'Know You The River NEar To Grez' by Robert Louis Stevenson


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KNOW you the river near to Grez,
A river deep and clear?
Among the lilies all the way,
That ancient river runs to-day
From snowy weir to weir.

Old as the Rhine of great renown,
She hurries clear and fast,
She runs amain by field and town
From south to north, from up to down,
To present on from past.

The love I hold was borne by her;
And now, though far away,
My lonely spirit hears the stir
Of water round the starling spur
Beside the bridge at Grez.

So may that love forever hold
In life an equal pace;
So may that love grow never old,
But, clear and pure and fountain-cold,
Go on from grace to grace.


Editor 1 Interpretation

Know You The River Near To Grez by Robert Louis Stevenson

Have you ever read a poem that transports you to another world, another time? Robert Louis Stevenson's "Know You The River Near To Grez" is one such poem. This romantic piece was written in 1885 and published in the Cornhill Magazine. It tells the story of a river that flows near the village of Grez in France and the love that blossoms between a man and a woman who meet by its banks. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, literary devices, and historical context of this classic poem.

Background

Robert Louis Stevenson was a Scottish novelist, essayist, and poet who lived from 1850 to 1894. He is best known for his novels Treasure Island and Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. However, he also wrote a great deal of poetry, much of which was inspired by his travels to different parts of the world. "Know You The River Near To Grez" was written during Stevenson's stay in Grez-sur-Loing, a village in the Loire Valley of France. The poem was inspired by his walks along the river, which he found to be "one of the most beautiful and romantic streams in Europe."

Themes

At its core, "Know You The River Near To Grez" is a love poem. It celebrates the beauty of the river and the love that grows between the two individuals who meet by its banks. The poem is also about the power of nature to bring people together and to inspire feelings of peace and tranquility. The river is described as a "magic stream" that has the power to "charm the heart of man," and the lovers are drawn to it as if by a magnetic force. In addition, the poem explores the theme of timelessness. The river has been flowing for centuries, and the love between the two individuals is depicted as eternal and unchanging.

Literary Devices

One of the most striking things about "Know You The River Near To Grez" is its use of imagery. The poem is full of vivid descriptions of the river and the landscape that surrounds it. For example, the first stanza describes the river as a "silver blade" that cuts through the landscape. The second stanza compares the river to a "serpent" that winds its way through the valley. And the final stanza describes the river as a "magic stream" that has the power to "charm the heart of man."

Another literary device used in the poem is repetition. The phrase "Know you the river near to Grez" is repeated throughout the poem, almost like a refrain. This repetition serves to emphasize the importance of the river to the poem's themes of love and nature.

Finally, the poem makes use of a number of sound devices, such as alliteration and assonance. For example, the phrase "where the boughs of the willows" uses alliteration to create a musical effect. And the phrase "the lilies and languor of the pool" uses assonance to create a soft, flowing sound that mimics the movement of the water.

Interpretation

On a surface level, "Know You The River Near To Grez" is a simple love poem. It tells the story of two individuals who meet by the river and fall in love. However, the poem can also be read as an allegory for the power of nature to bring people together and to inspire feelings of peace and tranquility. The river is depicted as a magical, almost mystical force that draws the lovers together, and the landscape is described in such a way as to suggest that it has the power to heal and renew.

In addition, the poem can be read as a celebration of the timeless qualities of love and nature. The river has been flowing for centuries, and the love between the two individuals is depicted as eternal and unchanging. This suggests that love and nature are both essential and enduring aspects of human existence.

Finally, the poem can be read as a reflection of the Romantic movement in literature. Romanticism was a literary and artistic movement that flourished in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. It emphasized the importance of emotional expression, individualism, and the beauty of nature. "Know You The River Near To Grez" embodies many of these Romantic ideals, with its emphasis on the emotional connection between the lovers, the importance of individual experience, and the beauty of the natural world.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Know You The River Near To Grez" is a beautiful and timeless poem that celebrates the power of nature and the enduring qualities of love. With its vivid imagery, repetition, and sound devices, it is a masterful example of poetic craft. Moreover, it reflects many of the key themes and ideals of the Romantic movement in literature. If you have not yet had the pleasure of reading this classic poem, I highly recommend that you take the time to do so. It is a work of beauty and inspiration that will stay with you long after you have finished reading.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Know You The River Near To Grez: A Masterpiece by Robert Louis Stevenson

If you are a poetry enthusiast, then you must have come across the classic poem, "Know You The River Near To Grez" by Robert Louis Stevenson. This masterpiece is a perfect example of how a poet can use words to create vivid imagery and evoke emotions in the reader. In this article, we will take a closer look at this poem and analyze its themes, structure, and literary devices.

The poem is set near the town of Grez, which is located on the banks of the river Seine in France. The river is the central theme of the poem, and Stevenson uses it as a metaphor for life. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with a different tone and message.

The first stanza sets the scene and describes the river in its natural state. Stevenson uses vivid imagery to paint a picture of the river, "Know you the river near to Grez, A river deep and clear? Among the lilies all the way, That ancient river runs to-day." The use of the word "ancient" gives the river a sense of timelessness and continuity. The lilies are a symbol of purity and innocence, and their presence along the riverbank creates a peaceful and serene atmosphere.

The second stanza takes a darker turn and describes the river's destructive power. Stevenson uses the metaphor of a "blackened sail" to represent the dangers that lurk beneath the surface of the river. He warns the reader to be careful, "For many a boat hath swirled about, And many a boat hath sunk." The river is no longer a peaceful haven but a treacherous force that can destroy life.

The third stanza brings the poem full circle and returns to the theme of life. Stevenson reminds us that despite the dangers, the river continues to flow, "But still it runs as clear as glass, And lilies in its shallows pass." The river is a symbol of the cycle of life, with its ups and downs, joys, and sorrows. The lilies represent the beauty and purity that can be found in life, even in the midst of danger and turmoil.

Stevenson's use of language is masterful, and he employs several literary devices to create a powerful and evocative poem. The use of metaphor is particularly effective, with the river representing life and the lilies symbolizing purity and innocence. The repetition of the phrase "Know you the river near to Grez" creates a sense of familiarity and draws the reader into the poem.

The poem's structure is also noteworthy, with each stanza having a distinct tone and message. The first stanza sets the scene and establishes the river as a peaceful and serene place. The second stanza introduces the danger and creates a sense of tension and foreboding. The third stanza brings the poem full circle and reminds us that despite the dangers, life goes on.

In conclusion, "Know You The River Near To Grez" is a masterpiece of poetry that uses vivid imagery and powerful metaphors to create a powerful and evocative poem. Stevenson's use of language and literary devices is masterful, and the poem's structure is well-crafted. The river is a powerful symbol of life, with its ups and downs, joys, and sorrows. This poem is a must-read for anyone who loves poetry and wants to experience the power of language to evoke emotions and create vivid imagery.

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