'Urbs Sacra Æterna' by Oscar Wilde
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ROME! what a scroll of History thine has been
In the first days thy sword republican
Ruled the whole world for many an age's span:
Then of thy peoples thou wert crownèd Queen,
Till in thy streets the bearded Goth was seen;
And now upon thy walls the breezes fan
(Ah, city crowned by God, discrowned by man!)
The hated flag of red and white and green.
When was thy glory! when in search for power
Thine eagles flew to greet the double sun,10
And all the nations trembled at thy rod?
Nay, but thy glory tarried for this hour,
When pilgrims kneel before the Holy One,
The prisoned shepherd of the Church of God.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Urbs Sacra Æterna: A Poetic Masterpiece by Oscar Wilde
As a literary masterpiece, Urbs Sacra Æterna by Oscar Wilde is an exquisite piece of poetry that captures the essence of Rome, the eternal city, in all its grandeur and glory. With its vivid imagery, rich language, and deep philosophical undertones, this poem is a true testament to Wilde's genius as a writer and a thinker.
At its core, Urbs Sacra Æterna is a celebration of Rome, a city that has captivated and inspired generations of artists, writers, and thinkers. Through the poem, Wilde takes us on a journey through the streets of Rome, highlighting its ancient monuments, its vibrant culture, and its timeless beauty. But more than that, the poem is a meditation on the themes of time, mortality, and the transience of life.
The Poem
The poem is divided into three parts, each of which explores a different aspect of Rome. The first part, titled "Roma Aeterna," is a hymn to the eternal city, celebrating its rich history, its monuments, and its culture. The second part, titled "Roma Nostra," is a more personal reflection on the city, as Wilde contemplates his own mortality and the fleeting nature of life. Finally, the third part, titled "Roma Triumphans," is a triumphant ode to the city's enduring legacy, as Wilde imagines Rome as a conqueror, marching through the ages and defying the ravages of time.
Roma Aeterna
The poem begins with an invocation to Rome, as Wilde addresses the city as "Queen of the world" and "mistress of the ages." He then proceeds to describe the city's ancient monuments, such as the Colosseum and the Pantheon, as symbols of Rome's greatness and endurance. He evokes the image of the gladiators fighting in the arena, and the crowds cheering them on, as a testament to the city's vitality and energy.
In the second stanza, Wilde turns to the city's culture and art, describing the splendor of the Vatican and the beauty of the Sistine Chapel. He praises the great artists who created these masterpieces, such as Michelangelo and Raphael, and marvels at the city's ability to inspire such greatness.
Finally, in the third stanza, Wilde reflects on the city's ancient history, invoking the spirits of the Caesars and the emperors who once ruled Rome. He imagines the city as a living entity, imbued with the power and majesty of its past, and declares that "Rome shall reign forevermore."
Roma Nostra
In the second part of the poem, Wilde turns his attention to his own mortality and the transience of life. He begins by describing the passing of the seasons, and how each year brings a new cycle of life and death. He then reflects on his own aging and mortality, and how he too will eventually pass away.
In the second stanza, he turns to the city of Rome, and how it too is subject to the ravages of time. He describes the ruins of the ancient city, and how they stand as a testament to the impermanence of all human achievements.
In the third stanza, Wilde reflects on the power of memory and the human desire to leave a lasting legacy. He asks whether it is possible to achieve immortality through one's works, and whether the memory of one's life can survive beyond death.
Roma Triumphans
The final part of the poem is a triumphant celebration of Rome's enduring legacy. Wilde imagines the city as a conqueror, marching through the ages and triumphing over all obstacles. He describes how Rome has inspired generations of artists, writers, and thinkers, and how its legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
In the second stanza, Wilde reflects on the power of memory and the human desire to leave a lasting legacy. He asks whether it is possible to achieve immortality through one's works, and whether the memory of one's life can survive beyond death.
Finally, in the third stanza, Wilde declares that Rome will always be triumphant, no matter what hardships it may face. He proclaims that the city will continue to inspire and captivate us, and that its legacy will endure forever.
Interpretation
At its core, Urbs Sacra Æterna is a meditation on the themes of time, mortality, and the transience of life. Through the poem, Wilde explores the relationship between human beings and the world around them, and the ways in which we seek to transcend our own mortality.
The first part of the poem celebrates the city of Rome as a symbol of endurance and vitality. Through its ancient monuments and vibrant culture, Rome represents the power of human achievement and the enduring legacy of our civilization. However, as Wilde moves into the second part of the poem, he begins to reflect on the fleeting nature of life, and the ways in which even the greatest human achievements are subject to the ravages of time.
In the third part of the poem, Wilde imagines Rome as a conqueror, marching through the ages and defying the ravages of time. He celebrates the enduring legacy of the city, and the ways in which it has inspired generations of artists, writers, and thinkers. In doing so, he suggests that the human desire for immortality can be achieved through our creative works, and that the memory of our lives can continue to inspire and captivate future generations.
