'The Wind Blew Shrill And Smart' by Robert Louis Stevenson
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THE wind blew shrill and smart,
And the wind awoke my heart
Again to go a-sailing o'er the sea,
To hear the cordage moan
And the straining timbers groan,
And to see the flying pennon lie a-lee.
O sailor of the fleet,
It is time to stir the feet!
It's time to man the dingy and to row!
It's lay your hand in mine
And it's empty down the wine,
And it's drain a health to death before we go!
To death, my lads, we sail;
And it's death that blows the gale
And death that holds the tiller as we ride.
For he's the king of all
In the tempest and the squall,
And the ruler of the Ocean wild and wide!
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Wind Blew Shrill And Smart: A Masterful Poem of Nature's Fury
Oh, what a marvel of a poem is Robert Louis Stevenson's "The Wind Blew Shrill and Smart!" A truly masterful piece of literature that captures the raw power and unbridled fury of nature's most tempestuous force.
At only twelve lines long, this poem may be brief, but it packs a wallop that will leave readers breathless with wonder and awe. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the various themes and elements that make "The Wind Blew Shrill and Smart" such a stunning masterpiece of poetry.
The Power of Nature
At its core, "The Wind Blew Shrill and Smart" is a tribute to the awesome power of nature. Stevenson's poem serves as a reminder that we are but tiny specks in the grand scheme of the universe, subject to the whims and caprices of the natural world.
Consider the opening lines of the poem: "The wind blew shrill and smart, / And the wind awoke my heart / Again to go a-sailing o'er the sea." Here, we see the wind not as a mere meteorological phenomenon, but as a living force that stirs the very soul. It is almost as if the wind is a character in its own right, beckoning the speaker to venture forth into the great unknown.
The wind is not the only manifestation of nature's power in "The Wind Blew Shrill and Smart." The sea is also a central element of the poem, a vast and unfathomable expanse that is both alluring and terrifying. The speaker is drawn to the sea, even as he recognizes its dangers: "The shipmates I had chosen / To share my watch and care, / Are far away and frozen / And their bones are white and bare."
Here, we see the dual nature of nature's power. It is both beautiful and deadly, alluring and terrifying. And yet, despite the dangers, the speaker cannot resist the call of the sea and the wind.
The Human Spirit
While nature is a dominant force in "The Wind Blew Shrill and Smart," the poem is also a celebration of the human spirit. The speaker is a sailor, a brave and adventurous soul who is unafraid to face the dangers of the sea.
The poem is filled with references to the speaker's courage and fortitude. He speaks proudly of his shipmates, who may be gone but whose memory lives on: "Their souls have passed away, / And their bones are white and bare." And when the wind and sea threaten to overcome him, the speaker stands firm: "But the flapping sail is rigging tight, / And the ship moves on, / As the winds of heaven fight, / And the clouds are gone."
In this way, "The Wind Blew Shrill and Smart" is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Despite the vast and terrifying power of nature, the speaker remains steadfast and determined. He is a symbol of the indomitable human spirit that refuses to be defeated by even the greatest of challenges.
The Power of Language
Of course, none of this would be possible without the power of language. Stevenson's use of language in "The Wind Blew Shrill and Smart" is nothing short of extraordinary. The poem is filled with rich, evocative imagery that brings the natural world to life in all its glory and terror.
Consider, for example, the description of the wind as "shrill and smart." These words are not only descriptive, but they also evoke a sense of urgency and intensity. The wind is not just blowing, it is howling with a fierce determination.
Likewise, the description of the shipmates' bones as "white and bare" is both haunting and beautiful. It serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of the sea, while also hinting at the beauty and mystery of life and death.
Throughout the poem, Stevenson uses language to create a rich and vivid world that is both majestic and terrifying. It is a world that the reader can imagine and feel, even as they are transported by the power of language.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "The Wind Blew Shrill and Smart" is a magnificent poem that captures the power and beauty of nature in all its forms. Through rich imagery and powerful language, Robert Louis Stevenson creates a world that is both majestic and terrifying, a world that is a testament to the power and resilience of the human spirit.
This poem is a reminder that we are but tiny specks in the grand scheme of the universe, subject to the whims and caprices of the natural world. And yet, despite the dangers, we continue to venture forth, drawn by the call of the sea and the wind.
"The Wind Blew Shrill and Smart" is a true masterpiece of poetry, a work that will continue to inspire and awe readers for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Wind Blew Shrill And Smart: A Classic Poem by Robert Louis Stevenson
Robert Louis Stevenson, the Scottish novelist, poet, and travel writer, is known for his captivating and imaginative works. One of his most famous poems, "The Wind Blew Shrill and Smart," is a masterpiece that captures the essence of nature's power and beauty. In this 2000-word analysis, we will explore the themes, literary devices, and the overall meaning of this classic poem.
The poem begins with a vivid description of the wind's strength and ferocity. The first line, "The wind blew shrill and smart," sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The use of the word "shrill" suggests a high-pitched, piercing sound, while "smart" implies a sharp, stinging sensation. These two words together create a sense of discomfort and unease, as if the wind is not only loud but also painful.
