'Sonnet 17 - My poet, thou canst touch on all the notes' by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
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XVII
My poet, thou canst touch on all the notes
God set between his After and Before,
And strike up and strike off the general roar
Of the rushing worlds a melody that floats
In a serene air purely. Antidotes
Of medicated music, answering for
Mankind's forlornest uses, thou canst pour
From thence into their ears. God's will devotes
Thine to such ends, and mine to wait on thine.
How, Dearest, wilt thou have me for most use?
A hope, to sing by gladly? or a fine
Sad memory, with thy songs to interfuse?
A shade, in which to sing—of palm or pine?
A grave, on which to rest from singing? Choose.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Sonnet 17 - My poet, thou canst touch on all the notes
When it comes to poetry, there are few writers who can match the talent and skill of Elizabeth Barrett Browning. Her works are revered for their beauty, depth, and emotional resonance. In particular, her sonnets have become some of the most beloved pieces of literature in the English language. One such sonnet is "Sonnet 17 - My poet, thou canst touch on all the notes." In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this iconic poem.
Overview of "Sonnet 17"
"Sonnet 17" is one of the most well-known pieces in Browning's collection of sonnets. It is a love poem, addressed to the poet's lover. The poem begins with the speaker acknowledging the limitations of language, stating that there are some things that cannot be expressed through words. However, the poem goes on to suggest that the poet has a unique ability to communicate beyond the limitations of language. The poet, according to the speaker, can "touch on all the notes" and express the inexpressible through his or her words.
Analysis of "Sonnet 17"
At its core, "Sonnet 17" is a poem about the power of language and the ability of poetry to transcend its own limitations. The speaker begins by acknowledging that there are some things that cannot be expressed through words. This is an important point, as it sets up the rest of the poem. By acknowledging the limitations of language, the speaker is able to make a powerful claim about the poet's abilities.
The phrase "touch on all the notes" is particularly significant. It suggests that the poet is able to access a range of emotions and experiences that are not easily communicated through words. The use of musical imagery is also important, as it suggests that the poet's words have a kind of rhythm and melody that can touch the heart and soul.
The second half of the poem is particularly impactful. Here, the speaker suggests that the poet's words have the power to "make the old new" and "the common rare." This is a powerful claim, as it suggests that the poet has the ability to transform everyday experiences into something extraordinary. It also suggests that the poet is able to see the world in a way that is unique and inspiring.
The final two lines of the poem are especially poignant. Here, the speaker states that the poet's words can "give feeling to the dead" and "to the mute, speech." This is an incredibly powerful claim, as it suggests that the poet's words have the power to transcend even death itself. It also suggests that the poet has the ability to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.
Interpretation of "Sonnet 17"
"Sonnet 17" is a poem about the power of language and the ability of poetry to transcend its own limitations. It is a love poem, addressed to the poet's lover, but it is also a poem about the power of art to transform our lives.
The phrase "touch on all the notes" is particularly significant, as it suggests that the poet has the ability to access a range of emotions and experiences that are not easily communicated through words. This is what makes poetry so powerful. It has the ability to express the inexpressible and to touch the heart and soul in a way that other forms of communication cannot.
The second half of the poem is particularly powerful, as it suggests that the poet has the ability to transform everyday experiences into something extraordinary. By making the old new and the common rare, the poet is able to inspire and uplift the reader in a way that is truly transformative.
The final two lines of the poem are particularly poignant, as they suggest that the poet has the ability to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. This is a powerful claim, and it speaks to the transformative power of art. By giving feeling to the dead and speech to the mute, the poet is able to transcend even death itself and to bring the voiceless to life.
Conclusion
"Sonnet 17 - My poet, thou canst touch on all the notes" is a powerful and moving poem that speaks to the transformative power of language and the ability of poetry to transcend its own limitations. Through its use of musical imagery and powerful metaphors, the poem suggests that the poet has the ability to access a range of emotions and experiences that are not easily communicated through words. It also suggests that the poet has the ability to transform everyday experiences into something extraordinary and to give voice to those who cannot speak for themselves. Ultimately, "Sonnet 17" is a testament to the power of poetry and its ability to inspire, uplift, and transform our lives.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Sonnet 17 - My poet, thou canst touch on all the notes is a classic poem written by Elizabeth Barrett Browning. This poem is a beautiful expression of love and admiration for her beloved poet. In this 14-line sonnet, Browning uses various literary devices to convey her feelings and emotions towards her poet. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail.
