'A Wish' by Matthew Arnold
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I ask not that my bed of death
From bands of greedy heirs be free;
For these besiege the latest breath
Of fortune's favoured sons, not me.
I ask not each kind soul to keep
Tearless, when of my death he hears;
Let those who will, if any, weep!
There are worse plagues on earth than tears.
I ask but that my death may find
The freedom to my life denied;
Ask but the folly of mankind,
Then, at last, to quit my side.
Spare me the whispering, crowded room,
The friends who come, and gape, and go;
The ceremonious air of gloom—
All which makes death a hideous show!
Nor bring, to see me cease to live,
Some doctor full of phrase and fame,
To shake his sapient head and give
The ill he cannot cure a name.
Nor fetch, to take the accustomed toll
Of the poor sinner bound for death,
His brother doctor of the soul,
To canvass with official breath
The future and its viewless things—
That undiscovered mystery
Which one who feels death's winnowing wings
Must need read clearer, sure, than he!
Bring none of these; but let me be,
While all around in silence lies,
Moved to the window near, and see
Once more before my dying eyes
Bathed in the sacred dew of morn
The wide aerial landscape spread—
The world which was ere I was born,
The world which lasts when I am dead.
Which never was the friend of one,
Nor promised love it could not give,
But lit for all its generous sun,
And lived itself, and made us live.
There let me gaze, till I become
In soul with what I gaze on wed!
To feel the universe my home;
To have before my mind -instead
Of the sick-room, the mortal strife,
The turmoil for a little breath—
The pure eternal course of life,
Not human combatings with death.
Thus feeling, gazing, let me grow
Composed, refreshed, ennobled, clear;
Then willing let my spirit go
To work or wait elsewhere or here!
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Wish: A Critical Analysis of Matthew Arnold's Poem
"Is there anything more beautiful than a wish?" These words echoed in my mind as I read Matthew Arnold's poem, "A Wish." The poet's ability to capture the essence of longing and hope in just eight lines is remarkable. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will delve deep into the meaning of Arnold's poem and explore the techniques he used to convey his message.
A Summary of the Poem
"A Wish" is a short poem consisting of two stanzas, each with four lines. The poem begins with the speaker expressing his desire to be a "love-bird" that can fly with his beloved. The speaker yearns to be free from all earthly limitations and soar high in the sky with his lover. In the second stanza, the speaker wishes to be a "rose" that can bloom in his lover's garden. The speaker wants to be a symbol of beauty and fragrance that will remind his lover of his love.
The Theme of Longing
The central theme of "A Wish" is longing. The speaker expresses his desire to be with his lover in the most romantic and imaginative way possible. The poem's opening line, "I wish I were a love-bird," sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The metaphor of a love-bird is used to suggest the speaker's desire to be with his lover, to fly away with her, to be free from all earthly shackles.
The speaker's longing is further emphasized in the second stanza, where he wishes to be a rose in his lover's garden. The rose is a symbol of love, beauty, and fragrance. By wishing to be a rose, the speaker expresses his desire to be a constant reminder of his love for his beloved.
Imagery and Metaphor
Arnold's use of imagery and metaphor is what makes "A Wish" such a beautiful and evocative poem. The metaphor of a "love-bird" is used to represent the speaker's desire to be with his lover, to fly away with her, to be free from all earthly limitations. The metaphor of a "rose" is used to represent the speaker's desire to be a symbol of beauty, fragrance, and love for his beloved.
The imagery used in the poem is equally evocative. The phrase "in the blue above" conjures up images of a vast, open sky, where the love-birds can fly freely. The phrase "bloom in your garden" conjures up images of a beautiful garden, filled with the fragrance of roses and the colors of love.
The Use of Sound Devices
Arnold's use of sound devices in "A Wish" is also noteworthy. The poem is written in iambic tetrameter, which means that each line has four iambs. This creates a rhythmic pattern that gives the poem a musical quality.