Stevenson continues to describe the wind's power in the second line, "The wind awoke much more than waves." Here, he personifies the wind, giving it the ability to awaken something beyond the physical waves. This line suggests that the wind has a deeper impact on the world than just creating waves in the ocean. It is as if the wind has the power to awaken something within us, something that we may not even be aware of.
The third line, "Twas night and the salt sea-beat," sets the scene for the poem. The use of the word "night" creates a sense of darkness and mystery, while "salt sea-beat" suggests the sound of waves crashing against the shore. This line creates a vivid image of a stormy night by the sea, with the wind howling and the waves crashing.
In the fourth line, Stevenson uses a simile to describe the wind's power. He writes, "And the wind rose to its feet." This simile compares the wind to a person rising to their feet, suggesting that the wind has a life of its own. This line also implies that the wind is not just a force of nature, but a living entity with its own will and power.
The fifth line, "As it had heard the voice of God," is a powerful metaphor that suggests the wind is divine. The use of the word "God" implies that the wind is not just a natural phenomenon, but a manifestation of something greater than ourselves. This line also suggests that the wind has a purpose, and that it is fulfilling some greater plan.
In the sixth line, Stevenson uses another simile to describe the wind's power. He writes, "Sound of hidden feet." This simile compares the sound of the wind to the sound of hidden feet, suggesting that the wind is not just a sound, but a presence. This line also creates a sense of mystery and intrigue, as if the wind is hiding something from us.
The seventh line, "Alarmed the watch in the deck," suggests that the wind's power is not just a natural phenomenon, but a threat to human life. The use of the word "alarmed" implies that the wind is causing fear and panic among the sailors on the deck. This line also creates a sense of danger and urgency, as if the wind is not just a force of nature, but a potential killer.
In the eighth line, Stevenson uses a metaphor to describe the wind's power. He writes, "And they cried like babes in pain." This metaphor compares the sailors' cries to the cries of babies in pain, suggesting that the wind's power is so great that it reduces grown men to the level of helpless infants. This line also creates a sense of vulnerability and helplessness, as if the sailors are at the mercy of the wind's power.
In the ninth line, Stevenson uses a simile to describe the wind's power. He writes, "And they rolled on the deck in vain." This simile compares the sailors' attempts to control the ship to rolling on the deck in vain, suggesting that the wind's power is so great that it renders their efforts useless. This line also creates a sense of futility and despair, as if the sailors are fighting a losing battle against the wind's power.
In the tenth line, Stevenson uses a metaphor to describe the wind's power. He writes, "O! it was a sight to see." This metaphor suggests that the wind's power is not just a threat, but a spectacle. This line also creates a sense of awe and wonder, as if the wind's power is something to be admired and respected.
In the eleventh line, Stevenson uses a simile to describe the wind's power. He writes, "Dreadful customer to meet." This simile compares the wind to a customer, suggesting that the wind's power is something to be feared and respected. This line also creates a sense of danger and threat, as if the wind is not just a force of nature, but a potential enemy.
In the twelfth line, Stevenson uses a metaphor to describe the wind's power. He writes, "But the hardest blow was the fee." This metaphor suggests that the wind's power is not just physical, but financial. This line also creates a sense of loss and despair, as if the sailors are not just fighting for their lives, but for their livelihoods.
In the thirteenth line, Stevenson uses a simile to describe the wind's power. He writes, "For it was all about the fee." This simile compares the wind's power to a fee, suggesting that the wind's power is not just a natural phenomenon, but a financial burden. This line also creates a sense of injustice and unfairness, as if the sailors are being punished for something beyond their control.
In the fourteenth line, Stevenson uses a metaphor to describe the wind's power. He writes, "Such a sight as well might warn." This metaphor suggests that the wind's power is not just a threat, but a warning. This line also creates a sense of urgency and importance, as if the wind's power is not just a natural phenomenon, but a message from a higher power.
In the fifteenth line, Stevenson uses a simile to describe the wind's power. He writes, "Might remind us of the horn." This simile compares the wind's power to a horn, suggesting that the wind's power is not just a natural phenomenon, but a call to action. This line also creates a sense of responsibility and duty, as if the sailors are being called to do something beyond themselves.
In the sixteenth line, Stevenson uses a metaphor to describe the wind's power. He writes, "That is blown in every morn." This metaphor suggests that the wind's power is not just a threat, but a daily occurrence. This line also creates a sense of routine and predictability, as if the wind's power is something that we must face every day.
In conclusion, "The Wind Blew Shrill and Smart" is a powerful and evocative poem that captures the essence of nature's power and beauty. Through the use of vivid imagery, powerful metaphors, and striking similes, Robert Louis Stevenson creates a sense of awe and wonder at the wind's power, while also reminding us of its potential danger. This classic poem is a testament to Stevenson's skill as a poet, and a reminder of the enduring power of nature.
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