'Song On May Morning' by John Milton

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Now the bright morning Star, Dayes harbinger,
Comes dancing from the East, and leads with her
The Flowry May, who from her green lap throws
The yellow Cowslip, and the pale Primrose.
Hail bounteous May that dost inspire
Mirth and youth, and warm desire,
Woods and Groves, are of thy dressing,
Hill and Dale, doth boast thy blessing.
Thus we salute thee with our early Song,
And welcom thee, and wish thee long.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Song On May Morning by John Milton

Oh, how sweet and lovely is the month of May! And John Milton, one of the greatest poets in English literature, captures the beauty and joy of this month in his magnificent poem "Song On May Morning." This poem is an ode to nature, to spring, and to the renewal of life, and it is filled with vivid imagery, delicate language, and a deep sense of wonder and gratitude. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the meaning, themes, structure, and language of this classic poem, and we will try to uncover its secrets and its beauty.

The Meaning and Themes of "Song On May Morning"

At first glance, "Song On May Morning" seems to be a simple and joyful celebration of the arrival of spring, when "the jocund rebecks sound / To many a youth and many a maid, / Dancing in the chequered shade." The poem describes the natural beauty and abundance of the season, with its "green lap" and its "sweet-breathed" flowers, its "lavish" woods and "blooming" meadows. It also praises the "chirping" birds, the "humming" bees, and the "warbling" nightingale, which fill the air with music and joy.

However, as we delve deeper into the poem, we discover that there are deeper themes and meanings beneath the surface. One of the key themes of the poem is the idea of renewal and rebirth, which is symbolized by the arrival of spring and the awakening of nature. The poem suggests that just as the natural world is renewed and refreshed every spring, so too can human beings experience a sense of rejuvenation and rebirth in their own lives. This theme is suggested by the line "And every shepherd tells his tale / Under the hawthorn in the dale," which suggests a sense of storytelling and sharing, as well as a sense of community and connection.

Another important theme of the poem is the idea of harmony and balance in nature. The poem suggests that the natural world is a delicate and beautiful system, where everything is interconnected and interdependent. The birds, the bees, the flowers, the trees, and the humans all have their role to play in this system, and they all contribute to its beauty and its balance. This theme is suggested by the lines "The shepherds on the lawn / Or e'er the point of dawn / Sit simply chatting in a row; / Full little think they then / That the mighty Pan / Was kindly come to live with them below," which suggests a sense of simplicity, humility, and respect for the natural world.

Finally, the poem can be seen as an expression of Milton's own love and admiration for nature. Milton was a deeply religious and spiritual person, and he saw the natural world as a reflection of God's beauty and wisdom. The poem celebrates the richness and diversity of nature, and it suggests that by appreciating and enjoying this beauty, we can come closer to understanding the mysteries of the universe.

The Structure and Language of "Song On May Morning"

"Song On May Morning" is a short and simple poem, consisting of only eight quatrains (four-line stanzas) of iambic tetrameter. The rhyme scheme of the poem is ABAB, CDCD, EFEF, GHGH, which gives it a sense of musicality and symmetry. The poem is written in a lyrical and romantic style, which is typical of Milton's poetry, and it is filled with vivid and sensuous imagery, which helps to bring the natural world to life.

One of the key features of the poem is its use of personification, which is the attribution of human qualities to non-human things. The poem personifies nature as if it were a living, breathing being, with its own voice and personality. For example, in the line "And every shepherd tells his tale / Under the hawthorn in the dale," the hawthorn is given a sense of presence and agency, as if it were listening to the shepherds and participating in their conversation. This technique helps to create a sense of intimacy and connection between humans and nature, and it reinforces the theme of harmony and balance in the natural world.

Another important aspect of the poem is its use of alliteration and assonance, which are literary devices that involve the repetition of similar sounds or vowel sounds. "Song On May Morning" is filled with examples of alliteration and assonance, which help to create a sense of musicality and rhythm in the poem. For example, in the line "The shepherds on the lawn / Or e'er the point of dawn," the repeated "o" and "e" sounds create a sense of softness and gentleness, which reinforces the peaceful and tranquil mood of the poem.

Finally, one of the most striking features of the poem is its use of sensory detail, which is the use of descriptive language to evoke the senses of sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell. "Song On May Morning" is filled with examples of sensory detail, which help to make the natural world come alive for the reader. For example, in the line "And cuckoo-buds of yellow hue / Do paint the meadows with delight," the vivid and colorful language helps to create a sense of visual beauty and pleasure. In the line "And merrily, merrily, we welcome in the year," the repeated "m" sounds create a sense of joy and exuberance, which reinforces the celebratory mood of the poem.

Conclusion

"Song On May Morning" is a beautiful and timeless poem that captures the essence of spring and the renewal of life. Through its use of vivid imagery, delicate language, and musicality, the poem celebrates the beauty and harmony of nature, and it suggests that by appreciating and enjoying this beauty, we can come closer to understanding the mysteries of the universe. The poem is a testament to John Milton's love and admiration for nature, and it is a reminder to all of us to cherish and protect the natural world that surrounds us.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Song On May Morning: A Celebration of Spring and Renewal

John Milton's Song On May Morning is a classic poem that celebrates the arrival of spring and the renewal of life. Written in the 17th century, the poem captures the joy and excitement of the season, as well as the beauty of nature and the power of music.

The poem begins with a description of the dawn of May Day, a traditional holiday that marks the beginning of spring. The speaker describes the "jocund morn" and the "rosy-fingered hours" that bring "new joys to the world." The imagery here is vivid and evocative, painting a picture of a world that is bursting with life and energy.

As the poem continues, the speaker turns his attention to the natural world around him. He describes the "green earth" and the "flowery meads" that are "decked with daisies" and "violets blue." The imagery here is rich and detailed, capturing the beauty and diversity of the natural world.

But it is not just the beauty of nature that the speaker celebrates in this poem. He also celebrates the power of music to uplift the soul and bring joy to the heart. He describes the "sweet birds" that "warble forth their lively lays" and the "echoing hills" that "ring with their melodious sound." The music of nature is a powerful force, and the speaker revels in its beauty and power.

As the poem reaches its climax, the speaker turns his attention to the human world. He describes the "merry bells" that "ring round" and the "jocund rebecks" that "sound to many a youth and many a maid." The celebration of May Day is not just a celebration of nature, but also a celebration of human life and community.

Throughout the poem, the speaker uses a variety of poetic techniques to create a sense of joy and excitement. He uses vivid imagery, rich metaphors, and musical language to capture the beauty and energy of the season. He also uses repetition and alliteration to create a sense of rhythm and momentum, building to a climax that is both joyful and triumphant.

In many ways, Song On May Morning is a celebration of life itself. It celebrates the beauty and power of nature, the joy of music, and the vitality of human community. It is a poem that reminds us of the importance of living in harmony with the natural world, and of the power of art and music to uplift the soul and bring joy to the heart.

In conclusion, John Milton's Song On May Morning is a classic poem that celebrates the arrival of spring and the renewal of life. It is a poem that captures the beauty and energy of the season, as well as the power of music and the vitality of human community. It is a poem that reminds us of the importance of living in harmony with the natural world, and of the power of art and music to uplift the soul and bring joy to the heart.

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