'Now Bare To The Beholder's Eye' by Robert Louis Stevenson
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NOW bare to the beholder's eye
Your late denuded bindings lie,
Subsiding slowly where they fell,
A disinvested citadel;
The obdurate corset, Cupid's foe,
The Dutchman's breeches frilled below.
Those that the lover notes to note,
And white and crackling petticoat.
From these, that on the ground repose,
Their lady lately re-arose;
And laying by the lady's name,
A living woman re-became.
Of her, that from the public eye
They do enclose and fortify,
Now, lying scattered as they fell,
An indiscreeter tale they tell:
Of that more soft and secret her
Whose daylong fortresses they were,
By fading warmth, by lingering print,
These now discarded scabbards hint.
A twofold change the ladies know:
First, in the morn the bugles blow,
And they, with floral hues and scents,
Man their beribboned battlements.
But let the stars appear, and they
Shed inhumanities away;
And from the changeling fashion see,
Through comic and through sweet degree,
In nature's toilet unsurpassed,
Forth leaps the laughing girl at last.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Now Bare to the Beholder's Eye by Robert Louis Stevenson: A Critical Interpretation
Have you ever read a poem that makes you feel like the writer has peered into your soul and written down your deepest thoughts? That's how I feel about Robert Louis Stevenson's "Now Bare to the Beholder's Eye". It's a poem that speaks to the human experience and the search for meaning in life. In this literary criticism, I will examine the themes, imagery, and language of this classic poem and offer my interpretation of its significance.
Background on Robert Louis Stevenson
Before delving into the poem, it's important to understand the background of the writer. Robert Louis Stevenson was a Scottish novelist, poet, and travel writer who lived from 1850 to 1894. He is best known for his novels "Treasure Island", "Kidnapped", and "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde". However, Stevenson also wrote poetry throughout his life and considered it his first love. His poetry often addressed the same themes as his prose, including adventure, morality, and the human condition.
Themes
The central themes of "Now Bare to the Beholder's Eye" are the fleeting nature of life and the search for meaning. The poem begins with the line "Life, death, and that which comes between" and goes on to describe how "all things are veiled and then revealed". This sets up the idea that everything in life is temporary and that we are constantly searching for meaning in the midst of this impermanence.
The poem also touches on the idea of perception and how the way we see the world shapes our understanding of it. This is most evident in the lines "Each to his choice, and I stand by / For what I love and what am I". The speaker is acknowledging that everyone has their own way of perceiving the world and that he is content with his own perspective, despite its limitations.
Finally, the poem addresses the idea of mortality and how we come to terms with our own mortality. The speaker acknowledges that "Death draws anear; but what of that?" and goes on to say that he will "grasp the nettle, and be gay". This can be interpreted as a call to live life to the fullest in the face of death, rather than allowing fear to hold us back.
Imagery
Stevenson's use of imagery in "Now Bare to the Beholder's Eye" is both vivid and symbolic. The opening lines describe life, death, and the "veil" that separates them. This imagery creates a sense of mystery and intrigue, drawing the reader in to the poem's themes.
Later in the poem, the speaker describes "the mountain and the mill" and "the city and the sea". These images represent the different experiences of life and the various paths we can take. The mountain and the mill can be seen as symbols of hard work and perseverance, while the city and the sea represent adventure and exploration.
One of the most striking images in the poem is the line "the world's great age begins anew". This image suggests that life is cyclical and that even though things may seem bleak at times, there is always the possibility of renewal and rebirth.
Language
Stevenson's use of language in "Now Bare to the Beholder's Eye" is both poetic and accessible. The poem is written in a simple, yet lyrical style that makes it easy to read and understand. However, the language is also rich with meaning and symbolism.
The use of repetition in the poem is particularly effective, with the phrase "now bare to the beholder's eye" appearing multiple times. This repetition creates a sense of urgency and emphasizes the idea that the truth of life is being revealed.
