'Assault' by Edna St. Vincent Millay
AI and Tech Aggregator
Download Mp3s Free
Tears of the Kingdom Roleplay
Best Free University Courses Online
TOTK Roleplay
I
I had forgotten how the frogs must sound
After a year of silence, else I think
I should not so have ventured forth alone
At dusk upon this unfrequented road.
II
I am waylaid by Beauty. Who will walk
Between me and the crying of the frogs?
Oh, savage Beauty, suffer me to pass,
That am a timid woman, on her way
From one house to another!
Editor 1 Interpretation
Assault by Edna St. Vincent Millay
Assault by Edna St. Vincent Millay is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the themes of power, control, and violence. The poem is written in free verse and contains vivid imagery and a haunting tone that lingers long after the reader has finished reading it. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will delve into the poem's meaning, symbolism, and significance.
Summary of Assault
Assault is a poem that describes a violent encounter between a man and a woman. The poem begins with the speaker describing the man's physical appearance and demeanor. He is portrayed as being strong and imposing, while the woman is portrayed as being small and vulnerable. The man approaches the woman with a look of "dreadful purpose" in his eyes, and despite her attempts to resist, he overpowers her and commits the assault. The poem ends with the speaker reflecting on the aftermath of the assault, and the lasting impact it has on the woman.
Analysis of Assault
Assault is a poem that explores the themes of power, control, and violence. One of the most striking aspects of the poem is the way in which it portrays the man as being powerful and the woman as being powerless. The man is described as being strong and imposing, while the woman is described as being small and vulnerable. This power dynamic is reinforced by the man's "dreadful purpose" and the woman's resistance, which ultimately proves futile. This portrayal of power and control is further underscored by the violent act itself, which the woman is powerless to stop.
Another key aspect of the poem is its use of vivid imagery. The poem is filled with powerful and evocative descriptions that paint a vivid picture of the assault. For example, the man is described as having a "face like a watchful stone," while the woman is described as being "white as a virgin." These descriptions serve to heighten the intensity of the poem and create a sense of unease and foreboding.
One of the most interesting aspects of the poem is the way in which it explores the aftermath of the assault. The poem ends with the speaker reflecting on the lasting impact that the assault has on the woman. The poem suggests that the assault has left her traumatized and scarred, both physically and emotionally. This is conveyed through the use of imagery and language that suggests a sense of loss and despair. For example, the woman is described as having "lost her light," while the speaker notes that "nothing sings in her ears."
Symbolism in Assault
Assault contains a number of symbols that add depth and complexity to the poem. One of the most significant symbols is the image of the man's "watchful stone" face. This symbolizes his power and control over the woman, as well as his emotional detachment and lack of empathy. Another important symbol is the woman's "lost light," which symbolizes her loss of innocence and the trauma she has experienced.
Significance of Assault
Assault is a poem that remains highly relevant today, as it speaks to the issue of sexual assault and violence against women. The poem is a powerful and poignant reminder of the devastating impact that such acts can have on their victims, both physically and emotionally. The poem also serves as a call to action, urging society to take a stand against violence and to support survivors of assault.
In conclusion, Assault by Edna St. Vincent Millay is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the themes of power, control, and violence. The poem is notable for its vivid imagery, haunting tone, and its exploration of the aftermath of violence. The poem remains highly relevant today, and serves as a powerful reminder of the devastating impact that violence can have on its victims.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Assault by Edna St. Vincent Millay: A Poem of Power and Resilience
Edna St. Vincent Millay, one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, was known for her bold and unapologetic voice. Her poem "Assault" is a prime example of her fearless approach to poetry, as she tackles the theme of sexual assault with raw honesty and emotional intensity. In this analysis, we will explore the poem's structure, language, and imagery to understand how Millay uses poetry as a tool for empowerment and resistance.
Structure
"Assault" is a sonnet, a traditional form of poetry that consists of 14 lines and a strict rhyme scheme. Millay's sonnet follows the Petrarchan rhyme scheme, with an ABBA ABBA octave and a CDE CDE sestet. The use of this form is significant because it gives the poem a sense of order and control, which contrasts with the chaotic and traumatic experience of assault. The rhyme scheme also creates a musicality that draws the reader in and makes the poem more memorable.
