'A Clasp Of Hands' by Algernon Charles Swinburne
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SOFT, small, and sweet as sunniest flowers
That bask in heavenly heat
When bud by bud breaks, breathes, and cowers,
Soft, small, and sweet.
A babe's hands open as to greet
The tender touch of ours
And mock with motion faint and fleet
The minutes of the new strange hours
That earth, not heaven, must mete;
Buds fragrant still from heaven's own bowers,
Soft, small, and sweet.
A velvet vice with springs of steel
That fasten in a trice
And clench the fingers fast that feel
A velvet viceÑ
What man would risk the danger twice,
Nor quake from head to heel?
Whom would not one such test suffice?
Well may we tremble as we kneel
In sight of Paradise,
If both a babe's closed fists conceal
A velvet vice.
Two flower-soft fists of conquering clutch,
Two creased and dimpled wrists,
That match, if mottled overmuch,
Two flower-soft fists---
What heart of man dare hold the lists
Against such odds and such
Sweet vantage as no strength resists?
Our strength is all a broken crutch,
Our eyes are dim with mists,
Our hearts are prisoners as we touch
Two flower-soft fists.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Algernon Charles Swinburne's Poetry: A Clasp Of Hands
Algernon Charles Swinburne is a renowned English poet and critic who is known for his sensual and decadent style of writing. His works often explore themes of love, death, nature, and beauty. One of his most famous poems, "A Clasp of Hands," beautifully captures the intensity and passion of a fleeting moment of love.
The Poem
The poem opens with the speaker describing a moment of intimacy between two lovers. They clasp hands, and the speaker describes the sensation as a "fierce and sweet embrace." It is a moment of intense emotion that is difficult to fully capture in words.
The speaker then goes on to describe the various sensations and emotions that this moment brings forth. He describes the "trembling touch" of their hands, the "fluttering breath," and the "silent ecstasy." It is a moment of pure connection between two people, a moment that transcends words and language.
The poem continues with the speaker reflecting on the fleeting nature of this moment. He acknowledges that it is a moment that is brief and transient, but he also recognizes its power and significance. It is a moment that will stay with him forever, a memory that will be cherished and remembered long after it has passed.
Literary Criticism and Interpretation
At its core, "A Clasp of Hands" is a poem about love and intimacy. Swinburne uses vivid imagery and sensory language to convey the intensity of the moment between the two lovers. The poem is a celebration of the power of human connection, of the ways in which we can find meaning and joy in the simple act of holding hands.
One of the most striking aspects of this poem is its use of language. Swinburne's writing is incredibly sensual and evocative, and he uses a variety of poetic techniques to bring the moment to life. He uses alliteration and repetition to create a sense of rhythm and momentum, and he also uses imagery to paint a vivid picture of the moment.
For example, in the second stanza, Swinburne uses imagery to describe the sensations that the lovers are feeling. He writes, "The trembling touch, the fluttering breath, / The silent ecstasy," creating a sense of intimacy and emotion that is difficult to put into words.
The poem also explores the theme of transience and impermanence. The moment between the two lovers is fleeting and temporary, but it is also powerful and meaningful. Swinburne recognizes that moments like this are rare and precious, and that they should be cherished and celebrated.
Additionally, the poem can be interpreted as a celebration of the physical and emotional aspects of love. The clasp of hands represents a physical connection between the two lovers, but it is also a symbol of emotional intimacy and trust. Swinburne's poem suggests that love is not just about physical attraction or romantic feelings, but about a deeper, more profound connection between two people.
Conclusion
In "A Clasp of Hands," Algernon Charles Swinburne creates a beautiful and evocative portrait of love and intimacy. The poem is a celebration of the power of human connection, of the ways in which we can find meaning and joy in the simple act of holding hands. Swinburne's sensual and poetic language creates a vivid and memorable image of the moment, and his exploration of the theme of transience adds depth and complexity to the poem.
Overall, "A Clasp of Hands" is a testament to the enduring power of love and the beauty of human connection. It is a poem that speaks to the heart and soul, reminding us of the importance of cherishing the fleeting moments of love and intimacy that make life worth living.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry is a form of art that has the power to evoke emotions, paint vivid imagery, and transport us to different worlds. Algernon Charles Swinburne's poem "A Clasp of Hands" is a perfect example of how poetry can capture the essence of human emotions and experiences. In this 14-line sonnet, Swinburne explores the themes of love, loss, and the fleeting nature of life.
The poem begins with the speaker describing a moment of intimacy between two people. The "clasp of hands" represents a physical connection between two individuals, a gesture of love and affection. The speaker notes that this moment is fleeting, and that "time and change divide us" (line 2). This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it highlights the transience of human relationships and the inevitability of separation.
The second quatrain of the poem continues to explore the theme of loss. The speaker notes that "the light of life is brief" (line 5), and that we must cherish the moments we have with our loved ones. The use of the word "brief" emphasizes the idea that life is short and that we must make the most of it. The speaker also notes that "we are lost ere life be done" (line 6), which further emphasizes the idea that life is fleeting and that we must make the most of the time we have.
The third quatrain of the poem shifts the focus to the speaker's own mortality. The speaker notes that "we shall sleep side by side" (line 9), which suggests that death is inevitable and that we will all eventually pass away. The use of the phrase "side by side" suggests that death is a unifying force that brings us all together, regardless of our differences in life.
The final couplet of the poem brings the themes of love, loss, and mortality together. The speaker notes that "no hand shall gather flowers of mine" (line 13), which suggests that the speaker will not be remembered after they pass away. However, the final line of the poem offers a glimmer of hope, as the speaker notes that "love will live on" (line 14). This line suggests that while we may not be remembered after we pass away, the love we shared with others will continue to live on.
Overall, Swinburne's "A Clasp of Hands" is a powerful exploration of the themes of love, loss, and mortality. The poem highlights the transience of human relationships and the inevitability of separation, while also emphasizing the importance of cherishing the moments we have with our loved ones. The poem also offers a glimmer of hope, as it suggests that while we may not be remembered after we pass away, the love we shared with others will continue to live on.
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