'To Milton' by Oscar Wilde
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MILTON! I think thy spirit hath passed away
From these white cliffs, and high-embattled towers;
This gorgeous fiery-coloured world of ours
Seems fallen into ashes dull and grey,
And the age changed unto a mimic play
Wherein we waste our else too-crowded hours:
For all our pomp and pageantry and powers
We are but fit to delve the common clay,
Seeing this little isle on which we stand,
This England, this sea-lion of the sea,10
By ignorant demagogues is held in fee,
Who love her not: Dear God! is this the land
Which bare a triple empire in her hand
When Cromwell spake the word Democracy!
Editor 1 Interpretation
To Milton: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Oscar Wilde's poem "To Milton" is a beautiful tribute to one of the greatest poets in English literature, John Milton. In this poem, Wilde expresses his admiration for Milton's poetic genius and his appreciation for the role that Milton played in shaping English literature. The poem is full of rich imagery, thoughtful insights, and powerful emotions that speak to the enduring legacy of Milton's work.
Overview and Historical Context
"To Milton" was published in Wilde's first collection of poems, Poems, in 1881. The poem was written during a period of great change in English literature, as the Romantic movement was giving way to the Victorian era. In many ways, Wilde's poem can be seen as a bridge between these two literary movements, as it combines the Romantic themes of nature, imagination, and emotion with the Victorian ideals of morality, duty, and tradition.
Wilde's poem is also notable for its context within his own life. At the time of its publication, Wilde was still a relatively unknown writer, having only recently graduated from Oxford University. However, he was already beginning to gain a reputation as a talented poet and literary critic, and his success would only continue to grow in the years to come.
Poetic Form and Structure
"To Milton" is a sonnet, a fourteen-line poem that follows a strict rhyme scheme and meter. The poem is divided into two parts: the octave, which consists of the first eight lines, and the sestet, which consists of the final six lines. The rhyme scheme is ABBAABBA for the octave and CDCDCD for the sestet, which is a traditional Italian sonnet form.
The meter of the poem is iambic pentameter, which means that each line contains ten syllables, with the stress falling on every other syllable. This gives the poem a natural and flowing rhythm that is easy to read and understand. The use of iambic pentameter is also a nod to Milton's own poetic style, which was characterized by its use of blank verse, a form of unrhymed iambic pentameter.
Literary Analysis and Interpretation
Wilde's poem "To Milton" is a complex and nuanced work that offers many insights into the nature of art, poetry, and the human condition. In this section, we will explore some of the key themes and ideas that are present in the poem.
Admiration for Milton's Poetry
At its core, "To Milton" is a tribute to John Milton and his contributions to English literature. Throughout the poem, Wilde expresses his admiration and awe for Milton's poetic genius, praising his use of language, imagery, and metaphor. In the opening lines of the poem, Wilde writes:
Milton! I think thy spirit hath passed away
From these white cliffs, and high embattled towers;
This gorgeous fiery-coloured world of ours
Seems fallen into ashes dull and grey,
And the age changed unto a mimic play
Wherein we waste our else too-crowded hours:
Here, Wilde evokes the image of Milton's spirit passing away from the world, leaving behind a dull and lifeless landscape. He laments the fact that the world has lost its vibrancy and color, and suggests that it has become a mere "mimic play" in which people waste their time. This sets up the central theme of the poem: the idea that Milton's poetry represents a beacon of light and beauty in an otherwise dark and gloomy world.
The Power of Imagination
One of the key themes of "To Milton" is the power of imagination and the role that it plays in creating art. Throughout the poem, Wilde emphasizes the importance of imagination in both Milton's poetry and his own. He writes:
Thy soul was like a Star, and dwelt apart:
Thou hadst a voice whose sound was like the sea:
Pure as the naked heavens, majestic, free,
So didst thou travel on life's common way,
In cheerful godliness; and yet thy heart
The lowliest duties on herself did lay.
Here, Wilde describes Milton's soul as a star that dwells apart from the world. He suggests that it is through this separation from the mundane that Milton was able to tap into his imagination and create such beautiful poetry. He also notes that Milton's poetry is "pure as the naked heavens," which suggests that it is a reflection of the divine and the ideal.
The Need for Tradition and Morality
While "To Milton" celebrates the power of imagination and creativity, it also stresses the importance of tradition and morality in shaping the human experience. Throughout the poem, Wilde implies that Milton's poetry is a product of his deep moral convictions and his adherence to traditional values. He writes:
But thou, through good and evil, praise and blame,
Wast not to be provoked or turned aside,
From thy stern purpose, and the lonely pride
Of virtue, at whose frown the world grew tame,
Which whereso'er the hero-mind goes forth,
Creates and animates enduring worth.
