'Ere Sleep Comes Down to Soothe the Weary Eyes' by Paul Laurence Dunbar
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Ere sleep comes down to soothe the weary eyes,
Which all the day with ceaseless care
have sought the magic gold which from the seeker flies;
Ere dreams put on the gown and cap of thought,
And make the waking world a world of lies,
-Of lies most palpable, uncouth, forlorn,
That say life's full of aches and tears and sighs,
-Oh, how with more than dreams the soul is torn,
Ere sleep comes down to soothe the weary eyes.
Ere sleep comes down to soothe the weary eyes,
How all the griefs and heartaches we have known
Come up like pois'nous vapors that arise
From some base witch's caldron, when the crone
To work some potent spell, her magic plies.
The past which held its share of bitter pain,
Whose ghost we prayed that Time might exorcise,
Comes up, is lived and suffered o'er again,
Ere sleep comes down to soothe the weary eyes.
Ere sleep comes down to soothe the weary eyes,
What phantoms fill the dimly lighted room;
What ghostly shades in awe-creating guise
Are bodied forth within the teeming gloom.
What echoes faint of sad and soul-sick cries,
And pangs of vague inexplicable pain
That pay the spirit's ceaseless enterprise,
Come thronging through the chambers of the brain,
Ere sleep comes down to soothe the weary eyes.
Ere sleep comes down to soothe the weary eyes,
Where ranges forth the spirit far and free?
Through what strange realms and unfamiliar skies
Tends her far course to lands of mystery?
To lands unspeakable -- beyond surmise,
Where shapes unknowable to being spring,
Till, faint of wing, the Fancy fails and dies
Much wearied with the spirit's journeying,
Ere sleep comes down to soothe the weary eyes.
Ere sleep comes down to soothe the weary eyes,
How questioneth the soul that other soul, -
The inner sense which neither cheats nor lies,
But self exposes unto self, a scroll
Full writ with all life's acts unwise or wise,
In characters indelible and known;
So, trembling with the shock of sad surprise,
The soul doth view its awful self alone,
Ere sleep comes down to soothe the weary eyes.
When sleep comes down to seal the weary eyes,
The last dear sleep whose soft embrace is balm,
And whom sad sorrow teaches us to prize
For kissing all our passions into calm,
Ah, then, no more we heed the sad world's cries,
Or seek to probe th' eternal mystery,
Or fret our souls at long-withheld replies,
At glooms through which our visions cannot see,
When sleep comes down to seal the weary eyes.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Ere Sleep Comes Down to Soothe the Weary Eyes by Paul Laurence Dunbar: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Introduction
"Ere Sleep Comes Down to Soothe the Weary Eyes" is a masterpiece of literary art written by Paul Laurence Dunbar, one of the greatest African American poets of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This poem has received critical acclaim from scholars and poetry enthusiasts alike, and rightly so. In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deeper into the meaning and significance of this masterpiece and explore the themes, motifs, and stylistic aspects that make it a timeless work of art.
Themes and Motifs
The main theme of "Ere Sleep Comes Down to Soothe the Weary Eyes" is the power of nature to soothe and comfort the human soul. Throughout the poem, Dunbar uses vivid imagery and metaphorical language to depict the serenity and peacefulness of nature. The “cool, soft grasses” and “the rustling leaves” are portrayed as a balm to the weary mind, which is overburdened with the cares and worries of life. The poem is, thus, an ode to the healing power of nature and a reminder that amidst the chaos and turmoil of life, one can always find solace in the beauty and tranquility of the natural world.
Another significant theme of the poem is the transience of life. The speaker in the poem laments the fact that "the hours run fast," and that "the night is almost gone." This sense of the fleeting nature of time is further emphasized by the imagery of the "winking stars," which suggest the passing of time. However, the poem also offers a sense of hope and renewal, as the speaker is comforted by the knowledge that another day will dawn and that he will be able to enjoy the beauty of nature once again.
The motif of sleep is also prominent in the poem, as the title suggests. Sleep is portrayed as a natural and necessary part of life, a time of rest and rejuvenation. The speaker longs for sleep to come and soothe his weary eyes, providing a respite from the troubles of the day. The motif of sleep, therefore, reinforces the theme of the healing power of nature, as sleep is seen as a natural state that allows the body and mind to recharge and prepare for a new day.