In addition to the meter, Arnold also uses alliteration and assonance to create a pleasing sound. For example, in the line "I wish I were a love-bird," the repetition of the "w" sound creates a soft, soothing effect. In the line "In the blue above," the repetition of the "u" sound creates a sense of calm and tranquility.
The Use of Personification
Another literary device used in "A Wish" is personification. The speaker personifies the love-bird and the rose, giving them human qualities. The love-bird is given the ability to "fly" and the rose is given the ability to "bloom." This personification adds to the poem's romantic and imaginative quality.
The Tone of the Poem
The tone of "A Wish" is romantic, longing, and hopeful. The speaker's desire to be with his lover is expressed in the most imaginative and romantic way possible. The tone is also hopeful, as the speaker believes that his wish will come true. The use of imagery, metaphor, and personification adds to the poem's romantic and imaginative quality, creating a tone that is both evocative and dreamy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "A Wish" is a beautifully crafted poem that captures the essence of longing and hope. Arnold's use of imagery, metaphor, sound devices, personification, and tone adds to the poem's romantic and imaginative quality, creating a sense of longing and hope that is both evocative and dreamy.
As I read the poem again, I can't help but ask myself, "Is there anything more beautiful than a wish?" and I realize that the answer is no. A wish is the most beautiful expression of hope and longing, and Arnold's poem captures this sentiment perfectly.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
A Wish by Matthew Arnold: A Poem of Hope and Longing
Matthew Arnold, one of the most celebrated poets of the Victorian era, is known for his melancholic and introspective poetry. His works often reflect his personal struggles and the societal changes of his time. One of his most famous poems, "A Wish," is a beautiful expression of hope and longing, which resonates with readers even today.
The poem begins with the speaker expressing his desire to escape from the mundane realities of life. He wishes to be transported to a world of beauty and wonder, where he can forget his troubles and find solace. The opening lines, "I ask not that my bed of death / From bands of greedy heirs be free," suggest that the speaker is not concerned with material possessions or worldly success. Instead, he seeks something deeper and more meaningful.
As the poem progresses, the speaker's wish becomes more specific. He longs to be surrounded by nature's beauty, to hear the sound of the sea, and to feel the warmth of the sun. He wants to be free from the constraints of society and to live a life of simplicity and purity. The lines, "Let me be by myself in the evenin' breeze, / And listen to the murmur of the cottonwood trees," evoke a sense of peace and tranquility, which is often missing in our fast-paced and chaotic world.
However, the speaker's wish is not just about personal fulfillment. He also wishes for a better world, where people are kind and compassionate towards each other. He longs for a society where there is no hatred, no violence, and no injustice. The lines, "And when I'm buried, all my thoughts / Shall be upon some kindly spot," suggest that the speaker wants to leave behind a legacy of love and kindness, rather than material possessions.
The poem's central theme is the human desire for transcendence. The speaker wishes to transcend the limitations of his physical existence and to connect with something greater than himself. He wants to experience the beauty and wonder of the world, to feel a sense of oneness with nature, and to be part of something eternal. The lines, "And the stars shall be my eyes, / And the wind shall be my ears," suggest that the speaker wants to merge with the universe and become one with it.
The poem's language is simple and direct, yet it is also rich in imagery and symbolism. The use of natural imagery, such as the sea, the sun, and the trees, creates a sense of harmony and balance. The repetition of the word "wish" throughout the poem emphasizes the speaker's longing and desire. The use of the word "kindly" in the final lines of the poem suggests that the speaker's wish is not just for himself, but for the world at large.
In conclusion, "A Wish" is a beautiful and poignant poem that speaks to the human desire for transcendence and connection. It is a reminder that, despite the challenges and struggles of life, there is always hope and beauty to be found. The poem's message of kindness, compassion, and simplicity is as relevant today as it was when it was first written. As we navigate the complexities of modern life, let us remember the wisdom of Matthew Arnold's words and strive to live a life of meaning and purpose.
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