The poem is divided into two parts: the first eight lines describe the assault, while the last six lines express the speaker's defiance and determination to overcome it. This division reflects the duality of the speaker's experience, as she moves from victimhood to agency. The shift in tone and perspective is marked by the volta, or turn, at the ninth line, where the speaker declares, "But I will not be conquered." This line is a powerful assertion of her will and resistance, and sets the stage for the rest of the poem.
Language
Millay's language in "Assault" is direct and unflinching, as she describes the physical and emotional trauma of the assault. The first line sets the tone with its stark imagery: "I had forgotten how the frogs must sound / After a year of silence." The comparison of the sound of frogs to the sound of the assault is jarring and unsettling, and immediately draws the reader into the speaker's experience. The use of the word "forgotten" also suggests that the speaker has repressed the memory of the assault, and that it has resurfaced unexpectedly.
Throughout the poem, Millay uses vivid and visceral language to convey the speaker's pain and anger. She describes the assault as a "foul, unclean thing" and a "fierce, unutterable shame," emphasizing the violation and degradation of the experience. The use of the word "fierce" also suggests that the speaker is not passive or helpless, but rather actively resisting the assault.
In the second half of the poem, Millay's language shifts from despair to defiance. The speaker declares that she will not be "conquered" by the assault, and that she will "rise up" and "laugh the bitter laugh of pride." These phrases are powerful affirmations of the speaker's strength and resilience, and show that she refuses to be defined by the assault.
Imagery
Millay's use of imagery in "Assault" is both vivid and symbolic, as she creates a rich sensory experience that conveys the speaker's emotions and perspective. The image of the frogs in the first line is particularly striking, as it suggests a sense of isolation and disconnection from the natural world. The fact that the speaker has "forgotten" the sound of the frogs also implies a loss of memory or identity, as if the assault has erased a part of her.
The image of the "foul, unclean thing" is also powerful, as it suggests a contamination or pollution of the speaker's body and soul. The use of the word "thing" also dehumanizes the perpetrator, emphasizing the speaker's sense of violation and objectification.
In the second half of the poem, Millay uses the image of the "bitter laugh of pride" to convey the speaker's defiance and self-possession. The phrase suggests a sense of bitter irony, as if the speaker is laughing in the face of adversity and refusing to be defeated. The use of the word "pride" also suggests a sense of self-worth and dignity, as if the speaker is reclaiming her agency and refusing to be defined by the assault.
Conclusion
"Assault" is a powerful and moving poem that explores the theme of sexual assault with honesty and courage. Millay's use of structure, language, and imagery creates a vivid and memorable portrait of the speaker's experience, and shows how poetry can be a tool for empowerment and resistance. The poem's message of resilience and defiance is a testament to the human spirit, and a reminder that we can overcome even the most traumatic experiences with strength and determination.
Editor Recommended Sites
Crypto Trends - Upcoming rate of change trends across coins: Find changes in the crypto landscape across industryNetwork Simulation: Digital twin and cloud HPC computing to optimize for sales, performance, or a reduction in cost
NFT Collectible: Crypt digital collectibles
AI Books - Machine Learning Books & Generative AI Books: The latest machine learning techniques, tips and tricks. Learn machine learning & Learn generative AI
ML Education: Machine learning education tutorials. Free online courses for machine learning, large language model courses
Recommended Similar Analysis
The Coliseum by Edgar Allan Poe analysisA Clock Stopped -- Not The Mantel's by Emily Dickinson analysis
It 's no use by Sappho analysis
Sonnet 29 - I think of thee!-my thoughts do twine and bud by Elizabeth Barrett Browning analysis
On A Political Prisoner by William Butler Yeats analysis
Bavarian Gentians by D.H. Lawrence analysis
The Deserted Village, A Poem by Oliver Goldsmith analysis
Sonnet On Hearing The Dies Ira Sung In The Sistine Chapel by Oscar Wilde analysis
The Windhover by Gerard Manley Hopkins analysis
The last Night that She lived by Emily Dickinson analysis