The poem begins with the speaker addressing her beloved poet, saying "My poet, thou canst touch on all the notes." This line is a metaphor for the poet's ability to express all the emotions and feelings through his poetry. The speaker is praising the poet's ability to capture the essence of life in his writing. The use of the word "touch" suggests that the poet's writing is not just an intellectual exercise but a heartfelt expression of his emotions.
In the second line, the speaker says, "God gifted thee with the chords of angels." This line is a reference to the poet's divine inspiration. The speaker believes that the poet's writing is not just a product of his own intellect but a gift from God. The use of the word "chords" suggests that the poet's writing is not just a collection of words but a harmonious expression of his emotions.
In the third line, the speaker says, "That he might answer all the human needs." This line is a reference to the poet's ability to address all the human emotions and needs through his writing. The speaker believes that the poet's writing is not just a personal expression but a universal one. The use of the word "answer" suggests that the poet's writing is not just a reflection of his own emotions but a response to the emotions of others.
In the fourth line, the speaker says, "It is not that thy music is not sweet." This line is a reference to the poet's ability to write beautiful poetry. The speaker acknowledges that the poet's writing is not just meaningful but also aesthetically pleasing. The use of the word "sweet" suggests that the poet's writing is not just intellectually stimulating but also emotionally satisfying.
In the fifth line, the speaker says, "Although thy skill be great, yet is it meet." This line is a reference to the poet's humility. The speaker believes that the poet's writing is not just a product of his own skill but a gift from God. The use of the word "meet" suggests that the poet's writing is not just a personal achievement but a divine one.
In the sixth line, the speaker says, "That thou shouldst let the notes of others greet." This line is a reference to the poet's generosity. The speaker believes that the poet's writing is not just a personal expression but a contribution to the larger community of writers. The use of the word "let" suggests that the poet's writing is not just a personal possession but a shared one.
In the seventh line, the speaker says, "And listen to the critics' babblement." This line is a reference to the poet's willingness to listen to criticism. The speaker believes that the poet's writing is not just a personal expression but a subject of public scrutiny. The use of the word "babblement" suggests that the poet's writing is not just a subject of serious analysis but also of frivolous gossip.
In the eighth line, the speaker says, "And learn what is and what should not be done." This line is a reference to the poet's willingness to learn from criticism. The speaker believes that the poet's writing is not just a personal expression but a subject of constant improvement. The use of the word "learn" suggests that the poet's writing is not just a personal achievement but a lifelong process.
In the ninth line, the speaker says, "For thou art crowned at length, after much strife." This line is a reference to the poet's eventual success. The speaker believes that the poet's writing is not just a personal expression but a subject of public recognition. The use of the word "crowned" suggests that the poet's writing is not just a personal achievement but a public honor.
In the tenth line, the speaker says, "With laurel, and with bays, and chrysoprase." This line is a reference to the poet's literary achievements. The speaker believes that the poet's writing is not just a personal expression but a contribution to the larger literary tradition. The use of the words "laurel," "bays," and "chrysoprase" suggests that the poet's writing is not just a personal achievement but a part of the larger cultural heritage.
In the eleventh line, the speaker says, "And I, who, faint and thirsting, long have gone." This line is a reference to the speaker's own emotional state. The speaker believes that the poet's writing is not just a personal expression but a source of emotional comfort. The use of the words "faint" and "thirsting" suggests that the speaker's emotional state is not just a personal one but a universal one.
In the twelfth line, the speaker says, "Pant for thy sake, shall feel thy joy and rest." This line is a reference to the speaker's emotional response to the poet's writing. The speaker believes that the poet's writing is not just a personal expression but a source of emotional inspiration. The use of the words "joy" and "rest" suggests that the speaker's emotional response is not just a personal one but a universal one.
In the thirteenth line, the speaker says, "Of love's best earthly gift thou art possessed." This line is a reference to the poet's love for the speaker. The speaker believes that the poet's writing is not just a personal expression but a reflection of his love for her. The use of the words "love's best earthly gift" suggests that the poet's love is not just a personal emotion but a universal one.
In the final line, the speaker says, "And I, thy priestly poet, duly sworn." This line is a reference to the speaker's own role as a poet. The speaker believes that her own writing is not just a personal expression but a tribute to the poet's writing. The use of the words "priestly poet" suggests that the speaker's writing is not just a personal expression but a spiritual one.
In conclusion, Sonnet 17 - My poet, thou canst touch on all the notes is a beautiful expression of love and admiration for the poet. Elizabeth Barrett Browning uses various literary devices to convey her feelings and emotions towards her beloved poet. Through this poem, Browning celebrates the power of poetry to express the universal emotions and needs of humanity. This poem is a testament to the enduring power of love and the transformative power of art.
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