'Magdalen Walks' by Oscar Wilde
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THE little white clouds are racing over the sky,
And the fields are strewn with the gold of the flower of March,
The daffodil breaks under foot, and the tasselled larch
Sways and swings as the thrush goes hurrying by.
A delicate odour is borne on the wings of the morning breeze,
The odour of leaves, and of grass, and of newly up-turned earth,
The birds are singing for joy of the Spring's glad birth,
Hopping from branch to branch on the rocking trees.
And all the woods are alive with the murmur and sound of Spring,
And the rosebud breaks into pink on the climbing briar,10
And the crocus-bed is a quivering moon of fire
Girdled round with the belt of an amethyst ring.
And the plane to the pine-tree is whispering some tale of love
Till it rustles with laughter and tosses its mantle of green,
And the gloom of the wych-elm's hollow is lit with the iris sheen
Of the burnished rainbow throat and the silver breast of a dove.
See! the lark starts up from his bed in the meadow there,
Breaking the gossamer threads and the nets of dew,
And flashing a-down the river, a flame of blue!
The kingfisher flies like an arrow, and wounds the air.20
Editor 1 Interpretation
Oscar Wilde's Magdalen Walks: A Literary Masterpiece
Oscar Wilde, the celebrated Irish poet, playwright and novelist, is renowned for his witty and satirical works that often mask a deeper philosophical and moral message. One such poem is "Magdalen Walks," which presents a vivid picture of the titular character, Mary Magdalen, walking through the misty fields of Provence and reflecting on her past sins and her newfound redemption.
At first glance, "Magdalen Walks" appears to be a simple and straightforward poem, with its concise language, clear imagery and regular metre. However, a closer analysis reveals that it is a complex and multilayered work, full of symbolism, allusion and irony, that challenges our perceptions of sin, forgiveness, love and faith. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore some of the key themes, motifs and techniques used by Wilde in the poem, and try to uncover its deeper meanings and implications.
Sin, guilt and redemption
The central theme of "Magdalen Walks" is the spiritual journey of Mary Magdalen, a notorious sinner who is now seeking salvation through her devotion to Jesus Christ. As she walks through the fields, she is haunted by the memories of her past sins, which she describes in vivid and shocking detail:
I had wooed thee with my sword,
And won thee with my lying tongue,
And lo! in bitter pride of wrong,
And hopeless anguish, and desire,
I die, but to my death belong
The passion of my soul's great fire.
These lines reveal a complex and conflicted character, who is both proud of her seductive powers and tormented by her sense of guilt and shame. She sees herself as a fallen woman who has betrayed her own body and soul, and who can only find redemption through the love and forgiveness of Jesus. This religious theme is reinforced by the repeated use of the phrase "His feet," which refers to the image of Mary washing Jesus' feet with her tears and drying them with her hair, as described in the Bible (Luke 7:36-50). This act of humility and devotion is seen as a symbol of Mary's repentance and faith, and a model for all Christians to follow.
However, the poem also raises some challenging questions about the nature of sin, guilt and redemption. Is it possible to atone for one's sins by simply confessing them and seeking forgiveness from a divine figure? Or do we need to take active steps to repair the harm we have done to ourselves and others, and to make amends for our past mistakes? Does the Christian idea of "original sin" imply that we are all born tainted and guilty, or can we choose to live a virtuous and righteous life of our own free will? These are complex and controversial issues that have puzzled theologians, philosophers and poets for centuries, and Wilde's poem offers no easy answers. Instead, it invites us to ponder them and to explore our own beliefs and values.
Nature, beauty and melancholy
Another key theme of "Magdalen Walks" is the contrast between the beauty of nature and the melancholy of the human condition. The poem is full of vivid descriptions of the Provencal landscape, with its misty fields, wildflowers, and singing birds. This pastoral imagery creates a sense of tranquillity and harmony, and contrasts sharply with the turmoil and despair of Mary's inner world. She feels like a stranger in this idyllic setting, a "pilgrim of a sorrowful face," who is seeking solace and consolation in the embrace of nature and God.
This contrast between nature and human emotion is further emphasized by the use of the pathetic fallacy, a literary device that attributes human emotions and qualities to non-human objects or phenomena. For example, the mist is described as "sighing," the flowers as "weeping," and the birds as "mourning." This creates a sense of empathy and sympathy between the natural world and the human condition, and invites us to see ourselves as part of a larger, interconnected reality.
At the same time, the poem also reflects Wilde's own aesthetic sensibility, which values beauty and artifice over realism and utilitarianism. He sees nature as a source of inspiration and pleasure, a realm of pure aesthetics that can elevate the human spirit and transcend the limitations of mundane existence. Mary's walk is not just a physical journey, but also a mental and emotional one, a quest for beauty and meaning in a world that is often cruel and unfair. As she observes the "fields of amaranthine hue," she is reminded of the transient nature of human life, and of the need to appreciate every moment of joy and wonder.
