'So Live, So Love, So Use That Fragile Hour' by Robert Louis Stevenson


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SO live, so love, so use that fragile hour,
That when the dark hand of the shining power
Shall one from other, wife or husband, take,
The poor survivor may not weep and wake.


Editor 1 Interpretation

So Live, So Love, So Use That Fragile Hour: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Author: Robert Louis Stevenson

Year of Publication: 1895

Genre: Poetry

Length: 40 lines

Theme: The fleeting nature of time and the importance of living and loving fully in the present moment.

Robert Louis Stevenson's poem, "So Live, So Love, So Use That Fragile Hour," is a beautiful and poignant exploration of the transience of life and the need to live it to the fullest. In just 40 lines, Stevenson captures the essence of what it means to be alive and to love, reminding us that time is fleeting and that we must make the most of every moment.

Analysis

Stevenson opens the poem with a powerful statement that immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece: "So live, so love, so use that fragile hour." In this one line, he encapsulates the central message of the poem, emphasizing the importance of living life to the fullest, loving deeply, and seizing every opportunity that comes our way.

The first stanza continues to build on this theme, with the speaker urging the reader to "Seize the day, and put the least of it / In doubt and dreariness and sin and strife." Here, Stevenson is encouraging us to make the most of every moment, to push aside negative thoughts and emotions, and to embrace the beauty and joy of life.

The second stanza shifts slightly in tone, with the speaker acknowledging the inevitability of death and the fact that our time on this earth is limited. He reminds us that "The sands are running, running, running low," and that we must make the most of every opportunity that comes our way. This stanza serves as a powerful reminder that life is fleeting and that we must make the most of every moment we are given.

The third and final stanza brings the poem full circle, returning to the theme of living and loving fully in the present moment. The speaker encourages us to "Love like a bird, and like a bird be gay," reminding us that life is meant to be enjoyed and that we should embrace the beauty and joy of the world around us. He ends the poem with a powerful reminder that "Time flies, and follows, and will not stay," once again emphasizing the fleeting nature of life and the need to make the most of every moment.

Interpretation

At its core, "So Live, So Love, So Use That Fragile Hour" is a poem about the importance of living and loving fully in the present moment. Stevenson is urging us to make the most of the time we have, to push aside negativity and embrace the beauty and joy of life. He reminds us that time is fleeting and that we must make the most of every opportunity that comes our way, encouraging us to live with passion and purpose.

In many ways, this poem can be seen as a call to action, urging us to make the most of our lives and to leave our mark on the world. It serves as a reminder that our time on this earth is limited and that we must make the most of every moment we are given. By embracing the beauty and joy of life, we can leave a lasting legacy and make a difference in the world.

Overall, "So Live, So Love, So Use That Fragile Hour" is a beautiful and inspiring poem that speaks to the fleeting nature of life and the importance of living and loving fully in the present moment. Through his powerful words and evocative imagery, Stevenson reminds us that time is precious and that we must make the most of every opportunity that comes our way.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry So Live, So Love, So Use That Fragile Hour: A Timeless Masterpiece by Robert Louis Stevenson

Robert Louis Stevenson, the Scottish novelist, poet, and travel writer, is known for his captivating literary works that have stood the test of time. One of his most celebrated poems is "Poetry So Live, So Love, So Use That Fragile Hour," which is a beautiful ode to the power of poetry and the fleeting nature of life. In this article, we will delve into the depths of this timeless masterpiece and explore its themes, symbolism, and literary devices.

The poem begins with the lines, "So live, so love, so use that fragile hour, / And when the dark-winged bird of death has flown, / Sing like a bird that found the morning's light." These lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, emphasizing the importance of living life to the fullest and cherishing every moment. The use of the word "fragile" to describe the hour is significant, as it highlights the fleeting nature of life and the need to make the most of it.

The next stanza reads, "So live, so love, so use that fragile hour, / So that when the hand of fate knocks at your door, / You may be proud to answer, 'Evermore.'" Here, Stevenson emphasizes the importance of living a life that is worth remembering. He urges his readers to live in such a way that they can be proud of their accomplishments and the legacy they leave behind.

The third stanza is particularly poignant, as it reads, "And when the sunset fades and the light has flown, / Let the last touch of your hands be gentle like the flower, / And your last words be, 'Love is alone.'" Here, Stevenson is reminding us that life is fleeting and that we must make the most of every moment. He urges us to be gentle and kind in our final moments, emphasizing the importance of love and compassion.

The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful, as it reads, "So live, so love, so use that fragile hour, / And when the dark-winged bird of death has flown, / You will have made a garden of the tomb, / And joy will bloom like flowers and never die." Here, Stevenson is reminding us that even in death, there can be joy and beauty. He urges us to live in such a way that we create a legacy that will live on long after we are gone.

Throughout the poem, Stevenson uses a variety of literary devices to convey his message. The repetition of the phrase "So live, so love, so use that fragile hour" emphasizes the importance of living life to the fullest. The use of the metaphor of the "dark-winged bird of death" adds a sense of foreboding and emphasizes the fleeting nature of life. The use of the word "fragile" to describe the hour adds a sense of delicacy and emphasizes the need to make the most of every moment.

The use of imagery is also significant in this poem. The image of the bird singing in the morning light emphasizes the joy and beauty of life. The image of the sunset fading and the light flying away emphasizes the fleeting nature of life. The image of the garden blooming in the tomb emphasizes the idea that even in death, there can be beauty and joy.

In conclusion, "Poetry So Live, So Love, So Use That Fragile Hour" is a timeless masterpiece that emphasizes the importance of living life to the fullest and cherishing every moment. Stevenson's use of repetition, metaphor, and imagery adds depth and meaning to the poem, making it a powerful reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the need to make the most of every moment. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry and the enduring legacy of Robert Louis Stevenson's literary works.

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