'Prayer' by Robert Louis Stevenson
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I ASK good things that I detest,
With speeches fair;
Heed not, I pray Thee, Lord, my breast,
But hear my prayer.
I say ill things I would not say -
Things unaware:
Regard my breast, Lord, in Thy day,
And not my prayer.
My heart is evil in Thy sight:
My good thoughts flee:
O Lord, I cannot wish aright -
Wish Thou for me.
O bend my words and acts to Thee,
However ill,
That I, whate'er I say or be,
May serve Thee still.
O let my thoughts abide in Thee
Lest I should fall:
Show me Thyself in all I see,
Thou Lord of all.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry, Prayer by Robert Louis Stevenson: A Deep Dive
Are you a fan of poetry that gives you goosebumps? Do you like intense emotions that make you feel alive? If yes, then you must read Robert Louis Stevenson's "Poetry, Prayer."
This classic poem is a journey from despair to hope, from darkness to light, from doubt to faith. In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, metaphors, symbols, and language of "Poetry, Prayer" and understand its relevance even today.
Background and Context
Before we dive into the poem, let's understand the context in which Robert Louis Stevenson wrote it. Stevenson was a Scottish novelist, poet, and travel writer who lived from 1850 to 1894. He's best known for his adventure novels "Treasure Island" and "Kidnapped" but also wrote poetry that reflected his views on life, death, and spirituality.
"Poetry, Prayer" was first published in 1885 in a volume of Stevenson's poetry called "Underwoods." At that time, Stevenson was suffering from poor health and financial troubles. He had moved to the island of Samoa in the South Pacific seeking a warmer climate and a simpler lifestyle. It was there that he wrote "Poetry, Prayer."
Themes
"Poetry, Prayer" is a poem about the power of words and the human spirit. The poem has three main themes: despair, hope, and faith.
The poem starts with the speaker feeling lost and alone in the world. He is in despair and can't find a way out of it. He describes his emotional state as "cold, cold, cold."
"When the world is puddle-wonderful"
"And the light comes slowly, slowly up"
"And the sun is a penny"
"I arise in the morning"
"Cold, cold, cold."
However, the poem doesn't stay in this state of despair for long. The second theme, hope, comes into play. The speaker finds hope in the power of words. He discovers that poetry can heal him, can lift him out of his darkness.
"I heard in my soul"
"The voices of two"
"The poem and the prayer"
"And the music of the stars."
The final theme of the poem is faith. The speaker finds faith in the power of prayer. He discovers that prayer can connect him to a higher power, can give him strength and guidance.
"For the love that is purest"
"The love that is surest"
"Has a note like a wild bird's song"
"And the song is one"
"And the singing forever."
Structure and Language
The structure of "Poetry, Prayer" is simple but effective. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with four lines. The first stanza sets the mood of despair; the second brings in hope, and the third brings in faith.
The language of the poem is lyrical and musical. Stevenson uses alliteration, repetition, and metaphor to create a rhythmic flow that pulls the reader in. For example, the repetition of "cold, cold, cold" in the first stanza creates a sense of isolation and desolation. The alliteration of "purest" and "surest" in the third stanza creates a sense of clarity and conviction.
Metaphors and Symbols
"Poetry, Prayer" is full of metaphors and symbols that add depth and meaning to the poem.
The first metaphor is the world as a "puddle-wonderful" place. This phrase suggests that the world is full of wonder, but it's also shallow and temporary. The metaphor of the sun as a penny suggests that even the brightest things in life are small and insignificant in the grand scheme of things.
The second metaphor is the poem and the prayer as two voices that speak to the speaker's soul. The poem represents the power of words to heal and inspire, while the prayer represents the power of faith to give strength and guidance.
The final symbol in the poem is the "wild bird's song." This symbol represents the purity and freedom of love. The bird's song is a natural expression of love that is unencumbered by human expectations and limitations.
Interpretation
So, what does "Poetry, Prayer" mean? What message is Stevenson trying to convey?
At its core, "Poetry, Prayer" is a poem about the human condition. It's about the struggles we all face in life and the ways we can find the strength to overcome them.
The poem suggests that words have the power to heal and inspire us. Just as the speaker finds hope in the power of poetry, we too can find solace in the words of others. Whether it's reading a book, listening to music or watching a movie, we can find comfort and inspiration in the creations of others.
Furthermore, the poem suggests that prayer can connect us to a higher power and give us the strength and guidance we need to face life's challenges. Regardless of one's religious beliefs, the act of prayer can be a powerful tool for finding inner peace and clarity.