Irony, satire and social criticism
One of the most striking features of "Magdalen Walks" is its use of irony, satire and social criticism. Although the poem is ostensibly a religious meditation on sin and redemption, it also contains subtle and subversive hints at the hypocrisy and corruption of the Catholic Church and the Victorian society. For example, the description of Mary as a "saint" and a "virgin" is ironic, given her reputation as a prostitute and a fallen woman. It also highlights the double standards and moralistic attitudes of the Church, which often condemn women for their sexual desires and pleasures, while ignoring or excusing the sins of men.
Similarly, the image of Mary walking "among the pines" can be read as a critique of the narrow and repressive gender roles that were imposed on women in the Victorian era. The pines are often seen as a phallic symbol, and Mary's presence among them can be interpreted as a subversive act of defiance and liberation. She is reclaiming her sexuality and her agency, and refusing to be defined by the patriarchal norms of her time.
Finally, the poem can also be seen as a criticism of the dominant religious and moral discourse of the Victorian era, which emphasized sin, guilt and punishment, and often neglected the positive aspects of human nature and the joys of life. Wilde was a notorious critic of Victorian morality, which he saw as hypocritical, oppressive and aesthetically barren. His works often challenge the conventional ideas of good and evil, pleasure and pain, and invite us to rethink our own moral and ethical values.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Oscar Wilde's "Magdalen Walks" is a masterpiece of Victorian poetry, which combines religious, aesthetic and social themes in a complex and nuanced way. It presents a vivid and poignant picture of a repentant sinner who is seeking redemption and salvation through nature and faith, while also raising challenging questions about sin, guilt, beauty and morality. It is a work that invites us to reflect on our own beliefs and values, and to appreciate the richness and diversity of human experience.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry is a form of art that has the power to evoke emotions, stir the soul, and transport the reader to a different world. Oscar Wilde's "Magdalen Walks" is a classic example of how poetry can capture the beauty of nature and the complexities of human emotions.
The poem is set in the idyllic surroundings of Magdalen College, Oxford, where Wilde himself studied. The speaker takes us on a journey through the college grounds, describing the natural beauty that surrounds him. He paints a vivid picture of the "willow-weed" and the "river's brim," and the "silver willows" that "dip their fingers in the water chill."
The poem's opening lines set the tone for what is to come. The speaker is in a reflective mood, and the reader can sense a certain melancholy in his words. He speaks of the "sadness of the willow," and how it "shakes its head and sighs." The willow is a symbol of sorrow and mourning, and the speaker's use of this imagery suggests that he is in a contemplative mood.
As the speaker walks through the college grounds, he encounters a group of young men playing cricket. He describes them as "lithe-limbed" and "graceful," and the reader can sense his admiration for their youthful energy. However, the speaker's mood quickly changes when he sees a young woman walking alone. He describes her as "pale as any wan white rose," and the reader can sense his concern for her.
The speaker's concern for the young woman is palpable, and he describes her as being "lost in thought." He wonders what could be troubling her, and his empathy for her is evident in his words. He speaks of the "sadness of her eyes," and how they "seem to say with mournful look, 'Ah, me! I am but a maiden poor and weak.'"
The speaker's empathy for the young woman is a recurring theme throughout the poem. He sees her as a symbol of vulnerability and innocence, and his concern for her is a reflection of his own sensitivity. He speaks of the "tender grace" of her movements, and how she "seems to float upon the air." The reader can sense the speaker's admiration for her, and his desire to protect her from the harsh realities of the world.
As the poem progresses, the speaker's mood becomes increasingly somber. He speaks of the "sadness of the world," and how it "weighs upon the heart." He describes the "sorrow of the wind," and how it "sighs through the trees." The speaker's use of imagery is powerful, and the reader can sense his despair at the state of the world.
However, the poem ends on a note of hope. The speaker sees the young woman again, and this time she is accompanied by a young man. He describes them as being "happy and content," and the reader can sense his relief at seeing her in the company of someone who cares for her. The poem ends with the speaker reflecting on the beauty of the natural world, and how it can provide solace in times of sorrow.
In conclusion, Oscar Wilde's "Magdalen Walks" is a powerful poem that captures the beauty of nature and the complexities of human emotions. The speaker's empathy for the young woman is a recurring theme throughout the poem, and his concern for her is a reflection of his own sensitivity. The poem's use of imagery is powerful, and the reader can sense the speaker's despair at the state of the world. However, the poem ends on a note of hope, and the reader is left with a sense of the beauty and resilience of the natural world.
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