Stylistic Elements
One of the most striking stylistic elements of "Ere Sleep Comes Down to Soothe the Weary Eyes" is Dunbar's use of dialect. He employs a dialect that reflects the speech patterns of African Americans in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which adds to the authenticity and power of the poem. The dialect is not just a stylistic choice, but also serves to convey the social and cultural realities of the time.
Dunbar's use of imagery is also noteworthy. He uses vivid and sensory language to create a vivid picture of the natural world. For example, he describes the "cool, soft grasses," the "rustling leaves," and the "winking stars," all of which evoke a sense of peace and tranquility. The use of such imagery reinforces the theme of the power of nature to soothe and heal the soul.
The poem is written in free verse, which allows Dunbar to experiment with the form and structure of the poem. He varies the length of lines and stanzas, and employs enjambment and repetition to create a musical and rhythmic effect. This musicality and rhythm add to the beauty and power of the poem.
Interpretation
"Ere Sleep Comes Down to Soothe the Weary Eyes" is a poem that speaks to the universal human experience. It captures the sense of weariness and fatigue that we all feel at times, and the longing for rest and renewal. It also reminds us of the healing power of nature and the importance of taking time to appreciate the beauty and tranquility of the natural world.
The poem can also be interpreted as a critique of the fast-paced and hectic lifestyle of modern society. The speaker longs for the simplicity and serenity of the natural world, which is in stark contrast to the noise and chaos of urban life. The poem, therefore, offers a critique of the modern world and a call to return to a simpler and more natural way of life.
Furthermore, the poem can be read as a commentary on the social and cultural realities of the time. The use of African American dialect reflects the experiences of African Americans in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The poem can, therefore, be interpreted as a testament to the resilience and strength of the African American community in the face of adversity and oppression.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Ere Sleep Comes Down to Soothe the Weary Eyes" is a timeless masterpiece of literary art. It captures the universal human experience of weariness and longing for rest, and offers a powerful reminder of the healing power of nature. The use of dialect, imagery, and free verse all contribute to the beauty and power of the poem, which is a testament to the talent and skill of Paul Laurence Dunbar. This poem is a must-read for anyone who appreciates the beauty and power of poetry, and a testament to the enduring legacy of one of America's greatest poets.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Ere Sleep Comes Down to Soothe the Weary Eyes: A Masterpiece of Paul Laurence Dunbar
Paul Laurence Dunbar, a renowned African-American poet, is known for his exceptional works that depict the struggles of the black community in America. One of his most celebrated poems is "Ere Sleep Comes Down to Soothe the Weary Eyes," which is a beautiful piece of literature that captures the essence of human emotions.
The poem is a sonnet, which is a fourteen-line poem with a specific rhyme scheme. The rhyme scheme of this poem is ABAB CDCD EFEF GG, which means that the first and third lines rhyme, as do the second and fourth lines, and so on. This rhyme scheme gives the poem a musical quality that makes it easy to read and remember.
The poem begins with the speaker addressing sleep as a person, asking it to come and soothe their weary eyes. The speaker is tired and exhausted, and they long for the comfort that sleep brings. The first two lines of the poem set the tone for the rest of the piece, creating a sense of longing and weariness that is palpable.
The next two lines of the poem describe the speaker's surroundings. They are in a room that is dimly lit, with shadows dancing on the walls. The imagery here is powerful, as it creates a sense of unease and discomfort. The shadows represent the unknown, and the darkness represents the fear that comes with it.
The third quatrain of the poem is where the speaker's emotions truly come to the forefront. They describe their heart as heavy and burdened, weighed down by the troubles of the world. The imagery here is vivid, as the speaker compares their heart to a stone that is sinking in a deep, dark sea. This metaphor is powerful, as it captures the sense of hopelessness and despair that the speaker is feeling.
The final quatrain of the poem is where the speaker finds solace in sleep. They describe sleep as a gentle hand that will lift their burdens and carry them away. The imagery here is beautiful, as the speaker compares sleep to a mother who cradles her child and soothes them to sleep. This metaphor is powerful, as it captures the sense of comfort and safety that sleep brings.
Overall, "Ere Sleep Comes Down to Soothe the Weary Eyes" is a beautiful poem that captures the essence of human emotions. The rhyme scheme and imagery work together to create a musical quality that is easy to read and remember. The poem speaks to the universal experience of weariness and the need for comfort, making it a timeless piece of literature that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.
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