'To Be In Love' by Gwendolyn Brooks
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To be in love
Is to touch with a lighter hand.
In yourself you stretch, you are well.
You look at things
Through his eyes.
A cardinal is red.
A sky is blue.
Suddenly you know he knows too.
He is not there but
You know you are tasting together
The winter, or a light spring weather.
His hand to take your hand is overmuch.
Too much to bear.
You cannot look in his eyes
Because your pulse must not say
What must not be said.
When he
Shuts a door-
Is not there_
Your arms are water.
And you are free
With a ghastly freedom.
You are the beautiful half
Of a golden hurt.
You remember and covet his mouth
To touch, to whisper on.
Oh when to declare
Is certain Death!
Oh when to apprize
Is to mesmerize,
To see fall down, the Column of Gold,
Into the commonest ash.
Anonymous submission.
Editor 1 Interpretation
To Be In Love: A Masterpiece of Literary Expression
When it comes to the art of poetry, very few poets can match the brilliance and mastery of Gwendolyn Brooks. Her poem, "To Be In Love," is a testament to her genius and a shining example of what poetry can achieve. In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in this poem to uncover its deeper meaning and significance.
Background Information
Before we delve into the poem, it is important to understand a little bit about the poet and the context in which she wrote this piece. Gwendolyn Brooks was born in Topeka, Kansas in 1917 and grew up in Chicago. She was the first African American woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1950. Her work often explores the experiences of black people in America, tackling issues of identity, race, and social justice.
"To Be In Love" was first published in 1960 in Brooks' collection of poems titled "The Bean Eaters." The poem is written in free verse, with no set rhyme or meter, and is composed of seven stanzas.
Themes
At its core, "To Be In Love" is a poem about the complexities of love and its impact on our lives. The poem explores both the beauty and the pain of love, as well as the way it can transform us and shape our identities.
One of the main themes of the poem is the idea of love as a transformative force. Brooks writes, "love is a kind of grief. / Love is a kind of battle." Here, she suggests that love is not always easy or pleasant, but is instead a struggle that can change us in profound ways. Love has the power to break us down and rebuild us anew, transforming us into something different than we were before.
Another theme of the poem is the idea of love as a source of both joy and pain. Brooks writes, "love hurts. / Love is sharp and sour." She acknowledges that love can be painful and difficult, but also recognizes the joy and fulfillment it can bring. Love is a complex emotion that can elicit a wide range of feelings, from happiness to heartache.
Finally, the poem touches on the theme of identity and the role that love can play in shaping who we are. Brooks writes, "I am yours, / yours, / woman-child." Here, she suggests that love can be a defining factor in our lives, shaping our sense of self and our place in the world.
Imagery
One of the most striking aspects of "To Be In Love" is the vivid and evocative imagery used throughout the poem. Brooks uses a range of sensory details to bring the emotions and experiences of love to life, creating a rich and immersive world for the reader.
One of the most powerful images in the poem is the metaphor of love as a battle. Brooks writes, "Love is a kind of battle, / Love is a kind of war; / Love is a siege." This metaphor creates a sense of intensity and struggle, conveying the idea that love can be a difficult and challenging experience.
Another powerful image in the poem is the metaphor of love as a flower. Brooks writes, "Love is a naked shadow, / On a gnarled and naked tree." This image suggests the fragility and ephemeral nature of love, as well as its beauty and potential for growth.
Finally, the poem is filled with sensory details that help to create a vivid and immersive world. Brooks writes about the smell of flowers, the feel of skin, and the taste of tears, creating a sensory experience that allows the reader to fully immerse themselves in the emotions and experiences of love.
Language
The language used in "To Be In Love" is both beautiful and complex. Brooks uses a range of poetic devices to create a rich and layered work that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant.
One of the most striking aspects of the language in the poem is the repetition of certain phrases and words. Brooks repeats the phrase "to be in love" multiple times throughout the poem, creating a sense of emphasis and importance. She also repeats the words "love" and "yours," creating a sense of intimacy and connection between the speaker and the object of their affection.
Another notable aspect of the language in the poem is the use of metaphor and imagery. Brooks uses a range of metaphors to describe love, from the battle metaphor mentioned earlier to the metaphor of love as a flower. These metaphors help to create a vivid and evocative world, allowing the reader to fully understand and experience the emotions and experiences of the speaker.
