'Sonnet 22 - When our two souls stand up erect and strong' by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
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XXII
When our two souls stand up erect and strong,
Face to face, silent, drawing nigh and nigher,
Until the lengthening wings break into fire
At either curved point,—what bitter wrong
Can the earth do to us, that we should not long
Be here contented? Think. In mounting higher,
The angels would press on us and aspire
To drop some golden orb of perfect song
Into our deep, dear silence. Let us stay
Rather on earth, Beloved,—where the unfit
Contrarious moods of men recoil away
And isolate pure spirits, and permit
A place to stand and love in for a day,
With darkness and the death-hour rounding it.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Sonnet 22 - When our two souls stand up erect and strong
by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
Oh, how do I even begin to describe the beauty and depth of this masterpiece by Elizabeth Barrett Browning? Sonnet 22 - When our two souls stand up erect and strong is a poem that speaks directly to the soul, evoking emotions and thoughts that are both powerful and moving. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will delve into the various themes and literary devices employed by the poet to create this incredible work of art.
Firstly, let us examine the title of the poem - When our two souls stand up erect and strong. The use of the word "souls" immediately conjures up images of spirituality and transcendence, hinting at the overarching themes of the poem. The word "erect" suggests a sense of strength and resolve, while "strong" reinforces this idea. These two words together create a sense of unbreakable unity and solidarity between the two souls in question.
The first quatrain of the poem begins with the lines:
"When our two souls stand up erect and strong, Face to face, silent, drawing nigh and nigher, Until the lengthening wings break into song At either curved point,--what bitter wrong"
The use of the word "face to face" suggests a deep connection and intimacy between the two souls, while the repetition of "nigh" creates a sense of closeness and inevitability. The reference to "lengthening wings" breaking into song is a metaphor for the blossoming of love and passion between the two souls. The final line of the quatrain - "what bitter wrong" - immediately introduces a sense of conflict and tension, hinting at the challenges that lie ahead for the two lovers.
The second quatrain continues with the lines:
"Can the earth do to us, that we should not long Be here contented? Think! In mounting higher, The angels would press on us and aspire To drop some golden orb of perfect song"
Here, the poet questions the very nature of existence, asking what the earth could do to prevent the two souls from finding contentment with each other. The use of the word "contented" suggests a sense of peace and fulfillment, while "mounting higher" implies a sense of upward movement and transcendence. The mention of angels and their desire to "drop some golden orb of perfect song" further reinforces the idea of transcendence and the attainment of perfection.
The third quatrain follows with the lines:
"Into our deep, dear silence. Let us stay Rather on earth, Beloved,--where the unfit Contrarious moods of men recoil away And isolate pure spirits, and permit"
Here, the poet urges the beloved to remain on earth rather than seeking transcendence, suggesting that it is on earth that they will find true purity and isolation from the negativity of the world. The use of the word "unfit" suggests a sense of inferiority or unworthiness, while "contrarious moods" implies a sense of conflict and negativity. The reference to "pure spirits" suggests a sense of inner purity and goodness, while "permit" suggests a sense of permission or freedom.
The final couplet of the poem concludes with:
"With darkness and the death-hour rounding it."
Here, the poet reminds us of the inevitability of death and the darkness that surrounds it. However, the fact that the two souls are standing "erect and strong" suggests a sense of defiance and strength in the face of death, indicating that love and transcendence can triumph over even the darkest of forces.
Throughout the poem, the poet employs various literary devices to create a sense of beauty and depth. The use of metaphors, such as "lengthening wings" and "golden orb of perfect song", adds a sense of richness and imagery to the poem. The use of repetition, such as with the word "nigh", creates a sense of rhythm and inevitability. The use of questions, such as "what bitter wrong", encourages the reader to think deeply about the themes and ideas presented in the poem.