Relevance Today
"Poetry, Prayer" is a poem that still resonates with readers today. In a world that often feels cold and isolating, the poem reminds us that words and faith can be powerful tools for finding hope and healing.
Moreover, the poem's message is particularly relevant given the current state of the world. The COVID-19 pandemic has left many feeling lost and alone, unsure of what the future holds. The poem reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is still hope and that we can find strength and guidance through prayer and the power of words.
Conclusion
"Poetry, Prayer" is a classic poem that speaks to the heart of the human condition. Through its themes of despair, hope, and faith, the poem reminds us of the power of words and prayer to heal and inspire us. Its metaphors and symbols add depth and meaning to the poem, and its relevance today makes it a must-read for anyone seeking comfort and guidance in these uncertain times.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Prayer: A Masterpiece by Robert Louis Stevenson
Robert Louis Stevenson, the Scottish novelist, poet, and essayist, is known for his literary works that have inspired generations. Among his many works, the Poetry Prayer stands out as a masterpiece that captures the essence of poetry and the power of prayer. In this 2000-word analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of the Poetry Prayer and understand why it is considered a classic.
The Themes of Poetry Prayer
The Poetry Prayer is a poem that celebrates the art of poetry and the spiritual power of prayer. The poem is divided into two parts, with the first part focusing on the beauty and power of poetry, and the second part focusing on the spiritual benefits of prayer. The themes of the poem are intertwined, with poetry and prayer being seen as complementary and mutually reinforcing.
The first part of the poem celebrates the beauty and power of poetry. Stevenson describes poetry as a "magic art" that can transport us to other worlds and evoke powerful emotions. He compares poetry to a "golden key" that can unlock the doors of our imagination and take us on a journey of discovery. The poem also highlights the transformative power of poetry, as it can change our perspective and help us see the world in a new light.
The second part of the poem focuses on the spiritual benefits of prayer. Stevenson describes prayer as a way to connect with the divine and seek guidance and comfort. He emphasizes the importance of prayer in times of trouble and describes it as a source of strength and hope. The poem also highlights the role of prayer in shaping our character and helping us become better people.
Overall, the themes of the Poetry Prayer are universal and timeless. They speak to the human experience of seeking beauty, meaning, and connection with the divine.
The Structure of Poetry Prayer
The Poetry Prayer is a sonnet, a form of poetry that consists of fourteen lines. The poem follows the traditional structure of a sonnet, with the first eight lines (the octave) presenting a problem or question, and the last six lines (the sestet) providing a resolution or answer.
The octave of the Poetry Prayer focuses on the beauty and power of poetry. The first four lines set the scene and describe poetry as a "magic art" that can transport us to other worlds. The next four lines explore the transformative power of poetry and its ability to change our perspective.
The sestet of the poem focuses on the spiritual benefits of prayer. The first four lines describe prayer as a way to connect with the divine and seek guidance and comfort. The last two lines provide a resolution to the problem presented in the octave, suggesting that poetry and prayer are complementary and mutually reinforcing.
The structure of the Poetry Prayer is simple yet effective. It allows Stevenson to explore complex themes in a concise and powerful way, while also providing a sense of symmetry and balance to the poem.
The Language of Poetry Prayer
The language of the Poetry Prayer is rich and evocative, with Stevenson using a range of poetic devices to create a sense of beauty and power. The poem is written in iambic pentameter, a rhythmic pattern that consists of ten syllables per line and alternates between stressed and unstressed syllables. This gives the poem a sense of flow and musicality, making it a pleasure to read aloud.
Stevenson also uses a range of other poetic devices, such as metaphor, simile, and personification, to create vivid images and evoke powerful emotions. For example, he describes poetry as a "golden key" that can unlock the doors of our imagination, and prayer as a "shield" that can protect us from harm. These metaphors create a sense of wonder and magic, making the poem feel like a journey of discovery.
The language of the Poetry Prayer is also deeply spiritual, with Stevenson using religious imagery and language to describe prayer. He describes prayer as a way to "clasp God's knees" and seek his guidance and comfort. This language creates a sense of intimacy and connection with the divine, making the poem feel like a personal and heartfelt prayer.
Conclusion
The Poetry Prayer is a masterpiece of poetry that celebrates the beauty and power of poetry and the spiritual benefits of prayer. The poem is structured as a sonnet, with the first eight lines focusing on poetry and the last six lines focusing on prayer. The language of the poem is rich and evocative, with Stevenson using a range of poetic devices to create vivid images and evoke powerful emotions. Overall, the Poetry Prayer is a timeless work of art that speaks to the human experience of seeking beauty, meaning, and connection with the divine.
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