'The Betrothal' by Edna St. Vincent Millay
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Oh, come, my lad, or go, my lad,
And love me if you like.
I shall not hear the door shut
Nor the knocker strike.
Oh, bring me gifts or beg me gifts,
And wed me if you will.
I'd make a man a good wife,
Sensible and still.
And why should I be cold, my lad,
And why should you repine,
Because I love a dark head
That never will be mine?
I might as well be easing you
As lie alone in bed
And waste the night in wanting
A cruel dark head.
You might as well be calling yours
What never will be his,
And one of us be happy.
There's few enough as is.
Submitted by Venus
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Betrothal: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Introduction
Edna St. Vincent Millay was an American poet and playwright who gained popularity during the early 20th century. She was known for her unconventional lifestyle and her feminist views, which were often reflected in her works. One of her notable poems is The Betrothal, which was first published in 1921. This poem is a beautiful and poignant piece that explores the complexities of love and commitment.
Summary
The Betrothal is a sonnet that follows the traditional structure of fourteen lines and iambic pentameter. The poem is divided into two parts: the octet, which presents the problem, and the sestet, which offers a resolution. The poem begins with the speaker expressing her doubts about her impending marriage. She wonders if her love for her betrothed is strong enough to sustain a lifetime commitment. She then goes on to describe her lover's flaws, which make her question his worthiness as a husband.
In the sestet, the speaker comes to a realization that true love is not about finding a perfect partner, but about accepting one's flaws and imperfections. She acknowledges that her betrothed may have his faults, but she loves him despite them. She then makes a vow to honor her commitment to him, even in the face of difficulties.
Analysis
The Betrothal is a poem that explores the theme of love and commitment. The speaker's doubts and fears about her impending marriage are relatable to many people who have experienced the same emotions before tying the knot. The use of the sonnet form adds a sense of urgency and intensity to the poem, as if the speaker is trying to make sense of her feelings before it's too late.
The octet presents the problem by highlighting the speaker's doubts and criticisms of her betrothed. The use of negative language such as "not worth" and "faults" reveals the speaker's pessimism towards her relationship. This part of the poem shows us how love can be complicated and how it's not always easy to see the good in someone when we are blinded by our doubts and fears.
In the sestet, the speaker comes to a realization that true love is about accepting one's flaws and imperfections. The use of positive language such as "love him still" and "honour solemnly" reveals the speaker's optimism towards her relationship. This part of the poem shows us how love can be transformative and how it can change the way we see ourselves and others.
The use of imagery in the poem is also noteworthy. The speaker uses the metaphor of a bird to describe her lover's flaws. She compares him to a bird with a broken wing that can no longer fly. This image conveys the idea that even though her lover may have his faults, he is still deserving of love and compassion. The use of the bird metaphor also adds a sense of vulnerability and fragility to the poem.
Interpretation
The Betrothal is a poem that can be interpreted in many ways. Some readers may see it as a celebration of love and commitment, while others may see it as a cautionary tale about the dangers of settling for less. The poem can also be seen as a reflection of the speaker's own fears and doubts about her upcoming marriage.
One interpretation of the poem is that it celebrates the transformative power of love. The speaker's doubts and criticisms of her betrothed are overcome by her realization that true love is about accepting one's flaws and imperfections. This interpretation suggests that love can change the way we see ourselves and others, and that it can help us grow and become better people.
Another interpretation of the poem is that it warns against settling for less in a relationship. The speaker's doubts and criticisms of her betrothed can be seen as a warning sign that she may not be happy in the long run. This interpretation suggests that it's important to listen to our doubts and fears when it comes to relationships, and to not settle for something that doesn't feel right.
Conclusion
The Betrothal is a beautiful and poignant poem that explores the complexities of love and commitment. The use of the sonnet form, imagery, and language all contribute to the poem's emotional impact. The poem offers a message of hope and optimism, while also acknowledging the difficulties and doubts that come with love. It is a timeless work that continues to resonate with readers today.
As I close this interpretation of the poem, I can't help but ask: What do you think of the poem? What emotions did it stir in you? Did you see your own experiences reflected in the speaker's doubts and fears? Whatever your interpretation may be, one thing is certain: The Betrothal is a classic poem that will continue to inspire and move readers for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Betrothal: A Masterpiece of Edna St. Vincent Millay
Edna St. Vincent Millay, a renowned American poet, is known for her exceptional poetry that explores themes of love, death, and nature. One of her most celebrated works is "The Betrothal," a poem that captures the essence of love and the complexities that come with it. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of this masterpiece and explore the various literary devices used by Millay to convey her message.
The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with a distinct tone and message. The first stanza sets the scene and introduces the characters, the speaker, and her lover. The speaker describes the setting as a "woodland path," which creates a sense of intimacy and privacy. The use of the word "woodland" also suggests a natural and organic environment, which is a recurring theme in Millay's poetry. The speaker then describes her lover as "a man I used to know," which implies that they have a history together. This line also suggests that the speaker is reminiscing about a past relationship, which adds a layer of nostalgia to the poem.
The second stanza is where the poem takes a dramatic turn. The speaker reveals that her lover is now engaged to another woman, and she is left heartbroken. The use of the word "betrothed" in the title of the poem is significant as it suggests a formal and binding agreement. The speaker's use of the word "betrothed" also implies that her lover's engagement is not just a casual relationship but a serious commitment. The speaker's reaction to this news is visceral, and she describes her heart as "a bird that beats its wings against the wind." This metaphor creates a sense of desperation and helplessness, as if the speaker is fighting a losing battle.
The third stanza is where the poem reaches its climax. The speaker confronts her lover and asks him to choose between her and his fiancée. The use of the word "choose" is significant as it implies that the lover cannot have both women in his life. The speaker's demand for a choice is also a sign of her strength and determination. She is not willing to be a second choice or a backup plan. The final lines of the poem are some of the most powerful and memorable. The speaker says, "I shall be the one you left behind, not she." This line is significant as it suggests that the speaker is willing to let go of her lover if he chooses his fiancée. She is not willing to be a consolation prize or a source of comfort for him.
The Betrothal is a poem that explores the complexities of love and relationships. Millay uses various literary devices to convey her message, including metaphors, imagery, and symbolism. The use of the woodland path creates a sense of intimacy and privacy, while the metaphor of the bird beating its wings against the wind conveys the speaker's desperation and helplessness. The use of the word "betrothed" in the title of the poem is significant as it suggests a formal and binding agreement, while the demand for a choice is a sign of the speaker's strength and determination.
In conclusion, The Betrothal is a masterpiece of Edna St. Vincent Millay that captures the essence of love and the complexities that come with it. The poem is a testament to Millay's exceptional talent as a poet and her ability to convey complex emotions through her writing. The Betrothal is a timeless piece of literature that continues to resonate with readers today, and it is a testament to the enduring power of poetry.
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