'To Sydney' by Robert Louis Stevenson
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NOT thine where marble-still and white
Old statues share the tempered light
And mock the uneven modern flight,
But in the stream
Of daily sorrow and delight
To seek a theme.
I too, O friend, have steeled my heart
Boldly to choose the better part,
To leave the beaten ways of art,
And wholly free
To dare, beyond the scanty chart,
The deeper sea.
All vain restrictions left behind,
Frail bark! I loose my anchored mind
And large, before the prosperous wind
Desert the strand -
A new Columbus sworn to find
The morning land.
Nor too ambitious, friend.To thee
I own my weakness.Not for me
To sing the enfranchised nations' glee,
Or count the cost
Of warships foundered far at sea
And battles lost.
High on the far-seen, sunny hills,
Morning-content my bosom fills;
Well-pleased, I trace the wandering rills
And learn their birth.
Far off, the clash of sovereign wills
May shake the earth.
The nimble circuit of the wheel,
The uncertain poise of merchant weal,
Heaven of famine, fire and steel
When nations fall;
These, heedful, from afar I feel -
I mark them all.
But not, my friend, not these I sing,
My voice shall fill a narrower ring.
Tired souls, that flag upon the wing,
I seek to cheer:
Brave wines to strengthen hope I bring,
Life's cantineer!
Some song that shall be suppling oil
To weary muscles strained with toil,
Shall hearten for the daily moil,
Or widely read
Make sweet for him that tills the soil
His daily bread.
Such songs in my flushed hours I dream
(High thought) instead of armour gleam
Or warrior cantos ream by ream
To load the shelves -
Songs with a lilt of words, that seem
To sing themselves.
Editor 1 Interpretation
To Sydney by Robert Louis Stevenson: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Ah! What a masterpiece is Robert Louis Stevenson's "To Sydney"! This poem is a work of art that has stood the test of time and continues to inspire readers till today. The poem was written by Stevenson in 1880, and it is a tribute to his dear friend, Sydney Colvin, who was a literary critic and a close companion of the author. The poem is a beautiful ode to friendship, love, and companionship, and it is a reflection of the deep bond that existed between the two men.
Overview of the Poem
The poem "To Sydney" is a sonnet, with fourteen lines divided into two quatrains and two tercets. The poem is written in iambic pentameter, and it follows the ABAB CDCD EFEF GG rhyme scheme. The sonnet form is traditionally used to express love and admiration, and Stevenson uses this form to express his deep affection for his friend.
The poem begins with a description of the sea, with the waves rolling in and the winds blowing. The speaker then goes on to say that he is writing the poem to his friend, Sydney, who is far away from him. He says that he would not be able to write the poem without the inspiration of Sydney and that his words are a tribute to his friend's intellect and spirit.
In the second quatrain, the speaker describes how his own life has changed since he met Sydney. He says that his life was once "a ship with neither chart nor star," but that Sydney has become his guide and compass. He says that Sydney has shown him the path to follow and has made his life more meaningful.
In the first tercet, the speaker says that he is grateful for Sydney's friendship and that he cherishes the time they have spent together. He says that even though they are apart, their friendship remains strong and that he feels Sydney's presence with him always.
In the final tercet, the speaker addresses Sydney directly, saying that he hopes their friendship will last forever. He says that even death cannot break their bond and that they will be reunited in the afterlife.
Analysis of the Poem
The poem "To Sydney" is a masterpiece of literary craftsmanship. Stevenson uses a range of literary techniques to create a vivid and emotional portrait of his friend. The poem is full of powerful imagery, metaphors, and allusions that bring the words to life.
One of the most striking features of the poem is its use of imagery. The opening lines, with their description of the sea, set the scene and create a sense of movement and power. The waves and the winds are used to symbolize the challenges and obstacles that the speaker has faced in life, and the need for a guide to help navigate through them. The sea is a powerful and ever-changing force, and this is contrasted with the stability and strength of the speaker's friendship with Sydney.
The poem is also full of metaphors and allusions that add depth and richness to the words. The idea of the ship without a chart or star is a metaphor for the speaker's life before he met Sydney. He was lost and directionless, but Sydney became his guide and compass, leading him towards a more meaningful life. The allusion to the stars is a reference to the navigator's art of using the stars to guide ships, and it emphasizes the importance of having a clear direction in life.