Here, Wilde suggests that Milton's unwavering commitment to virtue and morality was what allowed him to create enduring works of art. He implies that without this moral foundation, art and literature lose their meaning and become mere entertainment. This is a distinctly Victorian ideal, as it reflects the emphasis on duty and morality that characterized much of the literature of the time.
The Transcendent Power of Art
At its core, "To Milton" is a celebration of the transcendent power of art to uplift and inspire the human spirit. Wilde suggests that Milton's poetry is not just a product of his own imagination, but a reflection of something greater and more profound. He writes:
And, O great Bard, e'er yet the years forget
The crown of glory twined about thy brow,
The laurel-wreath that Fame had fashioned for thee,
In silent reverence on thy grave be set,
Nor thou be reckoned less divine than we,
Who, in our weakness, thy memorial fret.
Here, Wilde implies that Milton's poetry has a timeless quality that transcends the limitations of the mortal world. He suggests that even after Milton's death, his poetry will continue to inspire and uplift people for generations to come. This is a powerful idea that speaks to the enduring legacy of great art and literature.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "To Milton" is a beautiful and thoughtful tribute to one of the greatest poets in English literature. Through his use of language, imagery, and metaphor, Wilde captures the essence of Milton's poetry and the impact that it has had on the world. He celebrates the power of imagination, the importance of tradition and morality, and the transcendent nature of art. Overall, "To Milton" is a timeless work that speaks to the enduring legacy of great poetry and the human spirit.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry To Milton: An Ode to the Master of Verse
Oscar Wilde, the renowned Irish poet and playwright, was a master of words. His works are celebrated for their wit, elegance, and depth of meaning. Among his many poems, one stands out as a tribute to the greatest poet of the English language – John Milton. In this essay, we will delve into Wilde's "Poetry To Milton" and explore its themes, structure, and significance.
The poem begins with a declaration of admiration for Milton, whom Wilde calls the "master of our English song." He praises Milton's epic poem, "Paradise Lost," as a work of unparalleled beauty and grandeur. Wilde's admiration for Milton is not limited to his literary achievements but extends to his character as well. He describes Milton as a man of "noble heart" and "stainless soul," who lived a life of "purest fame."
Wilde's admiration for Milton is not blind worship, however. He acknowledges that Milton's poetry is not without flaws. He notes that Milton's language can be "harsh and rude," and his style "too austere." But these imperfections, according to Wilde, only serve to make Milton's poetry more powerful and authentic. He writes:
"Yet in thy rugged numbers, Milton, we See all the glory of our art revealed; And in thy solemn music, we can feel The pulse of Nature's heart, and hear her speak."
Wilde's appreciation for Milton's poetry is not limited to its aesthetic qualities. He sees in Milton's work a profound philosophical and spiritual depth. He notes that Milton's poetry is not just a celebration of beauty but also a reflection on the human condition. He writes:
"Thou hast not sung of Love alone, O bard! But of the strife and pain that Love must bear, The bitter fruitage of the Tree of Life, The wounds and scars that every heart must wear."
Wilde sees in Milton's poetry a message of hope and redemption. He notes that Milton's epic poem, "Paradise Lost," is not just a story of the fall of man but also a story of his redemption. He writes:
"Thou hast not left us in the dark abyss Of our own sin and sorrow, but hast shown The path that leads to light and happiness, The way that leads to God's eternal throne."
Wilde's admiration for Milton is not just a matter of personal taste. He sees in Milton's poetry a model for all poets to follow. He notes that Milton's poetry is not just a product of his genius but also of his discipline and hard work. He writes:
"Thou hast not gained thy laurels, Milton, by The easy path of sloth and indolence; But by the toil and sweat of many years, The patient labor of a noble mind."
Wilde's "Poetry To Milton" is not just a tribute to a great poet but also a celebration of the power of poetry itself. He sees in poetry a means of transcending the limitations of the human condition and connecting with the divine. He writes:
"O Poetry, thou art the voice of God, The language of the angels, and the key To all the hidden treasures of the soul, The magic wand that sets the spirit free."
Wilde's poem is structured as a series of stanzas, each consisting of four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, and the meter is iambic tetrameter. The language is rich and ornate, with a liberal use of alliteration, assonance, and other poetic devices. The tone is reverential and exalted, reflecting Wilde's admiration for Milton and his belief in the power of poetry.
In conclusion, Oscar Wilde's "Poetry To Milton" is a tribute to the greatest poet of the English language and a celebration of the power of poetry itself. Through his poem, Wilde expresses his admiration for Milton's poetry, his philosophical and spiritual depth, and his character as a man. He sees in Milton's work a model for all poets to follow and a means of transcending the limitations of the human condition. Wilde's poem is a masterpiece of poetic craftsmanship, reflecting his own genius as a poet and his deep understanding of the art of poetry.
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