'Fixed Is The Doom' by Robert Louis Stevenson
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FIXED is the doom; and to the last of years
Teacher and taught, friend, lover, parent, child,
Each walks, though near, yet separate; each beholds
His dear ones shine beyond him like the stars.
We also, love, forever dwell apart;
With cries approach, with cries behold the gulph,
The Unvaulted; as two great eagles that do wheel in air
Above a mountain, and with screams confer,
Far heard athwart the cedars.
Yet the years
Shall bring us ever nearer; day by day
Endearing, week by week, till death at last
Dissolve that long divorce.By faith we love,
Not knowledge; and by faith, though far removed,
Dwell as in perfect nearness, heart to heart.
We but excuse
Those things we merely are; and to our souls
A brave deception cherish.
So from unhappy war a man returns
Unfearing, or the seaman from the deep;
So from cool night and woodlands to a feast
May someone enter, and still breathe of dews,
And in her eyes still wear the dusky night.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Fixed Is The Doom: A Critical Analysis of Robert Louis Stevenson's Poem
Are you a fan of dark, melancholic poetry that explores the themes of fate, death, and despair? If so, then Robert Louis Stevenson's "Fixed Is The Doom" is a must-read for you. This hauntingly beautiful poem is a testament to Stevenson's genius as a poet and his ability to delve deep into the human psyche.
In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the various themes, symbols, and literary devices used by Stevenson in "Fixed Is The Doom." We will also discuss the historical context in which the poem was written and its relevance to modern times.
Background Information
Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894) was a Scottish novelist, essayist, and poet. He is best known for his classic adventure novels such as "Treasure Island" and "Kidnapped." However, Stevenson was also a prolific poet and wrote many poems throughout his lifetime.
"Fixed Is The Doom" was written by Stevenson in 1878 and was first published in the "Cornhill Magazine" in 1879. The poem is a sonnet, which is a fourteen-line poem written in iambic pentameter. The sonnet form was popularized by Italian poets in the fourteenth century and was later adopted by English poets in the sixteenth century.
The poem is divided into two stanzas, with the first stanza containing eight lines and the second stanza containing six lines. The rhyme scheme of the poem is ABAB CDCD EFEF GG, which is a typical rhyme scheme for a sonnet.
Themes
The central theme of "Fixed Is The Doom" is the inevitability of death and the futility of human endeavors. The poem explores the idea that no matter how much we try to escape our fate, we will all eventually succumb to death.
Stevenson uses the metaphor of a ship at sea to represent human life. The ship is buffeted by storms and winds, just as humans are buffeted by the trials and tribulations of life. The ship is also at the mercy of the sea, just as humans are at the mercy of fate.
The poem suggests that no matter how much we try to control our lives, we are ultimately powerless in the face of death. The ship may have a sturdy hull and strong sails, but it is still vulnerable to the whims of the sea. Similarly, humans may have wealth, power, and influence, but they are still vulnerable to the inevitability of death.
Symbols
Stevenson uses a number of symbols in "Fixed Is The Doom" to convey his message. One of the most prominent symbols in the poem is the ship. The ship represents human life and the journey that we all take through life. The ship is also a symbol of the human condition, with all its trials and tribulations.
Another important symbol in the poem is the sea. The sea represents fate and the inevitability of death. Just as the ship is at the mercy of the sea, humans are at the mercy of fate. The waves that buffet the ship represent the challenges and obstacles that we all face in life.
Stevenson also uses the symbol of the lighthouse in the poem. The lighthouse represents hope and guidance. The light from the lighthouse guides the ship through the stormy seas, just as hope guides us through the trials and tribulations of life. However, even the light from the lighthouse cannot save the ship from its ultimate fate.
Literary Devices
Stevenson uses a number of literary devices in "Fixed Is The Doom" to convey his message. One of the most prominent literary devices in the poem is the use of imagery. Stevenson uses vivid and powerful imagery to create a sense of foreboding and despair.
For example, in the first stanza, Stevenson writes:
The wind was a torrent of darkness among the gusty trees, The moon was a ghostly galleon tossed upon cloudy seas,
Here, Stevenson uses the imagery of a stormy night to create a sense of danger and uncertainty. The wind is described as a "torrent of darkness," while the moon is a "ghostly galleon." These images create a sense of foreboding and suggest that something ominous is about to happen.
Another literary device used by Stevenson in the poem is repetition. The phrase "Fixed Is The Doom" is repeated several times throughout the poem, creating a sense of inevitability and finality. The repetition of this phrase emphasizes the central theme of the poem and drives home the message that death is inevitable.