Finally, the language in the poem is deeply emotional and passionate. Brooks writes, "I am yours, / yours, / woman-child." This passionate declaration of love creates a powerful sense of connection and intimacy, conveying the intensity of the speaker's feelings.
Interpretation
So, what does "To Be In Love" mean? At its core, the poem is a meditation on the complexity and transformative power of love. Brooks explores the way that love can be both beautiful and painful, and the way that it can shape our identities and our sense of self.
One interpretation of the poem is that it is a celebration of the transformative power of love. The speaker acknowledges the pain and difficulty of love, but ultimately suggests that it is worth it for the transformative power it can bring. Love has the ability to break down our barriers and transform us into something greater than we were before.
Another interpretation of the poem is that it is a warning against the dangers of love. The speaker acknowledges the pain and difficulty of love, and suggests that it can be a kind of war. Love can be dangerous and destructive, and should be approached with caution.
Ultimately, the poem is open to a variety of interpretations, and its meaning will vary depending on the reader's own experiences and perspectives. What is clear, however, is that "To Be In Love" is a masterpiece of literary expression, a work of art that explores the complexities of the human experience with depth, intelligence, and beauty.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "To Be In Love" is a shining example of what poetry can achieve. Through its vivid imagery, complex language, and powerful themes, the poem captures the complexity and transformative power of love in a way that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. Gwendolyn Brooks was a true master of her craft, and this poem is a testament to her genius.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
To Be In Love: A Poem of Passion and Pain
Gwendolyn Brooks, one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, wrote a poem that captures the essence of love in all its glory and agony. "To Be In Love" is a masterpiece that explores the complexities of human emotions and the power of love to transform our lives. In this analysis, we will delve deep into the meaning and symbolism of this classic poem and uncover the hidden messages that Brooks has woven into her words.
The poem begins with a simple statement: "To be in love / Is to touch with a lighter hand." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it suggests that love is a delicate and tender thing that requires a gentle touch. The use of the word "lighter" implies that love is not something that can be grasped or held tightly, but rather something that must be approached with care and sensitivity.
Brooks goes on to describe the physical sensations of being in love, using vivid imagery to convey the intensity of the experience. She writes, "In yourself you stretch, you are well." This line suggests that love has a transformative effect on the self, causing us to expand and grow in ways we never thought possible. The use of the word "well" implies that love brings a sense of wholeness and completeness to our lives.
However, Brooks also acknowledges the darker side of love, the pain and heartbreak that often accompany it. She writes, "You bleed / A little, and you laugh / A little, and you cry / A little, and you sigh / A little, and you know / You must die a little." These lines suggest that love is not always a happy experience, but rather one that involves a range of emotions, including sadness, grief, and even a sense of mortality. The use of the word "die" implies that love can be a kind of death, as it forces us to confront our own mortality and the impermanence of all things.
Brooks also explores the theme of power in relationships, suggesting that love can be both empowering and disempowering. She writes, "You want to be held / And you want to be freed." These lines suggest that love can be both a source of comfort and a source of constraint, as it can both bind us to another person and set us free. The use of the word "held" implies a sense of security and protection, while the word "freed" suggests a desire for independence and autonomy.
Throughout the poem, Brooks uses a variety of literary devices to convey her message, including metaphor, imagery, and repetition. For example, she uses the metaphor of a bird to describe the experience of being in love, writing, "To be in love / Is to fly / Towards a secret sky." This metaphor suggests that love is a kind of flight, a soaring and exhilarating experience that takes us to new heights. The use of the word "secret" implies that love is a mysterious and elusive thing that cannot be fully understood or explained.
Brooks also uses repetition to create a sense of rhythm and momentum in the poem. For example, she repeats the phrase "a little" several times throughout the poem, emphasizing the idea that love is a complex and multifaceted experience that involves a range of emotions. She also repeats the phrase "to be in love" several times, creating a sense of unity and coherence in the poem.
In conclusion, "To Be In Love" is a powerful and evocative poem that captures the essence of love in all its beauty and pain. Through her use of vivid imagery, metaphor, and repetition, Brooks creates a rich and complex portrait of love that is both universal and deeply personal. Whether we are in the throes of passion or nursing a broken heart, this poem reminds us that love is a force to be reckoned with, a transformative experience that can change our lives forever.
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