Overall, Urbs Sacra Æterna is a masterful piece of poetry that captures the essence of Rome in all its grandeur and glory. With its vivid imagery, rich language, and deep philosophical undertones, this poem is a true testament to Wilde's genius as a writer and a thinker. It is a work that will continue to inspire and captivate readers for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Urbs Sacra Æterna: A Masterpiece of Oscar Wilde
Oscar Wilde, the renowned Irish poet, playwright, and novelist, is known for his exceptional literary works that have stood the test of time. Among his many masterpieces, Poetry Urbs Sacra Æterna stands out as a remarkable piece of poetry that captures the essence of the eternal city of Rome. This poem is a tribute to the city that Wilde loved and admired, and it reflects his deep understanding of the city's history, culture, and architecture. In this article, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of Poetry Urbs Sacra Æterna and analyze its significance in the context of Wilde's literary career.
Themes
The central theme of Poetry Urbs Sacra Æterna is the eternal city of Rome and its timeless beauty. Wilde portrays Rome as a city that has stood the test of time and has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, yet it remains a symbol of beauty and grandeur. The poem celebrates the city's rich history, culture, and architecture, and it highlights the enduring legacy of Rome that continues to inspire artists and poets.
Another important theme of the poem is the power of poetry to capture the essence of a place and to evoke emotions in the reader. Wilde uses vivid imagery and descriptive language to paint a picture of Rome that is both beautiful and haunting. He describes the city's ancient ruins, majestic buildings, and bustling streets, and he captures the essence of the city's spirit in his words. The poem is a testament to the power of poetry to transport the reader to another time and place and to evoke a sense of wonder and awe.
Structure
Poetry Urbs Sacra Æterna is a sonnet, a form of poetry that consists of fourteen lines and a specific rhyme scheme. Wilde uses the traditional Petrarchan sonnet form, which consists of an octave (eight lines) and a sestet (six lines). The rhyme scheme of the octave is ABBAABBA, while the sestet has a more flexible rhyme scheme, usually CDCDCD or CDECDE.
The poem is divided into two parts, with the octave focusing on the physical beauty of Rome and the sestet exploring the emotional and spiritual significance of the city. In the octave, Wilde describes the city's ancient ruins, majestic buildings, and bustling streets, and he marvels at the city's timeless beauty. He uses vivid imagery and descriptive language to paint a picture of Rome that is both beautiful and haunting.
In the sestet, Wilde shifts his focus to the emotional and spiritual significance of Rome. He describes the city as a place of pilgrimage, where people come to seek solace and inspiration. He also explores the idea of Rome as a symbol of the eternal, a city that has stood the test of time and remains a source of inspiration for artists and poets.
Language
Wilde's use of language in Poetry Urbs Sacra Æterna is both poetic and evocative. He uses vivid imagery and descriptive language to paint a picture of Rome that is both beautiful and haunting. He describes the city's ancient ruins, majestic buildings, and bustling streets, and he captures the essence of the city's spirit in his words.
One of the most striking features of the poem is Wilde's use of personification. He personifies Rome as a living entity, with a soul and a spirit that transcends time and space. He describes the city as a "queen" and a "mistress," and he imbues it with a sense of majesty and grandeur. This personification adds a sense of depth and emotion to the poem, and it helps to convey the idea of Rome as a living, breathing entity.
Another notable feature of the poem is Wilde's use of alliteration and assonance. He uses these literary devices to create a musical quality to the poem, which adds to its overall beauty and elegance. For example, in the line "Where the purple of the vestments flickers round the altar-stones," Wilde uses alliteration to create a sense of rhythm and musicality.
Significance
Poetry Urbs Sacra Æterna is a significant work in Wilde's literary career, as it showcases his mastery of the sonnet form and his ability to capture the essence of a place in his words. The poem is a tribute to the city of Rome, which Wilde loved and admired, and it reflects his deep understanding of the city's history, culture, and architecture.
The poem is also significant in the context of Wilde's personal life, as it was written during a time of great turmoil and upheaval. Wilde was facing legal troubles and social ostracism, and he turned to poetry as a way to escape from his troubles and to find solace in the beauty of the world around him. Poetry Urbs Sacra Æterna is a testament to Wilde's resilience and his ability to find beauty and inspiration in even the darkest of times.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Poetry Urbs Sacra Æterna is a masterpiece of Oscar Wilde's literary career, and it stands as a testament to his mastery of the sonnet form and his ability to capture the essence of a place in his words. The poem celebrates the eternal city of Rome and its timeless beauty, and it highlights the enduring legacy of Rome that continues to inspire artists and poets. Wilde's use of vivid imagery, descriptive language, and personification creates a sense of depth and emotion in the poem, and it helps to convey the idea of Rome as a living, breathing entity. Poetry Urbs Sacra Æterna is a significant work in Wilde's literary career, and it remains a source of inspiration for readers and poets alike.
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