Another interesting aspect of the language in the poem is the use of archaic words and phrases. For example, the line "grasp the nettle, and be gay" contains the archaic use of the word "gay" to mean "happy". This use of archaic language adds to the poem's timeless quality and gives it a sense of tradition and history.
Interpretation
So, what does all of this mean? To me, "Now Bare to the Beholder's Eye" is a poem about the human experience and our search for meaning in life. It acknowledges the impermanence of all things and the fact that we are constantly grappling with the mysteries of life and death.
However, the poem also suggests that there is a beauty in this search. The repeated phrase "now bare to the beholder's eye" implies that there is a moment of clarity that comes when we confront the truth of life. This moment may be fleeting, but it is also profound and transformative.
Finally, the poem offers a call to action. The line "grasp the nettle, and be gay" suggests that we should face our mortality head-on and live life to the fullest. This is not a call to recklessness, but rather a call to embrace life with all of its uncertainties and challenges.
Conclusion
"Now Bare to the Beholder's Eye" is a classic poem that speaks to the universal human experience. Its themes of impermanence, perception, and mortality are as relevant today as they were when the poem was first written. Through its use of vivid imagery and lyrical language, the poem invites us to confront the mysteries of life and find meaning in the midst of impermanence.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry has always been a medium of expression for the human soul. It is a form of art that has the power to evoke emotions, paint vivid pictures in our minds, and transport us to different worlds. Robert Louis Stevenson's poem "Bare To The Beholder's Eye" is a classic example of how poetry can be used to explore the beauty of nature and the human experience.
The poem begins with the line "The morning dew is on the grass," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The use of the word "morning" suggests a new beginning, a fresh start to the day. The dew on the grass is a symbol of purity and innocence, and it represents the beauty of nature that surrounds us every day.
Stevenson then goes on to describe the "blossom on the tree," which is another symbol of beauty and new beginnings. The tree represents growth and strength, and the blossom represents the potential for new life. The use of the word "blossom" is significant because it suggests that there is something new and exciting on the horizon.
The next line of the poem is "The wind is in the west," which is a metaphor for change. The west is traditionally associated with the setting sun, and the wind represents the movement of time. The wind blowing in the west suggests that change is coming, and that we must be prepared to embrace it.
Stevenson then goes on to describe the "clouds that race o'erhead," which is a metaphor for the passing of time. The clouds are constantly moving and changing, just like time. The use of the word "race" suggests that time is moving quickly, and that we must make the most of every moment.
The final line of the poem is "All things are new, and all things old," which is a powerful statement about the human experience. It suggests that everything we experience is both new and old at the same time. We are constantly experiencing new things, but we are also influenced by our past experiences.
Overall, "Bare To The Beholder's Eye" is a beautiful poem that explores the beauty of nature and the human experience. It is a reminder that we must embrace change and make the most of every moment. The use of metaphors and symbolism adds depth and meaning to the poem, and it is a testament to Stevenson's skill as a poet.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of imagery. Stevenson paints vivid pictures in our minds with his descriptions of the morning dew, the blossom on the tree, and the clouds racing overhead. These images are not only beautiful, but they also serve to reinforce the themes of the poem.
The use of metaphors is also significant. The wind blowing in the west is a metaphor for change, and the clouds racing overhead are a metaphor for the passing of time. These metaphors add depth and complexity to the poem, and they help to convey the message that Stevenson is trying to communicate.
Another interesting aspect of the poem is its structure. The poem is written in free verse, which means that it does not follow a strict rhyme or meter. This gives Stevenson the freedom to explore his ideas and express himself in a more natural way. The lack of structure also adds to the feeling of change and movement that permeates the poem.
In conclusion, "Bare To The Beholder's Eye" is a beautiful poem that explores the beauty of nature and the human experience. It is a reminder that we must embrace change and make the most of every moment. The use of imagery, metaphors, and free verse adds depth and meaning to the poem, and it is a testament to Stevenson's skill as a poet. This poem is a classic example of how poetry can be used to explore the human experience and evoke emotions in the reader.
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