'Libertatis Sacra Fames' by Oscar Wilde
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ALBEIT nurtured in democracy,
And liking best that state republican
Where every man is Kinglike and no man
Is crowned above his fellows, yet I see,
Spite of this modern fret for Liberty,
Better the rule of One, whom all obey,
Than to let clamorous demagogues betray
Our freedom with the kiss of anarchy.
Wherefore I love them not whose hands profane
Plant the red flag upon the piled-up street10
For no right cause, beneath whose ignorant reign
Arts, Culture, Reverence, Honour, all things fade,
Save Treason and the dagger of her trade,
And Murder with his silent bloody feet.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Libertatis Sacra Fames by Oscar Wilde: A Masterpiece of Decadent Poetry
Have you ever come across a poem that speaks to your soul on a level beyond words? Libertatis Sacra Fames by Oscar Wilde is one such masterpiece that has the power to evoke emotions that are both unsettling and liberating. This poem, which was written in 1881, is a fine example of decadent literature, which was a popular movement in the late 19th century.
In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, motifs, and literary devices used by Wilde to create this haunting piece of poetry.
Overview of the Poem
Before we delve into the analysis of the poem, let us first have a brief overview of Libertatis Sacra Fames. The title of the poem translates to "The Sacred Hunger for Liberty" in Latin. The poem is a lamentation of the human condition, where the desire for freedom and liberty is so strong that it becomes a sacred hunger. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, and the meter is iambic tetrameter.
Themes
The central theme of Libertatis Sacra Fames is the human desire for freedom and liberty. Wilde portrays this desire as a sacred hunger, which is all-consuming and can never be fully satisfied. The poem suggests that this hunger for liberty is inherent in human nature and is a driving force behind all human actions.
Another significant theme explored in the poem is the idea of decadence. Decadent literature was a popular movement in the late 19th century, which aimed to subvert traditional values and celebrate aestheticism and sensual pleasure. Wilde was a prominent figure in this movement, and Libertatis Sacra Fames is a fine example of decadent poetry. The poem celebrates the pleasures of the flesh and rejects the notion of self-denial and restraint.
Motifs
One of the recurring motifs in Libertatis Sacra Fames is the image of the caged bird. The bird symbolizes the human desire for freedom and liberty, which is often constrained by social norms and conventions. The bird's wings are clipped, and it is unable to fly freely, just as humans are often limited by societal expectations.
Another motif used by Wilde is that of the serpent. The serpent is a symbol of temptation and is often associated with the biblical story of Adam and Eve. In Libertatis Sacra Fames, the serpent represents the allure of sensual pleasure and the rejection of traditional values.
Literary Devices
Wilde employs several literary devices in Libertatis Sacra Fames to create a haunting and evocative poem. One of the most prominent literary devices used in the poem is imagery. Wilde uses vivid and powerful images to evoke the reader's emotions and create a sense of unease. For example, in the third stanza, he writes:
We trample round the altar, and we peer In at the doors, and catch the incense fumes That rise up from the incense burning there. We do not see the little hidden room,
The image of people trampling around an altar, peering in at the doors, and catching the incense fumes creates a sense of chaos and disorder. The hidden room, which is not visible to the people, represents the secret desires and pleasures that are hidden from society's view.
Another literary device used by Wilde is symbolism. The caged bird and the serpent, as discussed earlier, are symbols that represent the themes of the poem. The serpent symbolizes temptation and the rejection of traditional values, while the caged bird represents the human desire for freedom and liberty.
Wilde also uses repetition to create a sense of rhythm and emphasise key themes. The phrase "Libertatis Sacra Fames" is repeated throughout the poem, reinforcing the idea that the hunger for liberty is a sacred and all-consuming desire.
Analysis
Having explored the themes, motifs, and literary devices used in Libertatis Sacra Fames, let us now delve deeper into the poem's meaning and significance.
The poem begins with the line "I watched the flittering shadows dance," which creates a sense of movement and fluidity. The shadows represent the fleeting nature of life and the impermanence of all things. The speaker then goes on to describe the caged bird, which represents the human desire for freedom and liberty.
In the second stanza, Wilde introduces the image of the serpent, which represents the allure of sensual pleasure and the rejection of traditional values. The speaker describes how the serpent tempts humans with its "lurid guise," and how they are drawn to it despite the danger.
The third stanza is perhaps the most evocative and haunting part of the poem. The speaker describes how people trample around the altar, peering in at the doors, and catching the incense fumes. This image creates a sense of chaos and disorder, as people abandon traditional values and indulge in their secret desires.
The final stanza of the poem is a lamentation of the human condition. The speaker acknowledges that the hunger for liberty can never be fully satisfied and that humans are condemned to live in a state of perpetual longing. The final line of the poem, "The Sacred Hunger for Liberty," reinforces the idea that this desire for freedom and liberty is a sacred and all-consuming hunger that can never be fully quenched.
