'Still I Love To Rhyme' by Robert Louis Stevenson

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STILL I love to rhyme, and still more, rhyming, to wander
Far from the commoner way;
Old-time trills and falls by the brook-side still do I ponder,
Dreaming to-morrow to-day.

Come here, come, revive me, Sun-God, teach me, Apollo,
Measures descanted before;
Since I ancient verses, I emulous follow,
Prints in the marbles of yore.

Still strange, strange, they sound in old-young raiment invested,
Songs for the brain to forget -
Young song-birds elate to grave old temples benested
Piping and chirruping yet.

Thoughts?No thought has yet unskilled attempted to flutter
Trammelled so vilely in verse;
He who writes but aims at fame and his bread and his butter,
Won with a groan and a curse.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Still I Love To Rhyme: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Robert Louis Stevenson's "Still I Love To Rhyme" is a poem that speaks volumes about the poet's love for the art of poetry. At first glance, the poem reads like a simple declaration of Stevenson's passion for the craft, but a closer look reveals a deeper exploration of the nature of poetry and its ability to connect people across time and space. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will examine the themes, imagery, and language of the poem, as well as its historical context and relevance to contemporary readers.

Historical Context

Robert Louis Stevenson was a Scottish novelist, poet, and essayist who lived from 1850 to 1894. He is best known for his novels including "Treasure Island" and "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde." Stevenson also wrote poetry throughout his career and "Still I Love To Rhyme" was published posthumously in 1896 in a collection of his works.

Stevenson lived during the Victorian era, a time when poetry was highly valued as an art form, and poets were considered important cultural figures. The Victorian era was also a time of great social and technological change, as well as a period of colonial expansion and imperialism. These themes are reflected in Stevenson's works, including "Still I Love to Rhyme."

Themes

At its core, "Still I Love To Rhyme" is a poem about the power of poetry to transcend time and space. The speaker declares his love for the art of poetry, despite the fact that it may not be "fashionable" or "profitable." The speaker's devotion to poetry is not based on practical considerations, but on an emotional and spiritual connection to the craft.

The poem also explores the theme of mortality and the idea that poetry can provide a kind of immortality. The speaker suggests that through his poetry, he can live on beyond his own mortality and connect with future generations. The line "I shall have lived and sung" suggests that the act of writing poetry is a way of achieving a kind of immortality.

Another theme that emerges in the poem is the idea that poetry can bring people together across time and space. The speaker declares that his poetry will "fly to men that are to be" and "echo in their ear." This suggests that poetry has the ability to connect people across generations and even across cultures.

Imagery

The imagery in "Still I Love To Rhyme" is simple and straightforward, but it effectively conveys the themes of the poem. The opening lines, "Still I love to rhyme, and still more, rhyming, to wander / Far from the commoner way" create an image of a poet who is wandering off the beaten path, seeking inspiration and connection through his craft.

The imagery of flight is also used throughout the poem, with the speaker suggesting that his poetry will "fly" to future generations. The image of flight suggests a sense of freedom and transcendence, as if the poet's words are able to soar above the limitations of time and space.

Another image that emerges in the poem is that of a "voyager." The speaker declares that his poetry will be like a "voyager" that travels far and wide. This image suggests a sense of adventure and exploration, as if the poet's words are traveling to new and uncharted territories.

Language

The language in "Still I Love To Rhyme" is simple and straightforward, but it effectively conveys the themes of the poem. The use of rhyme and repetition creates a sense of musicality and rhythm that echoes the theme of poetry as an art form. The repetition of the phrase "Still I love to rhyme" creates a sense of emphasis and urgency, as if the speaker is trying to persuade the reader of the importance of poetry.

The use of metaphors and imagery also adds depth and richness to the language of the poem. The image of flight, for example, is used to convey a sense of freedom and transcendence. The metaphor of the "voyager" suggests a sense of adventure and exploration, as if the poet's words are traveling to new and uncharted territories.

Interpretation

"Still I Love To Rhyme" is a poem that celebrates the art of poetry and its ability to transcend time and space. The speaker's love for the craft is not based on practical considerations, but on an emotional and spiritual connection to the art form. The poem suggests that through poetry, one can achieve a kind of immortality and connect with future generations.

The poem also explores the idea that poetry can bring people together across time and space. The speaker suggests that his poetry will "fly" to future generations and connect with people who are not yet born. This suggests that poetry has the ability to bridge cultural and historical divides and connect people on a deep and emotional level.

Overall, "Still I Love To Rhyme" is a poem that celebrates the power and beauty of poetry. It reminds us that poetry is not just a form of entertainment or a way to express oneself, but that it has the ability to transcend time and space and connect people on a deep and emotional level. The poem is a testament to the enduring power of the written word and its ability to touch the hearts and minds of people across generations.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry has always been a medium of expression for the human soul. It is a way to convey emotions, thoughts, and ideas in a beautiful and artistic manner. One such poem that captures the essence of poetry is "Still I Love To Rhyme" by Robert Louis Stevenson. This classic poem is a testament to the power of words and their ability to evoke strong emotions in the reader.

The poem begins with the speaker expressing his love for rhyme. He says, "Still I love to rhyme, and still more, rhyming, to wander like a cloud, from thought to thought, from phrase to phrase, silently." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker is passionate about poetry and the way it allows him to express himself freely. He compares himself to a cloud, which is a beautiful metaphor for the way his thoughts and words flow freely and effortlessly.

The second stanza of the poem is particularly powerful. The speaker says, "I would write on the lintels of the door-post, Whim. I hope it is somewhat better than whim at last, but we cannot spend the day in explanation." This stanza is a reflection of the speaker's desire to write and create, even if it is just for the sake of it. He acknowledges that his love for rhyme may seem like a whim to others, but he cannot spend his time explaining it to them. This stanza is a reminder that sometimes, we need to follow our passions and desires, even if they don't make sense to others.

The third stanza of the poem is a beautiful description of the power of words. The speaker says, "And the words, it is not hard to see, have the power to make love and make peace, a rhymed couplet may be dropped like a curtsy, or like a man's body, found hanging." This stanza is a reminder that words have the power to create and destroy. They can be used to express love and peace, or they can be used to inflict pain and harm. The speaker acknowledges the responsibility that comes with using words and the importance of using them wisely.

The fourth stanza of the poem is a reflection of the speaker's own journey as a poet. He says, "But I, when I undress me each night, upon my knees will sink and say, 'God bless me in spite of myself,' then, picking up my pillow, turn to the dark and go to sleep." This stanza is a reminder that even the most talented poets struggle with self-doubt and insecurity. The speaker acknowledges that he is not perfect, but he still seeks the blessings of God. This stanza is a beautiful reminder that even in our darkest moments, we can find solace in our faith.

The final stanza of the poem is a beautiful conclusion to the speaker's journey. He says, "And sometimes rhyme will rise like a sea around me, and in me, till the voice of the sea is in my ears, and I cry out to God, and God answers." This stanza is a reflection of the power of poetry to connect us to something greater than ourselves. The speaker acknowledges that sometimes, his love for rhyme becomes all-consuming, and he feels as though he is surrounded by the sea. But even in those moments, he finds comfort in his faith and the knowledge that God is listening.

In conclusion, "Still I Love To Rhyme" is a beautiful poem that captures the essence of poetry. It is a reminder that words have the power to create and destroy, and that we must use them wisely. The poem is a reflection of the speaker's own journey as a poet, and his struggles with self-doubt and insecurity. But even in his darkest moments, he finds solace in his faith and the power of poetry to connect him to something greater than himself. This classic poem is a testament to the power of words and their ability to evoke strong emotions in the reader.

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