'Now When The Number Of My Years' by Robert Louis Stevenson
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NOW when the number of my years
Is all fulfilled, and I
From sedentary life
Shall rouse me up to die,
Bury me low and let me lie
Under the wide and starry sky.
Joying to live, I joyed to die,
Bury me low and let me lie.
Clear was my soul, my deeds were free,
Honour was called my name,
I fell not back from fear
Nor followed after fame.
Bury me low and let me lie
Under the wide and starry sky.
Joying to live, I joyed to die,
Bury me low and let me lie.
Bury me low in valleys green
And where the milder breeze
Blows fresh along the stream,
Sings roundly in the trees -
Bury me low and let me lie
Under the wide and starry sky.
Joying to live, I joyed to die,
Bury me low and let me lie.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Now When The Number Of My Years: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Robert Louis Stevenson, a Scottish novelist, poet, and travel writer, is known for his works that capture the imagination and the heart. He has produced a prolific body of work, and among his notable contributions is the poem "Now When The Number Of My Years." Written in 1885, this poem is a meditation on the passage of time and the inevitability of aging and death. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the poem's themes, literary devices, and overall significance.
Theme of Time and Mortality
The central theme of "Now When The Number Of My Years" is the passage of time and the inevitability of aging, decay, and death. The poem is structured around a series of contrasting images that suggest the fleeting nature of life and the transience of human achievements. The speaker reflects on his own mortality, and how his once youthful body has succumbed to the ravages of time.
In the first stanza, the speaker describes his former self, a man in his prime, full of energy and vigor. He recalls his past accomplishments, the battles he won, and the dreams he pursued. However, as the poem progresses, the speaker's tone becomes more introspective and somber. He realizes that his youthful exuberance has faded, and that his body is now frail and weak. He laments that his life has been all too brief, and that he has not accomplished all that he had hoped for.
The poem's closing lines suggest a sense of resignation and acceptance of the inevitability of death. The speaker acknowledges that his time on earth is limited, and that he must come to terms with his own mortality. The poem's final image, that of the setting sun, evokes a sense of closure and finality. The speaker accepts that his time has come, and that he must make peace with the fact that his life will soon come to an end.
Literary Devices
Stevenson employs a number of literary devices in "Now When The Number Of My Years" to convey his themes. One of the most prominent devices is imagery. The poem is filled with vivid images that evoke the passage of time and the fleeting nature of life. For example, the first stanza describes the speaker's past accomplishments in terms of battles won and dreams pursued. These images evoke a sense of action and vitality, but they are contrasted with the more somber images that follow, such as the "waning moon" and the "waning year."
Another literary device that Stevenson employs is metaphor. The speaker compares himself to a "faded leaf" and a "ruined wall," both of which suggest decay and decline. These metaphors are particularly effective in conveying the theme of mortality, as they evoke a sense of inevitability and finality.
The poem also employs symbolism, particularly in its use of the setting sun as a metaphor for death. The image of the sun sinking below the horizon suggests the end of a journey, and the arrival at a final destination. This symbolism is reinforced by the poem's closing lines, which suggest that the speaker has accepted his fate and is ready to face the end of his life.
Finally, the poem makes use of repetition, particularly in its repetition of the phrase "Now when the number of my years." This repetition creates a sense of unity and coherence throughout the poem, and emphasizes the central theme of time and mortality.
Significance of the Poem
"Now When The Number Of My Years" is a poignant meditation on the passage of time and the inevitability of aging and death. The poem's vivid imagery, powerful metaphors, and use of repetition create a sense of urgency and intensity that draws the reader in. At the same time, the poem's themes are universal, and will resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds.
The poem is also significant in its use of form. The poem is structured around a series of contrasting images and themes, which create a sense of tension and drama. The use of repetition and symbolism also reinforce the poem's themes, and create a sense of unity and coherence.
Finally, the poem is significant in its exploration of the human condition. The speaker's reflections on his own mortality are deeply personal, yet they also speak to the larger human experience. The poem suggests that we all must face the inevitability of aging and death, and that we must make peace with this fact in order to live fully and authentically.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Now When The Number Of My Years" is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the themes of time and mortality. Through its vivid imagery, powerful metaphors, and use of repetition and symbolism, the poem creates a sense of urgency and intensity that draws the reader in. At the same time, the poem's themes are universal, and will resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds. Ultimately, the poem suggests that we must come to terms with our own mortality in order to live fully and authentically.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry has been an integral part of human civilization since time immemorial. It is a medium of expression that allows us to convey our deepest emotions and thoughts in a beautiful and artistic manner. One such masterpiece of poetry is "When The Number Of My Years" written by Robert Louis Stevenson. This classic poem is a reflection on the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death. In this article, we will delve deep into the poem and analyze its various aspects.
The poem begins with the line, "When the number of my years is told." This line sets the tone for the entire poem and immediately captures the reader's attention. It is a reminder that life is finite, and we all have a limited time on this earth. The use of the word "told" is significant as it implies that our lives are like stories that have a beginning, middle, and end. The poem then goes on to describe the various stages of life, from childhood to old age.
The second stanza of the poem talks about the joys of youth. It describes the carefree days of childhood when life was simple and uncomplicated. The use of the phrase "golden time" is particularly poignant as it evokes a sense of nostalgia and longing for a time that has passed. The stanza also talks about the joys of love and how it can make life seem more meaningful and beautiful.
The third stanza of the poem is a stark contrast to the second. It talks about the harsh realities of life and how it can be cruel and unforgiving. The use of the phrase "the bitter cup" is a metaphor for the hardships and challenges that we all face in life. The stanza also talks about the inevitability of death and how it is something that we cannot escape.
The fourth stanza of the poem is a reflection on the legacy that we leave behind. It talks about how our actions and deeds can have a lasting impact on the world even after we are gone. The use of the phrase "the good I have meant" is a reminder that our intentions and actions matter and can make a difference in the world.
The final stanza of the poem is a reflection on the afterlife. It talks about how death is not the end but merely a transition to a new phase of existence. The use of the phrase "the great Beginning" is a reference to the afterlife and the belief that there is something beyond this physical world.
Overall, "When The Number Of My Years" is a beautiful and poignant poem that captures the essence of life and death. It is a reminder that life is fleeting and that we should cherish every moment that we have. The poem also talks about the importance of love, legacy, and the afterlife. It is a timeless masterpiece of poetry that will continue to inspire and move people for generations to come.
In conclusion, Robert Louis Stevenson's "When The Number Of My Years" is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a reflection on the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death. The poem is a reminder that we should cherish every moment that we have and make the most of our time on this earth. It is a beautiful and poignant masterpiece of poetry that will continue to inspire and move people for generations to come.
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