Conclusion
Libertatis Sacra Fames is a haunting and evocative poem that explores the human desire for freedom and liberty. Wilde uses vivid and powerful imagery, symbolism, and repetition to create a sense of unease and emphasise key themes. The poem is a fine example of decadent literature, which celebrates the pleasures of the flesh and rejects traditional values.
The poem's enduring significance lies in its exploration of the human condition and the universal desire for freedom and liberty. It speaks to our deepest longings and urges us to embrace our innermost desires, no matter how unsettling or taboo they may be.
In conclusion, Libertatis Sacra Fames is a masterpiece of decadent poetry that continues to inspire and provoke readers over a century after its publication.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Libertatis Sacra Fames: A Masterpiece of Oscar Wilde
Oscar Wilde, the renowned Irish poet, playwright, and novelist, is known for his witty and satirical works. One of his most celebrated poems is Libertatis Sacra Fames, which translates to "The Holy Hunger for Freedom." This poem is a masterpiece that showcases Wilde's exceptional writing skills and his deep understanding of human nature.
The poem Libertatis Sacra Fames is a sonnet, which is a fourteen-line poem with a specific rhyme scheme. Wilde's sonnet follows the traditional rhyme scheme of ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. The poem is divided into two parts, with the first eight lines presenting the problem, and the last six lines offering a solution.
The poem's title, Libertatis Sacra Fames, sets the tone for the entire poem. The phrase "holy hunger for freedom" suggests that freedom is a sacred and essential human need. The poem's opening line, "Albeit nurtured in democracy," further emphasizes the importance of freedom in a democratic society. Wilde acknowledges that democracy is the ideal form of government, but he also recognizes that it is not perfect.
In the second line, Wilde introduces the central theme of the poem, which is the corrupting influence of power. He writes, "And liking best that state republican, / Where every man is kinglike and no man." Wilde suggests that a republican form of government, where every citizen has equal power, is the best form of government. However, he also acknowledges that power corrupts, and even in a republican government, some individuals will seek to gain power and control.
The third and fourth lines of the poem describe the corrupting influence of power. Wilde writes, "Is crowned a Caesar, not a man of Rome, / He who upon the world's rough ocean sails." The metaphor of the "world's rough ocean" suggests that life is unpredictable and challenging. The line "He who upon the world's rough ocean sails" implies that those who seek power are like sailors navigating the unpredictable waters of life. However, instead of being humble and serving the people, they become Caesar, a symbol of absolute power and tyranny.
In the fifth and sixth lines, Wilde describes the consequences of the corrupting influence of power. He writes, "And he who toils, for freedom and for fame, / Hath but one thought denied him - all rest." The phrase "toils for freedom and for fame" suggests that those who seek to make a positive change in society are often driven by a desire for freedom and recognition. However, the corrupting influence of power denies them the rest they deserve.
In the seventh and eighth lines, Wilde presents the problem of the poem. He writes, "Whoever seeks to lift the people up, / Shall be oppressed by those who are base." The phrase "lift the people up" suggests that those who seek to make a positive change in society are often met with resistance from those who seek to maintain the status quo. The phrase "oppressed by those who are base" implies that those who seek power are often morally corrupt and lack empathy for others.
In the final six lines of the poem, Wilde offers a solution to the problem presented in the first eight lines. He writes, "And surely he who is but dust and heat, / Shall rise again to lead the people's van." The phrase "but dust and heat" suggests that all humans are mortal and will eventually die. However, Wilde suggests that those who seek to make a positive change in society will be remembered and will inspire future generations.
In the eleventh and twelfth lines, Wilde writes, "When 'usque ad aras,' shall his voice be heard, / 'Plebs! Et te quoque, Brute!' shall be his cry." The phrase "usque ad aras" is Latin for "to the altars," which suggests that the person's message will be heard even in the most sacred places. The phrase "Plebs! Et te quoque, Brute!" is Latin for "People! Even you, Brutus!" This phrase is a reference to Julius Caesar's assassination, where Brutus, one of Caesar's closest friends, betrayed him. Wilde suggests that those who seek to make a positive change in society will face opposition, even from those closest to them.
In the final two lines of the poem, Wilde writes, "Ye who have faith and hope and charity, / And love of country, love of liberty." The phrase "faith and hope and charity" suggests that those who seek to make a positive change in society must have a strong moral compass and a desire to help others. The phrase "love of country, love of liberty" suggests that those who seek to make a positive change in society must have a deep love for their country and a desire for freedom.
In conclusion, Libertatis Sacra Fames is a masterpiece of Oscar Wilde that showcases his exceptional writing skills and his deep understanding of human nature. The poem presents the problem of the corrupting influence of power and offers a solution through the idea that those who seek to make a positive change in society will be remembered and will inspire future generations. The poem's message is timeless and relevant even today, and it serves as a reminder that freedom is a sacred and essential human need.
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