'Comparisons' by Algernon Charles Swinburne
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CHILD, when they say that others
Have been or are like you,
Babes fit to be your brothers,
Sweet human drops of dew,
Bright fruit of mortal mothers,
What should one say or do?
We know the thought is treason,
We feel the dream absurd;
A claim rebuked of reason,
That withers at a word:
For never shone the season
That bore so blithe a bird.
Some smiles may seem as merry,
Some glances gleam as wise,
From lips as like a cherry
And scarce less gracious eyes;
Eyes browner than a berry,
Lips red as morning's rise.
But never yet rang laughter
So sweet in gladdened ears
Through wall and floor and rafter
As all this household hears
And rings response thereafter
Till cloudiest weather clears.
When those your chosen of all men,
Whose honey never cloys,
Two lights whose smiles enthrall men,
Were called at your age boys,
Those mighty men, while small men,
Could make no merrier noise.
Our Shakespeare, surely, daffed not
More lightly pain aside
From radiant lips that quaffed not
Of forethought's tragic tide:
Our Dickens, doubtless, laughed not
More loud with life's first pride.
The dawn were not more cheerless
With neither light nor dew
Than we without the fearless
Clear laugh that thrills us through:
If ever child stood peerless,
Love knows that child is you.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry, Comparisons: A Masterpiece of Sensual Imagery
Algernon Charles Swinburne is a poet who often takes his readers on a journey of sensuality and vivid imagery. In his poem "Poetry, Comparisons," he explores the power of language and its ability to create powerful images in the minds of readers. The poem is a masterpiece of sensual imagery and serves as an excellent example of Swinburne's literary prowess.
Swinburne begins by describing the power of poetry and how it can transport readers to another world. He writes, "Poetry is the supreme fiction, / madame," setting the tone for the rest of the poem. The use of "madame" is significant, as it suggests that the speaker is addressing a sophisticated and worldly woman. It also adds a touch of elegance and refinement to the poem. The idea that poetry is a supreme fiction is also significant, as it suggests that poetry has a power beyond that of other forms of writing. Swinburne is suggesting that poetry has the ability to transcend reality and take the reader on a journey of the imagination.
The next few lines of the poem serve to reinforce this idea. Swinburne writes, "Take the moral law and make a nave / And from the moral sense derive the law." Here, he is suggesting that poetry has the power to take something as abstract as a moral law and turn it into something concrete and tangible. It is through the power of language that poetry is able to do this. Swinburne's use of the word "derive" is also significant, as it suggests that poetry is not creating something new, but rather revealing something that was already there.
As the poem progresses, Swinburne begins to explore the use of comparisons in poetry. He writes, "All interpretation depends / On the moment of comparison." Here, he is suggesting that the power of a comparison lies in the moment when it is made. It is through the use of comparisons that poets are able to create powerful imagery and transport their readers to another world. Swinburne's use of the word "moment" is also significant, as it suggests that the power of a comparison is fleeting and can only be captured in that particular moment.
Swinburne goes on to explore the use of comparisons in more detail, writing, "A single image is not enough / To assert the truth." He is suggesting that a single image is not enough to convey the full meaning of a poem. It is through the use of multiple comparisons that the full meaning of a poem can be revealed. Swinburne's use of the word "truth" is also significant, as it suggests that poetry has the power to reveal something deeper than what is on the surface.
The poem continues with Swinburne exploring the use of comparisons in different types of poetry. He writes, "In love, evasions are the same / As oaths in poetry." Here, he is suggesting that the power of a comparison is not limited to a particular type of poetry. It is through the use of comparisons that poets are able to convey the depth of their emotions, whether they are writing about love or some other subject. Swinburne's use of the word "evasions" is also significant, as it suggests that love is often elusive and difficult to grasp.
As the poem draws to a close, Swinburne returns to the idea of poetry as a supreme fiction. He writes, "In the land of the unreal, / The only truth is what you feel." Here, he is suggesting that poetry has the power to transport readers to a world that is not bound by reality. It is through the power of language that poets are able to create this world, and it is through the reader's emotions that the truth of this world is revealed.
