'Serenade' by Oscar Wilde


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(FOR MUSIC.)

THE western wind is blowing fair
Across the dark Ægean sea,
And at the secret marble stair
My Tyrian galley waits for thee.
Come down! the purple sail is spread,
The watchman sleeps within the town,
O leave thy lily-flowered bed,
O Lady mine come down, come down!

She will not come, I know her well,
Of lover's vows she hath no care,10
And little good a man can tell
Of one so cruel and so fair.
True love is but a woman's toy,
They never know the lover's pain,
And I who loved as loves a boy
Must love in vain, must love in vain.

O noble pilot tell me true
Is that the sheen of golden hair?
Or is it but the tangled dew
That binds the passion-flowers there?20
Good sailor come and tell me now
Is that my Lady's lily hand?
Or is it but the gleaming prow,
Or is it but the silver sand?

No! no! 'tis not the tangled dew,
'Tis not the silver-fretted sand,
It is my own dear Lady true
With golden hair and lily hand!
O noble pilot steer for Troy,
Good sailor ply the labouring oar,30
This is the Queen of life and joy
Whom we must bear from Grecian shore!

The waning sky grows faint and blue,
It wants an hour still of day,
Aboard! aboard! my gallant crew,
O Lady mine away! away!
O noble pilot steer for Troy,
Good sailor ply the labouring oar,
O loved as only loves a boy!
O loved for ever evermore!40


Editor 1 Interpretation

Serenade by Oscar Wilde: A Literary Masterpiece

When we hear the name Oscar Wilde, most of us think of his famous play "The Importance of Being Earnest" or his scandalous personal life. However, Wilde was also a prolific poet, and his work "Serenade" deserves more recognition than it currently receives.

At first glance, "Serenade" appears to be a simple love poem. The speaker addresses his beloved, telling her that he will "sing to you the song of love," and describing the beauty of the night sky. However, upon closer examination, the poem reveals itself to be much more complex, and it is this complexity that makes it a literary masterpiece.

The poem begins with the speaker addressing his beloved in the second person, using the word "you" repeatedly. This creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy, as if the speaker is speaking directly to us. However, as the poem progresses, the speaker's language becomes more abstract and symbolic. He describes the stars as "white lilies," and the moon as a "silver horn." These images are beautiful, but they are also somewhat surreal and dreamlike. The poem takes on a mystical quality, as if the speaker is describing a vision or a dream rather than reality.

One of the most interesting aspects of the poem is the way in which it uses sound. The speaker promises to "sing" to his beloved, and the poem is full of musical language. The stars are described as "twinkling," the moon as a "silver horn," and the night as "musical." The poem itself is a kind of serenade, and it is easy to imagine it being set to music. This use of sound creates a sense of harmony and unity, as if the natural world is singing a song of love.

However, there is also a sense of sadness and longing in the poem. The speaker tells his beloved that he will "sing to you the song of love," but he also says that he will "sing to you the song of grief." This suggests that love and grief are intertwined, and that the speaker's love for his beloved is tinged with sadness. The moon, too, is a symbol of melancholy, and the poem acknowledges the bittersweet nature of love.

Despite the sadness in the poem, there is also a sense of joy and beauty. The speaker describes the stars and the moon as beautiful and magical, and his love for his beloved shines through in every line. The poem celebrates the beauty of the natural world and the power of love, even in the face of sadness and loss.

Overall, "Serenade" is a beautiful and complex poem that rewards careful reading and analysis. Its use of language, sound, and symbolism creates a sense of mystery and magic, and its themes of love, grief, and beauty make it a timeless work of literature. Oscar Wilde may be better known for his plays and his personal life, but "Serenade" proves that he was also a master of poetry. It is a work that deserves to be celebrated and appreciated for years to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Oscar Wilde's Poetry Serenade is a classic piece of literature that has stood the test of time. It is a beautiful and romantic poem that captures the essence of love and the power of music. In this analysis, we will delve into the themes, structure, and language of the poem to understand its significance and impact.

The poem is structured in three stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, which creates a musical and rhythmic flow to the poem. The use of repetition, alliteration, and assonance adds to the musicality of the poem. The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, with the speaker addressing his lover and expressing his desire to serenade her with music. The second stanza describes the beauty of the night and the power of music to evoke emotions. The final stanza concludes with the speaker's declaration of love and his desire to be with his lover forever.

The poem's central theme is love and the power of music to express and evoke emotions. The speaker's desire to serenade his lover with music is a metaphor for his love for her. Music is a powerful tool that can express emotions that words cannot. The speaker recognizes this and uses music to express his love for his lover. The night is also a metaphor for the beauty and mystery of love. The speaker describes the night as "mystic" and "enchanted," which adds to the romantic and magical atmosphere of the poem.

The language used in the poem is rich and evocative. The use of metaphors and imagery creates a vivid picture in the reader's mind. The speaker describes the night as "mystic" and "enchanted," which creates a sense of mystery and magic. The use of alliteration in "silver stars" and "softly sighs" adds to the musicality of the poem. The repetition of "serenade" in the first stanza emphasizes the speaker's desire to express his love through music. The use of the word "forever" in the final stanza emphasizes the speaker's commitment to his lover and his desire to be with her always.

The poem's impact lies in its ability to evoke emotions in the reader. The romantic and musical atmosphere of the poem creates a sense of longing and desire. The use of metaphors and imagery creates a vivid picture in the reader's mind, which adds to the emotional impact of the poem. The poem's message is timeless and universal, as it speaks to the power of love and the ability of music to express and evoke emotions.

In conclusion, Oscar Wilde's Poetry Serenade is a classic piece of literature that captures the essence of love and the power of music. The poem's structure, language, and themes create a romantic and musical atmosphere that evokes emotions in the reader. The poem's message is timeless and universal, as it speaks to the power of love and the ability of music to express and evoke emotions. It is a beautiful and romantic poem that has stood the test of time and will continue to do so for generations to come.

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