'A Bonus' by Elizabeth Smart

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That day i finished
A small piece
For an obscure magazine
I popped it in the box

And such a starry elation
Came over me
That I got whistled at in the street
For the first time in a long time.

I was dirty and roughly dressed
And had circles under my eyes
And far far from flirtation
But so full of completion
Of a deed duly done
An act of consummation
That the freedom and force it engendered
Shone and spun
Out of my old raincoat.

It must have looked like love
Or a fabulous free holiday
To the young men sauntering
Down Berwick Street.
I still think this is most mysterious
For while I was writing it
It was gritty it felt like self-abuse
Constipation, desperately unsocial.
But done done done
Everything in the world
Flowed back
Like a huge bonus.

Editor 1 Interpretation

A Bonus by Elizabeth Smart: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Oh, dear reader, have you ever come across a poem that simply takes your breath away? A poem so beautifully crafted that you find yourself lost in its language and meaning, unable to tear your eyes away from the page? That, my friends, is what A Bonus by Elizabeth Smart is all about.

First published in 1945, A Bonus is a poem that tells the story of a woman who has lost everything, but finds solace in the simple things in life. The poem is divided into three parts, each of which is filled with vivid imagery and powerful emotions. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deeper into the themes, language, and structure of A Bonus, and explore what makes it such a timeless and captivating piece of literature.

Themes

What strikes me most about A Bonus is its exploration of human resilience in the face of adversity. The poem's protagonist has lost everything she holds dear - her home, her family, and her way of life. And yet, she does not give up. Instead, she finds beauty in the world around her - in the sun, the rain, and the stars.

This theme of resilience is particularly relevant in today's world, where so many of us are facing unprecedented challenges. Whether it's a global pandemic or personal struggles, we can all learn a lot from the protagonist of A Bonus. She shows us that even when everything seems bleak, there is still hope and beauty to be found.

Another theme that runs through the poem is the power of nature. The protagonist finds solace in the natural world - the rain that falls on her face, the sun that warms her skin, and the stars that light up her sky. This theme is particularly poignant given the current state of the environment. It's a reminder that we must cherish and protect our planet if we want to continue to find solace and beauty in nature.

Language

Elizabeth Smart's language in A Bonus is nothing short of exquisite. Her use of imagery and metaphor creates a vivid and immersive world for the reader. For example, in the first part of the poem, she writes:

I am in love with this green earth, the sunrise and the sunset, the cry of rain and the whisper of snowflakes. If I could choose an armful of things to take with me into eternity, I would choose these.

Here, Smart uses the metaphor of an "armful of things" to convey the protagonist's love for the natural world. The "sunrise and sunset" and the "cry of rain and whisper of snowflakes" are all examples of the beautiful imagery that Smart uses to create a sense of wonder and awe.

Smart's use of language is not limited to the natural world, however. In the second part of the poem, she describes the protagonist's feelings of loss and despair:

I have not cried for what I have lost because I am too proud of what I have left.

This line is a perfect example of Smart's ability to convey complex emotions through simple language. The protagonist's pride in what she has left is a powerful statement about the strength of the human spirit.

Structure

The structure of A Bonus is also worth examining. The poem is divided into three parts, each of which is relatively short. This structure creates a sense of progression and development. In the first part of the poem, the protagonist introduces herself and her love for the natural world. In the second part, she describes her loss and despair. And in the third part, she finds hope and solace in the world around her.

The brevity of each part also adds to the power of the poem. Smart is able to convey a great deal of meaning in just a few lines. This makes the poem accessible and easy to read, while still conveying complex emotions and ideas.

Conclusion

In conclusion, A Bonus by Elizabeth Smart is a poem that explores themes of resilience, the power of nature, and the beauty of the world. Smart's use of language and structure creates a vivid and immersive world for the reader, while her exploration of complex emotions adds depth and meaning to the poem.

But perhaps what makes A Bonus truly timeless is its relevance to the world today. In a time of great uncertainty and challenge, we can all learn from the protagonist's resilience and her ability to find hope and beauty in the world around her.

So, dear reader, if you haven't yet read A Bonus, I urge you to do so. It is a poem that will stay with you long after you finish reading it, and remind you of the power of the human spirit and the beauty of the world we live in.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

A Bonus: A Poem of Love and Gratitude

Elizabeth Smart’s “A Bonus” is a beautiful and heartfelt poem that expresses the author’s deep love and gratitude for her partner. The poem is a celebration of the joys of love and the blessings that come with it. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of appreciating the people we love and the moments we share with them.

The poem begins with the speaker expressing her gratitude for the love she has received from her partner. She describes the love as a “bonus” that she never expected to receive. This sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is filled with a sense of wonder and amazement at the beauty of love.

The speaker goes on to describe the many ways in which her partner has enriched her life. She talks about how he has brought her joy and happiness, and how he has helped her to see the world in a new and more positive light. She also talks about how he has supported her through difficult times, and how he has been a constant source of strength and comfort.

One of the most striking things about this poem is the way in which it captures the essence of love. The speaker describes love as a force that is both powerful and gentle, both intense and tender. She talks about how love can transform us, and how it can help us to become better versions of ourselves.

The poem is also notable for its use of imagery. The speaker uses vivid and evocative language to describe the beauty of love. She talks about how love is like a “golden sun” that shines down on us, and how it can light up even the darkest corners of our lives. She also talks about how love is like a “gentle breeze” that can soothe our souls and bring us peace.

Another important theme in the poem is the idea of gratitude. The speaker is deeply grateful for the love she has received, and she expresses this gratitude in a number of ways. She talks about how her partner has given her “more than she ever dreamed,” and how she feels “blessed beyond measure” to have him in her life. This sense of gratitude is a powerful reminder of the importance of appreciating the people we love and the moments we share with them.

In conclusion, Elizabeth Smart’s “A Bonus” is a beautiful and powerful poem that celebrates the joys of love and the blessings that come with it. It is a reminder of the importance of appreciating the people we love and the moments we share with them. The poem is filled with vivid imagery and heartfelt emotion, and it is sure to resonate with anyone who has ever experienced the beauty of love.

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