She says that she would not "weep" or "rage," but rather "set [her] teeth" and "hold [her] breath." This suggests a kind of stoicism or resignation, as if the speaker has already accepted the worst possible outcome. However, the use of the word "set" implies a certain determination or resolve, as if the speaker is preparing herself for a difficult task.

The final lines of the poem are perhaps the most powerful. The speaker declares that even if she were to learn that her lover had been unfaithful, she would still "love" him. This seems to contradict her earlier statements about the "bitter" and "stabbing" nature of such knowledge, and suggests that her love is perhaps stronger than her fear or anger.

Interpretation

The central theme of "Sonnet 05" is the fragility of love, and the fear of losing it. The speaker's hypothetical scenario highlights the fact that love can be destroyed by something as simple as a chance encounter, and that once lost, it cannot be regained. However, the poem also suggests that true love is resilient, and capable of surviving even the most difficult circumstances.

The casual tone of the opening lines serves to underscore the idea that love is not something that can be controlled or planned for. It is something that happens spontaneously, and often without warning. The speaker's stoic reaction to the potential loss of her lover suggests that love is not something that can be easily overcome, but rather something that must be fought for.

The final lines of the poem are perhaps the most surprising, as they suggest that even if the speaker were to learn that her lover had been unfaithful, she would still love him. This seems to contradict the earlier tone of the poem, which implies that such knowledge would be devastating. However, the fact that the speaker can still love her lover despite his infidelity suggests that love is not simply a feeling, but a choice. It is something that must be nurtured and protected, even in the face of adversity.

Conclusion

"Sonnet 05" is a powerful and complex work that explores the nature of love and the fear of loss. Through its use of language and imagery, the poem creates a sense of tension and uncertainty that underscores the fragility of love. However, the poem also suggests that true love is resilient, and that it can survive even the most difficult circumstances. In this way, the poem offers a powerful message about the nature of love, and the importance of fighting for what we truly care about.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Sonnet 05: If I Should Learn, In Some Quite Casual Way is a classic poem written by Edna St. Vincent Millay. This poem is a beautiful expression of love and loss, and it explores the idea of what it would be like to lose someone you love. In this analysis, we will take a closer look at the poem and explore its themes, structure, and language.

The poem begins with the speaker imagining what it would be like to learn of her lover's death in a casual way. She says, "If I should learn, in some quite casual way, / That you were gone, not to return again—". The use of the word "casual" is interesting here because it suggests that the news of her lover's death would come unexpectedly and without warning. This creates a sense of unease and uncertainty, which is further emphasized by the use of the word "gone". The speaker is imagining a scenario where her lover has disappeared without a trace, leaving her with no closure or understanding of what has happened.

The second quatrain of the poem explores the speaker's feelings of loss and grief. She says, "’Twould be as if the summer passed away / On the mid-noon, and left the blue serene / A chilly shadow, silvery and sad". The use of the metaphor of summer passing away is a powerful one, as it suggests that the speaker's lover is as essential to her life as the warmth and light of the summer sun. The image of the "chilly shadow" also creates a sense of emptiness and sadness, as if the speaker's world has been plunged into darkness.

The third quatrain of the poem explores the idea of memory and how it can bring comfort in times of grief. The speaker says, "’Twould be as if the oak-tree overhead / Should lose its leaves, as if the bird should cease / Its song, and all the world stand still in dread". The use of the oak-tree and the bird as symbols of nature is interesting here, as it suggests that even the natural world would be affected by the loss of the speaker's lover. However, the final line of the quatrain suggests that even in the face of such loss, the memories of her lover would bring comfort and solace.

The final couplet of the poem brings the themes of love and loss together. The speaker says, "Since I have known no more of you than this, / ‘Twere better that I should not learn your kiss". The use of the word "since" suggests that the speaker has not had the opportunity to experience her lover's kiss, and yet she still feels a deep sense of loss at the thought of never being able to do so. This final couplet is a powerful expression of the idea that love and loss are intertwined, and that the pain of loss is a testament to the depth of love that was felt.

In terms of structure, Sonnet 05 follows the traditional form of a Shakespearean sonnet. It is composed of three quatrains and a final couplet, with a rhyme scheme of ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. This traditional structure gives the poem a sense of order and balance, which is in contrast to the chaotic emotions that the speaker is expressing.

The language used in Sonnet 05 is also worth exploring. Millay's use of metaphors and imagery is particularly effective in creating a sense of loss and grief. The use of the metaphor of summer passing away, for example, is a powerful way of expressing the idea of loss, while the image of the oak-tree losing its leaves and the bird ceasing its song creates a sense of stillness and emptiness.

Overall, Sonnet 05: If I Should Learn, In Some Quite Casual Way is a beautiful and poignant expression of love and loss. Through its use of metaphor and imagery, it explores the idea of what it would be like to lose someone you love, and the pain and grief that comes with that loss. The traditional structure of the sonnet gives the poem a sense of order and balance, which is in contrast to the chaotic emotions that the speaker is expressing. This is a classic poem that continues to resonate with readers today, and it is a testament to Millay's skill as a poet.

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