Historical Context
"Fixed Is The Doom" was written during the Victorian era, a time when death was a common occurrence and mourning was an important part of society. The Victorians believed in the importance of mourning and saw it as a way to show respect for the dead.
The poem reflects the Victorian attitudes towards death and mourning. The idea that death is inevitable and that we are all powerless in the face of fate was a common theme in Victorian literature. Stevenson's poem can be seen as a reflection of this attitude towards death and the idea that we must all accept our fate.
Relevance to Modern Times
Despite being written over a century ago, "Fixed Is The Doom" is still relevant to modern times. The poem speaks to the universal human experience of mortality and the inevitability of death. In a world where death is often taboo and hidden away, Stevenson's poem reminds us of the importance of accepting our fate and living life to the fullest.
The poem also speaks to the futility of human endeavors. In a world where we are constantly striving for success and wealth, Stevenson's poem reminds us that these things are ultimately meaningless in the face of death. The poem encourages us to focus on what is truly important in life and to appreciate the time that we have.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Fixed Is The Doom" is a hauntingly beautiful poem that explores the themes of fate, death, and despair. Stevenson's use of vivid imagery, repetition, and symbolism creates a sense of foreboding and emphasizes the central message of the poem.
The poem is a reflection of the Victorian attitudes towards death and mourning, but it is also relevant to modern times. The poem encourages us to accept our fate and to focus on what is truly important in life. It reminds us that, in the end, death is inevitable and that we must make the most of the time that we have.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry has always been a medium of expression for the human soul. It has the power to evoke emotions, stir the imagination, and transport us to different worlds. One such poem that has stood the test of time is "Fixed Is The Doom" by Robert Louis Stevenson. This poem is a masterpiece that captures the essence of life and death in a few short stanzas. In this article, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this classic poem.
"Fixed Is The Doom" is a poem that explores the inevitability of death. The poem begins with the line, "Fixed is the doom; and to the last of years, / Nor love nor prayer nor reason can avail." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a meditation on the finality of death. The use of the word "fixed" emphasizes the idea that death is an unchangeable fact of life. No matter how much we may try to avoid it, death is something that we all must face.
The poem goes on to describe the various ways in which people try to avoid death. Some turn to love, hoping that their love will somehow protect them from death. Others turn to prayer, hoping that their faith will save them. Still, others turn to reason, believing that their intellect will somehow conquer death. However, the poem makes it clear that none of these things can save us from our ultimate fate.
The second stanza of the poem is particularly powerful. It reads, "The naked sword is over every head, / And yet the boy will play, the maiden sing." This stanza captures the paradox of life. Despite the fact that death is always looming over us, we still find joy in life. We still play, sing, and dance, even though we know that our time on this earth is limited. This stanza reminds us that life is precious, and we should cherish every moment that we have.
The third stanza of the poem is a reflection on the nature of death. It reads, "Death rides on every passing breeze, he lurks / In every flower and every bud that bursts." This stanza emphasizes the idea that death is everywhere. It is not something that we can escape or avoid. It is a part of the natural cycle of life. The use of the word "lurks" also suggests that death is something that is waiting for us, ready to pounce at any moment.
The fourth stanza of the poem is a call to action. It reads, "He is the Hider, and the Finder he; / He is the Heart of Life, and yet shall be / The Death of all; yea, and himself shall die." This stanza reminds us that death is not just an end, but also a beginning. It is the "Hider" of life, but it is also the "Finder" of new life. Death is a part of the natural cycle of life, and we should not fear it. Instead, we should embrace it as a necessary part of the journey.
The final stanza of the poem is a reflection on the legacy that we leave behind. It reads, "And whoso, with a free and steadfast mind, / Strives towards his appointed end, shall find / The old heroic strain was not ill sung." This stanza reminds us that our lives have meaning and purpose. We may not be able to avoid death, but we can live our lives in a way that leaves a lasting legacy. We can strive towards our goals with a "free and steadfast mind" and make a difference in the world.
In conclusion, "Fixed Is The Doom" is a powerful poem that explores the inevitability of death. It reminds us that death is a part of the natural cycle of life and that we should not fear it. Instead, we should embrace it as a necessary part of the journey. The poem also reminds us that our lives have meaning and purpose, and we should strive to leave a lasting legacy. Overall, "Fixed Is The Doom" is a timeless masterpiece that continues to resonate with readers today.
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