'The Dole Of The King's Daughter' by Oscar Wilde
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(BRETON.)
SEVEN stars in the still water,
And seven in the sky;
Seven sins on the King's daughter,
Deep in her soul to lie.
Red roses are at her feet,
(Roses are red in her red-gold hair)
And O where her bosom and girdle meet
Red roses are hidden there.
Fair is the knight who lieth slain
Amid the rush and reed,10
See the lean fishes that are fain
Upon dead men to feed.
Sweet is the page that lieth there,
(Cloth of gold is goodly prey,)
See the black ravens in the air,
Black, O black as the night are they.
What do they there so stark and dead?
(There is blood upon her hand)
Why are the lilies flecked with red?
(There is blood on the river sand.)20
There are two that ride from the south and east,
And two from the north and west,
For the black raven a goodly feast,
For the King's daughter rest.
There is one man who loves her true,
(Red, O red, is the stain of gore!)
He hath duggen a grave by the darksome yew,
(One grave will do for four.)
No moon in the still heaven,
In the black water none,30
The sins on her soul are seven,
The sin upon his is one.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Dole Of The King's Daughter: A Masterpiece By Oscar Wilde
As a literary enthusiast, I cannot help but feel elated as I delve into Oscar Wilde's classic poem, The Dole of the King's Daughter. The poem, with its haunting beauty and profound meaning, is a masterpiece that has stood the test of time. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the themes, literary devices, and the cultural context of the poem, and explain why it is still relevant today.
Background Information
First published in 1887, The Dole of the King's Daughter is one of Oscar Wilde's lesser-known works. Wilde, a renowned playwright and novelist, was also a prolific poet, and this poem is one of his best. The poem was inspired by a medieval legend of a princess who gave away her dowry to the poor and suffered for it. Wilde adapted the legend to create a narrative of love, sacrifice, and redemption.
Theme and Meaning
The Dole of the King's Daughter is a poem that explores the theme of sacrificial love. The protagonist, the king's daughter, chooses to give away her wealth to the poor, despite the dire consequences she must face. The poem, therefore, explores the idea that true love requires sacrifice and that personal gain must sometimes be set aside for the greater good.
The poem also deals with the theme of redemption. The king's daughter suffers for her actions, but in the end, she is redeemed through her selfless act of love. Through her sacrifice, she finds forgiveness and restoration.
Literary Devices
Wilde's poem is full of literary devices that enhance its beauty and meaning. The poem is written in lyrical verse, with a rhyme scheme that creates a musical quality. The repetition of the phrase "I am weary of Love" adds to the hypnotic effect of the poem.
Another literary device used in the poem is imagery. Wilde creates vivid images of the king's daughter's suffering, such as when he describes her as "pale as the duskiest rose." The imagery is powerful, and it adds to the emotional impact of the poem.
Personification is also used in the poem, with the moon and the sun being given human characteristics. The moon is described as "a wan white girl" and the sun as a "blushing boy." This technique adds to the otherworldly quality of the poem.
Cultural Context
The Dole of the King's Daughter must be understood within its cultural context. The poem was written during the Victorian era, a time when society placed great importance on the virtues of self-sacrifice and duty. The Victorian era was also marked by a fascination with medieval legends and stories, which Wilde drew upon to create his poem.
The poem also touches on the themes of poverty and charity, which were prevalent issues in Victorian society. The idea of a wealthy princess giving away her fortune to the poor would have resonated with Victorian audiences who were conscious of the plight of the less fortunate.
Interpretation
The Dole of the King's Daughter is a poem that can be interpreted in many ways. On one level, it is a simple story of love and sacrifice. The king's daughter gives away her wealth to the poor, and in doing so, she suffers greatly. However, her sacrifice ultimately brings about her redemption and forgiveness.
On a deeper level, the poem can be seen as a commentary on Victorian society. Wilde uses the story of the king's daughter to critique the values of the time. The poem suggests that the pursuit of wealth and personal gain can lead to a life of emptiness and suffering. Instead, Wilde suggests that true fulfillment comes from selfless acts of love and charity.
The poem can also be seen as a critique of gender roles in Victorian society. The king's daughter is a strong, independent woman who defies societal expectations by giving away her wealth. Her actions are a challenge to the traditional idea of women as passive, domestic creatures.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Dole of the King's Daughter is a masterful poem that delves into themes of love, sacrifice, and redemption. Wilde's use of literary devices such as imagery, personification, and lyrical verse add to the emotional impact of the poem. The poem must be understood within its cultural context, as it critiques the values and gender roles of Victorian society. However, the poem's message of the power of selfless love and charity is still relevant today. The Dole of the King's Daughter is a timeless masterpiece that continues to resonate with readers of all ages.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Dole of the King's Daughter: A Masterpiece of Oscar Wilde
Oscar Wilde, the renowned Irish poet, playwright, and novelist, is known for his witty and satirical works that often criticize the Victorian society's norms and values. One of his most celebrated poems, "The Dole of the King's Daughter," is a perfect example of his exceptional poetic skills and his ability to convey complex emotions through simple yet powerful words.
The poem, first published in 1887, tells the story of a princess who is forced to give away her wealth and privilege to the poor and needy. The king, her father, orders her to distribute her dowry to the beggars and the destitute, leaving her with nothing but a beggar's cloak and a staff. The princess, who was once accustomed to a life of luxury and comfort, is now forced to live a life of poverty and hardship.
The poem's title, "The Dole of the King's Daughter," refers to the act of giving alms or charity to the poor. The word "dole" means a portion or share of something, usually given as charity. In this case, the princess is the one who is giving away her share, her dowry, to the less fortunate.
The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with a different tone and mood. The first stanza sets the scene and introduces the main character, the princess. It describes her as a beautiful and wealthy princess who is loved by all. However, her life takes a drastic turn when her father orders her to give away her wealth to the poor.
The second stanza is the most emotional and powerful part of the poem. It describes the princess's journey from her palace to the streets, where she distributes her dowry to the beggars and the destitute. The stanza is filled with vivid imagery and sensory details that bring the scene to life. The reader can almost feel the cold wind and the rough stones under the princess's feet as she walks through the streets.
The third and final stanza is the most philosophical and reflective part of the poem. It describes the princess's thoughts and feelings after she has given away all her wealth. She realizes that true happiness does not come from material possessions but from the act of giving and helping others. She also realizes that her own suffering and hardship have given her a deeper understanding of the struggles of the poor and the needy.
The poem's language is simple yet powerful, with a rhythmic and musical quality that adds to its beauty. Wilde's use of repetition, alliteration, and rhyme creates a sense of unity and coherence throughout the poem. For example, the repetition of the phrase "I am the daughter of a King" emphasizes the princess's royal status and her sense of duty towards her people.
The poem's themes are universal and timeless, making it relevant even today. It explores the themes of wealth and poverty, duty and sacrifice, and the true meaning of happiness. It also challenges the reader's perception of social class and the role of the privileged in society.
In conclusion, "The Dole of the King's Daughter" is a masterpiece of Oscar Wilde's poetic genius. It is a powerful and emotional poem that conveys complex ideas and emotions through simple yet beautiful language. Its themes and messages are still relevant today, making it a timeless piece of literature that will continue to inspire and move readers for generations to come.
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