In conclusion, Sonnet 22 - When our two souls stand up erect and strong is a masterpiece of poetic beauty and depth. The themes of love, transcendence, and mortality are explored in a way that speaks directly to the soul, evoking powerful emotions and thoughts. The use of literary devices such as metaphors, repetition, and questions adds a sense of richness and complexity to the poem, further enhancing its beauty and depth. Elizabeth Barrett Browning has crafted a work of art that will continue to inspire and move readers for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Sonnet 22 - When our two souls stand up erect and strong is a classic poem written by Elizabeth Barrett Browning. This poem is a part of her collection of sonnets, Sonnets from the Portuguese, which was published in 1850. This sonnet is a beautiful expression of love and the deep connection between two souls. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail.
The poem begins with the line, "When our two souls stand up erect and strong." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The use of the word "erect" suggests a sense of strength and power, while "strong" emphasizes the resilience of the two souls. The poet is describing a moment when two souls come together and stand tall, united in their love and strength.
The second line of the poem reads, "Face to face, silent, drawing nigh and nigher." This line suggests a sense of intimacy and closeness between the two souls. The use of the phrase "face to face" emphasizes the importance of eye contact and the connection between two people. The phrase "drawing nigh and nigher" suggests a gradual approach, as if the two souls are slowly coming closer to each other.
The third line of the poem reads, "Until the lengthening wings break into fire." This line is a metaphor for the intensity of the moment. The "lengthening wings" suggest a sense of growth and expansion, while "fire" suggests a sense of passion and intensity. The poet is describing a moment when the two souls are so close that their love becomes intense and passionate.
The fourth line of the poem reads, "At either curved point,--what bitter wrong!" This line is a bit more difficult to interpret. The phrase "at either curved point" suggests a sense of symmetry and balance. The word "curved" suggests a sense of fluidity and movement. The phrase "what bitter wrong!" suggests a sense of regret or sadness. It is possible that the poet is describing a moment when the two souls are so close that they become aware of the pain and suffering in the world.
The fifth line of the poem reads, "Be present, harsh leav'd month, or frosty song." This line suggests a sense of resilience and strength. The phrase "harsh leav'd month" suggests a difficult time, while "frosty song" suggests a sense of coldness and isolation. The poet is suggesting that even in difficult times, the two souls will remain strong and united.
The sixth line of the poem reads, "Stretch'd stiff across the hills, and clear away." This line suggests a sense of openness and expansiveness. The phrase "stretch'd stiff across the hills" suggests a sense of movement and growth, while "clear away" suggests a sense of clarity and openness. The poet is describing a moment when the two souls are so close that they become aware of the beauty and vastness of the world.
The seventh line of the poem reads, "Tender-eyed as ningirsu to his spouse." This line is a bit more difficult to interpret. Ningirsu was a Sumerian god of war and agriculture. The phrase "tender-eyed as ningirsu to his spouse" suggests a sense of tenderness and love. The poet is describing a moment when the two souls are so close that they become aware of the tenderness and love that exists between them.
The eighth line of the poem reads, "Close as the wet seed to the native air." This line is a metaphor for the intimacy between the two souls. The phrase "close as the wet seed" suggests a sense of intimacy and closeness, while "native air" suggests a sense of belonging and home. The poet is describing a moment when the two souls are so close that they become aware of the deep connection between them.
The ninth line of the poem reads, "Close as the wet seed to the native air." This line is a metaphor for the intimacy between the two souls. The phrase "close as the wet seed" suggests a sense of intimacy and closeness, while "native air" suggests a sense of belonging and home. The poet is describing a moment when the two souls are so close that they become aware of the deep connection between them.
The tenth and final line of the poem reads, "We, two, form a multitude." This line suggests a sense of unity and oneness. The phrase "we, two" emphasizes the importance of the connection between two people, while "form a multitude" suggests a sense of unity and oneness. The poet is describing a moment when the two souls are so close that they become aware of the deep connection between them and the world around them.
In conclusion, Sonnet 22 - When our two souls stand up erect and strong is a beautiful expression of love and the deep connection between two souls. The poem is full of metaphors and imagery that suggest a sense of intimacy, closeness, and unity. The poet is describing a moment when two souls come together and stand tall, united in their love and strength. This poem is a timeless expression of love and the power of human connection.
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