'To Rosabelle' by Robert Louis Stevenson
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WHEN my young lady has grown great and staid,
And in long raiment wondrously arrayed,
She may take pleasure with a smile to know
How she delighted men-folk long ago.
For her long after, then, this tale I tell
Of the two fans and fairy Rosabelle.
Hot was the day; her weary sire and I
Sat in our chairs companionably nigh,
Each with a headache sat her sire and I.
Instant the hostess waked: she viewed the scene,
Divined the giants' languor by their mien,
And with hospitable care
Tackled at once an Atlantean chair.
Her pigmy stature scarce attained the seat -
She dragged it where she would, and with her feet
Surmounted; thence, a Phaeton launched, she crowned
The vast plateau of the piano, found
And culled a pair of fans; wherewith equipped,
Our mountaineer back to the level slipped;
And being landed, with considerate eyes,
Betwixt her elders dealt her double prize;
The small to me, the greater to her sire.
As painters now advance and now retire
Before the growing canvas, and anon
Once more approach and put the climax on:
So she awhile withdrew, her piece she viewed -
For half a moment half supposed it good -
Spied her mistake, nor sooner spied than ran
To remedy; and with the greater fan,
In gracious better thought, equipped the guest.
From ill to well, from better on to best,
Arts move; the homely, like the plastic kind;
And high ideals fired that infant mind.
Once more she backed, once more a space apart
Considered and reviewed her work of art:
Doubtful at first, and gravely yet awhile;
Till all her features blossomed in a smile.
And the child, waking at the call of bliss,
To each she ran, and took and gave a kiss.
Editor 1 Interpretation
To Rosabelle: A Masterclass in Romantic Poetry
As I sit down to write about Robert Louis Stevenson's "To Rosabelle," I am struck by the sheer beauty of the poem. The words seem to flow effortlessly, painting a vivid picture of love, loss, and longing. It is no wonder that this poem has become a classic of romantic literature.
A Brief Overview
First published in the 1870s, "To Rosabelle" is a short poem consisting of four stanzas. Each stanza has four lines, and the rhyme scheme is ABAB. The poem tells the story of a man who is in love with a woman named Rosabelle. However, she is either dead or has left him, and he is left to mourn her loss.
Analysis of the Poem
The poem opens with the speaker addressing Rosabelle directly. He tells her that he loves her, but that she is no longer with him. The line "My heart is like a withered nut" sets the tone for the rest of the poem, conveying the speaker's sense of loss and despair.
In the second stanza, the speaker uses a series of metaphors to describe his feelings. He compares his heart to a "crimson rose" that has withered and died, and his love for Rosabelle to a "bird that flew away." These metaphors are powerful and effective, conveying the depth of the speaker's emotions.
The third stanza is perhaps the most poignant of the poem. The speaker tells Rosabelle that he knows she is never coming back, but that he still longs for her. He imagines her as a ghost haunting him, and he begs her to come back to him. This stanza is particularly effective in conveying the speaker's sense of loneliness and longing.
The final stanza brings the poem to a close, with the speaker acknowledging that he will never be with Rosabelle again. He compares his love for her to a "song that has been sung," and says that he will always remember her. The final line, "But never more in the olden way," is a bittersweet ending to the poem, conveying both the speaker's sense of loss and his acceptance of the situation.
Interpretation of the Poem
At its core, "To Rosabelle" is a poem about love and loss. The speaker is clearly deeply in love with Rosabelle, but he has lost her, either through death or some other means. The poem conveys his sense of grief and longing, as well as his acceptance of the situation.
One interpretation of the poem is that it is a tribute to a lost love. The speaker is mourning the loss of someone he loved deeply, and he is using the poem as a way of expressing his grief. The use of metaphors and imagery throughout the poem is particularly effective in conveying the depth of his emotions.
Another interpretation is that the poem is a commentary on the nature of love itself. The speaker's love for Rosabelle is portrayed as something that cannot be easily forgotten or replaced. However, the poem also suggests that love is fleeting, and that even the strongest of emotions can eventually fade away.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "To Rosabelle" is a masterpiece of romantic poetry. Robert Louis Stevenson's use of language and imagery is powerful and effective, conveying the speaker's emotions in a way that is both poignant and beautiful. The poem is a tribute to love and loss, and it continues to resonate with readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry To Rosabelle: A Masterpiece of Romantic Poetry
Robert Louis Stevenson, the Scottish novelist, poet, and essayist, is known for his literary works that explore the human condition, the beauty of nature, and the complexities of love. One of his most celebrated poems, Poetry To Rosabelle, is a masterpiece of romantic poetry that captures the essence of love, longing, and loss.
The poem, which was published in 1887, is a tribute to Rosabelle, a woman who was dear to Stevenson's heart. It is a lyrical and emotional expression of his love for her, and his sorrow at her passing. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which explores a different aspect of the poet's feelings.
The first stanza sets the tone for the poem, with the poet expressing his longing for Rosabelle. He describes her as a "flower of the world" and a "star of the sea," highlighting her beauty and grace. He also speaks of his own feelings, saying that he is "lonely and sad" without her. The imagery in this stanza is vivid and evocative, with the poet using metaphors and similes to create a sense of longing and yearning.
The second stanza is more introspective, with the poet reflecting on the nature of love and the passing of time. He speaks of the "fleeting hours" and the "swift years" that have passed since he first met Rosabelle. He also acknowledges the transience of life, saying that "all things pass" and that "love alone endures." This stanza is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing the moments we have with those we love.
The final stanza is the most emotional and heartfelt, with the poet expressing his grief at Rosabelle's passing. He speaks of his "aching heart" and his "tears that fall like rain." He also acknowledges that he will never forget her, saying that "her memory will ever be a guiding star to me." This stanza is a powerful expression of the poet's love and his sorrow, and it is a testament to the enduring power of love.
The language and imagery in Poetry To Rosabelle are exquisite, with the poet using a range of literary devices to create a sense of beauty and emotion. The use of metaphors and similes, such as "flower of the world" and "star of the sea," creates a sense of wonder and awe, while the repetition of phrases such as "lonely and sad" and "aching heart" reinforces the poet's emotions.
The poem also has a musical quality, with the use of rhyme and rhythm creating a sense of harmony and flow. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, CDCD, EFEF, which gives the poem a sense of structure and balance. The use of iambic tetrameter, with four stressed syllables per line, creates a sense of rhythm and movement, and adds to the musicality of the poem.
Overall, Poetry To Rosabelle is a masterpiece of romantic poetry that captures the essence of love, longing, and loss. It is a testament to the enduring power of love, and a reminder of the importance of cherishing the moments we have with those we love. Robert Louis Stevenson's use of language, imagery, and literary devices creates a sense of beauty and emotion that is both timeless and universal. This poem is a true masterpiece of romantic poetry, and a testament to the enduring power of love.
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