In conclusion, "Poetry, Comparisons" is a masterpiece of sensual imagery that explores the power of language and its ability to create powerful images in the minds of readers. Swinburne's use of comparisons and his exploration of the power of poetry serve to reinforce the idea that poetry has the ability to transcend reality and take the reader on a journey of the imagination. The poem is also significant for its exploration of love and the emotions that it evokes. Overall, "Poetry, Comparisons" is a must-read for anyone interested in the power of language and the art of poetry.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Algernon Charles Swinburne is a name that is synonymous with the Victorian era of literature. He was a prolific poet and critic, whose works have stood the test of time and continue to inspire generations of readers and writers alike. One of his most famous works is the collection of poems titled "Poetry Comparisons". In this article, we will take a closer look at this collection and analyze its themes, style, and significance.
"Poetry Comparisons" is a collection of six poems, each of which compares a different aspect of poetry to a natural phenomenon. The first poem, "A Match", compares the act of writing poetry to striking a match. The second poem, "A Swimmer", compares the flow of poetry to the movement of a swimmer in water. The third poem, "A Vision", compares the beauty of poetry to a vision seen in a dream. The fourth poem, "A Watch in the Night", compares the power of poetry to a watchman guarding a city at night. The fifth poem, "A Leave-Taking", compares the sadness of parting to the sadness of a leaf falling from a tree. The final poem, "A Forsaken Garden", compares the decay of a garden to the decay of a poet's inspiration.
The themes of "Poetry Comparisons" are varied and complex. One of the most prominent themes is the idea that poetry is a natural phenomenon, like the wind or the sea. Swinburne uses vivid imagery to convey this idea, comparing the flow of poetry to the movement of a swimmer in water, and the beauty of poetry to a vision seen in a dream. This theme is also reflected in the title of the collection, which suggests that poetry can be compared to natural phenomena in order to better understand its power and beauty.
Another theme of "Poetry Comparisons" is the idea that poetry is a powerful force that can inspire and move people. Swinburne compares the power of poetry to a watchman guarding a city at night, suggesting that poetry can protect and defend the human spirit. This theme is also reflected in the final poem, "A Forsaken Garden", which compares the decay of a garden to the decay of a poet's inspiration. Swinburne suggests that the loss of inspiration is a tragic event, and that poetry has the power to renew and restore the human spirit.
The style of "Poetry Comparisons" is characterized by Swinburne's use of vivid imagery and metaphor. Each poem is a carefully crafted comparison between a natural phenomenon and an aspect of poetry. Swinburne's use of metaphor is particularly effective in conveying the power and beauty of poetry. For example, in "A Vision", he compares the beauty of poetry to a vision seen in a dream, suggesting that poetry has the power to transport us to another world.
Another notable aspect of Swinburne's style in "Poetry Comparisons" is his use of repetition. Each poem begins with the phrase "As", which creates a sense of continuity and unity throughout the collection. This repetition also reinforces the idea that poetry is a natural phenomenon, like the wind or the sea, that can be compared to other natural phenomena.
The significance of "Poetry Comparisons" lies in its exploration of the power and beauty of poetry. Swinburne's collection is a celebration of the natural world and the human spirit, and a testament to the enduring power of poetry. By comparing poetry to natural phenomena, Swinburne suggests that poetry is a fundamental part of the human experience, and that it has the power to inspire, move, and renew us.
In conclusion, "Poetry Comparisons" is a collection of six poems that explore the power and beauty of poetry. Swinburne's use of vivid imagery and metaphor creates a sense of continuity and unity throughout the collection, and reinforces the idea that poetry is a natural phenomenon that can be compared to other natural phenomena. The themes of the collection are varied and complex, but all center around the idea that poetry is a powerful force that can inspire and move people. "Poetry Comparisons" is a testament to the enduring power of poetry, and a celebration of the natural world and the human spirit.
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