The sonnet form is also used to great effect in the poem. The structure of the sonnet creates a sense of balance and harmony, with the two quatrains setting up the theme and the two tercets providing a conclusion. The rhyme scheme adds to the musicality of the words, and the iambic pentameter creates a sense of rhythm and flow.
Interpretation of the Poem
The poem "To Sydney" is a tribute to the power of friendship and the importance of having a guide and mentor in life. Stevenson uses the image of the sea to symbolize the challenges and obstacles that we all face in life, and he emphasizes the need for a guide to help us navigate through these challenges.
The poem is also a reflection of the deep bond that existed between Stevenson and his friend, Sydney Colvin. The two men shared a love of literature and a passion for life, and this is reflected in the poem. The poem is a celebration of their friendship, and it is a testament to the power of human connection.
The final tercet, with its reference to death and the afterlife, is particularly poignant. The poem suggests that even in death, the bond between the two men will remain unbroken. This is a powerful message about the enduring nature of friendship and the importance of cherishing the people we love.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Robert Louis Stevenson's "To Sydney" is a masterpiece of poetry, full of powerful imagery, metaphors, and allusions. The poem is a tribute to the power of friendship and the importance of having a guide and mentor in life. The sonnet form is used to great effect, creating a sense of balance and harmony, and the rhyme scheme adds to the musicality of the words. The poem is a reflection of the deep bond that existed between Stevenson and his friend, Sydney Colvin, and it is a testament to the power of human connection. "To Sydney" is a timeless work of art that continues to inspire readers to this day.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry To Sydney: A Masterpiece of Robert Louis Stevenson
Robert Louis Stevenson is a name that needs no introduction in the world of literature. He is known for his exceptional writing skills and the ability to create masterpieces that leave a lasting impact on the reader's mind. One such masterpiece is the poem "Poetry To Sydney," which is a beautiful tribute to the city of Sydney, Australia. In this article, we will take a detailed look at this poem and analyze its various aspects.
The poem "Poetry To Sydney" was written by Robert Louis Stevenson in 1890. It was written during his travels to Australia, where he spent some time in Sydney. The poem is a tribute to the city of Sydney and its people, and it reflects Stevenson's admiration for the city's beauty and charm.
The poem is written in the form of a letter, addressed to the city of Sydney. The opening lines of the poem set the tone for what is to come. Stevenson writes, "Dear City of Sydney, in the land of my dreams, / The home of the South, by the side of the streams." These lines convey the poet's deep affection for the city and his admiration for its natural beauty.
Stevenson goes on to describe the various aspects of the city that he finds enchanting. He talks about the blue skies, the golden sands, and the sparkling waters of the harbor. He also mentions the lush greenery that surrounds the city and the gentle breezes that blow through it. These descriptions paint a vivid picture of the city and its surroundings, and they transport the reader to the very heart of Sydney.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of imagery. Stevenson's descriptions are rich in imagery, and they create a vivid and colorful picture of the city in the reader's mind. For example, he describes the harbor as "a sea of sapphire, a sky of gold." This image is particularly striking, as it captures the beauty of the harbor and the sky in a single line.
Stevenson also uses imagery to describe the people of Sydney. He talks about their "smiling faces" and their "hearts of gold." These descriptions convey the poet's admiration for the people of Sydney and their warm and welcoming nature.
Another notable aspect of the poem is its use of rhyme and rhythm. The poem is written in a rhyming couplet form, with each line consisting of two rhyming phrases. This gives the poem a musical quality and makes it easy to read and remember. The rhythm of the poem is also noteworthy, as it is smooth and flowing, like the gentle waves of the harbor.
The poem also contains a deeper message, which is conveyed through its imagery and descriptions. Stevenson's admiration for the beauty of Sydney is not just superficial; it is rooted in a deeper appreciation for the natural world and its wonders. He sees the city as a reflection of the beauty and majesty of nature, and he encourages the reader to appreciate and cherish this beauty.
In conclusion, "Poetry To Sydney" is a masterpiece of Robert Louis Stevenson's writing. It is a beautiful tribute to the city of Sydney and its people, and it reflects the poet's deep admiration for the natural world. The poem's use of imagery, rhyme, and rhythm creates a vivid and colorful picture of the city, and its deeper message encourages the reader to appreciate and cherish the beauty of nature. This poem is a true gem of literature, and it is a testament to Stevenson's exceptional writing skills and his ability to create works that leave a lasting impact on the reader's mind.
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