'When Lovely Woman Stoops To Folly' by Oliver Goldsmith
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When lovely woman stoops to folly,
And finds too late that men betray,
What charm can soothe her melancholy,
What art can wash her guilt away?
The only art her guilt to cover,
To hide her shame from every eye,
To give repentance to her lover,
And wring his bosom, is—to die.
Editor 1 Interpretation
When Lovely Woman Stoops To Folly: A Literary Criticism
Oh, what a lovely poem we have here! When Lovely Woman Stoops To Folly written by Oliver Goldsmith is a masterpiece of a poem that grapples with the complex themes of gender stereotypes, societal expectations, and the consequences of giving in to temptation. This 18th-century poem may seem old-fashioned, but its message is timeless and still relevant today. In this literary criticism, we will explore the various literary devices used in the poem and interpret the deeper meanings behind them.
Historical Context
Before we dive into the poem itself, let's first look at the historical context in which it was written. In the 18th century, women were seen as inferior to men and were expected to behave in a certain way. They were supposed to be chaste, obedient, and virtuous, and any deviation from these expectations was seen as a sin. This societal pressure often led to women suppressing their desires and conforming to what was expected of them. When Lovely Woman Stoops To Folly is a commentary on this societal pressure and the consequences of giving in to temptation.
Literary Devices
When Lovely Woman Stoops To Folly is a poem that is rich in literary devices. One of the most prominent devices used in the poem is personification. The poem personifies Folly as a woman, which makes her seem more real and tangible. By personifying Folly, Goldsmith is able to convey the idea that temptation can take on a life of its own and become a force to be reckoned with.
Another literary device used in the poem is imagery. Goldsmith uses vivid and descriptive imagery to create a picture in the reader's mind. For example, in the first stanza, he describes Folly as a "painted Jezabel" and a "smiling ruin." These descriptions create a clear mental image of Folly as a seductive and destructive force. The use of imagery is effective in conveying the message of the poem and making it more memorable for the reader.
The poem also makes use of alliteration and rhyme. The use of alliteration, such as in the line "painted Jezabel is seen," creates a musical quality to the poem and makes it more pleasing to the ear. The use of rhyme, such as in the lines "she brings, to tempt, to ruin, and to bless," creates a sense of rhythm and cohesion to the poem.
Interpretation
Now that we have looked at the literary devices used in the poem, let's interpret the deeper meanings behind them. When Lovely Woman Stoops To Folly is a cautionary tale that warns against the consequences of giving in to temptation. The poem portrays Folly as a seductive and alluring force that can lead a woman astray. The woman in the poem is portrayed as innocent and virtuous, but she is ultimately swayed by Folly's charms.
The poem suggests that women are not inherently sinful, but rather they are pressured by societal expectations to conform to a certain standard. The woman in the poem is described as "lovely," which suggests that she is someone to be admired and respected. However, when she gives in to temptation, she becomes a victim of her own desires and is ultimately ruined.
The use of personification in the poem also serves to highlight the idea that temptation can take on a life of its own. Folly is described as a "smiling ruin," which suggests that she is not just a concept, but rather a real and tangible force. This idea is reinforced by the vivid imagery used in the poem, which creates a clear picture of Folly as a seductive and dangerous woman.
The poem also suggests that there is a price to pay for giving in to temptation. The woman in the poem is ultimately ruined and left "despised and old." This suggests that the consequences of giving in to temptation are not just physical, but also emotional and psychological. The woman is left with nothing but regret and shame for her actions.
Conclusion
When Lovely Woman Stoops To Folly is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the complex themes of gender stereotypes, societal expectations, and the consequences of giving in to temptation. The use of literary devices such as personification, imagery, alliteration, and rhyme serve to convey the message of the poem and make it memorable for the reader. The poem encourages us to resist temptation and stay true to our values and beliefs, even in the face of societal pressure. It is a timeless poem that still resonates with readers today, and it serves as a reminder of the dangers of giving in to our desires.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
When Lovely Woman Stoops To Folly: A Masterpiece of Satirical Poetry
Oliver Goldsmith's "When Lovely Woman Stoops To Folly" is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a masterpiece of satirical poetry that has been enjoyed by generations of readers. The poem is a commentary on the follies of women who are vain, shallow, and obsessed with their appearance. Goldsmith's use of satire is masterful, and his message is still relevant today.
The poem is written in heroic couplets, which is a form of poetry that was popular in the 18th century. Heroic couplets consist of two rhyming lines of iambic pentameter. Goldsmith's use of this form gives the poem a sense of elegance and sophistication. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which explores a different aspect of the folly of women.
The first stanza of the poem is a commentary on the vanity of women. Goldsmith writes, "When lovely woman stoops to folly / And finds too late that men betray." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem. Goldsmith is suggesting that women who are vain and shallow are more likely to be betrayed by men. He goes on to say, "What charm can soothe her melancholy? / What art can wash her guilt away?" Goldsmith is suggesting that once a woman has fallen into the trap of vanity, there is no way to undo the damage.
The second stanza of the poem is a commentary on the obsession that women have with their appearance. Goldsmith writes, "The only art her guilt to cover, / To hide her shame from every eye, / To give repentance to her lover, / And wring his bosom, is to die." Goldsmith is suggesting that women who are obsessed with their appearance will do anything to cover up their guilt. They will even go so far as to die to make their lover feel guilty for betraying them.
The third stanza of the poem is a commentary on the shallowness of women. Goldsmith writes, "But beauty, like the fair flower, / That withers as soon as 'tis blown, / Decays in its first fleeting hour, / Unless by careful hands it's sown." Goldsmith is suggesting that beauty is fleeting and that women who are shallow will not be able to maintain their beauty for long. He is also suggesting that women who are shallow will not be able to maintain their relationships for long.
Goldsmith's use of satire in this poem is masterful. He is able to convey a serious message about the folly of women in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The poem is still relevant today because the issues that Goldsmith is addressing are still present in our society. Women are still obsessed with their appearance, and they are still falling into the trap of vanity.
In conclusion, "When Lovely Woman Stoops To Folly" is a masterpiece of satirical poetry that has stood the test of time. Goldsmith's use of heroic couplets gives the poem a sense of elegance and sophistication. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which explores a different aspect of the folly of women. Goldsmith's use of satire is masterful, and his message is still relevant today. The poem is a commentary on the vanity, obsession, and shallowness of women, and it is a warning to women to avoid these pitfalls.
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