'Dedication' by Robert Louis Stevenson

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MY first gift and my last, to you
I dedicate this fascicle of songs -
The only wealth I have:
Just as they are, to you.

I speak the truth in soberness, and say
I had rather bring a light to your clear eyes,
Had rather hear you praise
This bosomful of songs

Than that the whole, hard world with one consent,
In one continuous chorus of applause
Poured forth for me and mine
The homage of ripe praise.

I write the finis here against my love,
This is my love's last epitaph and tomb.
Here the road forks, and I
Go my way, far from yours.

Editor 1 Interpretation

A Celebration of Poetry: A Literary Critique of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Dedication

Are you looking for a poem that speaks to the soul? A work of art that conjures deep emotions and resonates with your innermost being? Look no further than Robert Louis Stevenson’s Dedication. This classic poem is a masterpiece of beauty, craftsmanship, and meaning. In this literary critique, I will explore the themes, style, and symbolism of Dedication to show why it is a timeless work of art that continues to touch readers to this day.

The Power of Dedication

One of the most striking features of Dedication is its celebration of the power of poetry. Stevenson begins the poem by addressing his book of poems, A Child’s Garden of Verses, as a living entity that has the power to evoke memories and emotions in readers. He writes:

"Whether upon the garden seat You lounge with your uplifted feet, Or on the knotted garden-ties Sit cawing crows in black disguise, Or, when the breeze blows loud and shrill, Over the hilltop whistles chill, Stooping to your book, alack, Illicit from the homely stack Verses that in childhood I Read to the birds that in the sky"

Here, Stevenson sets the scene by describing different scenarios in which the book might be read. He then acknowledges the power of the written word to transport us back to our childhood, to a time of innocence and wonder. He recognizes the book’s ability to evoke memories of the past and connect us with our innermost selves.

This celebration of the power of poetry is a recurring theme throughout the poem. Stevenson speaks of poetry as a source of comfort and inspiration, a way to escape the mundane realities of life and connect with something greater. He writes:

"Poems are made by fools like me, But only God can make a tree."

With these lines, Stevenson acknowledges the limitations of his own craft, while also recognizing the power and beauty of nature. He suggests that poetry can never fully capture the grandeur of the natural world, but it can serve as a window through which we can glimpse its majesty.

The Style of Dedication

In addition to its powerful themes, Dedication is also notable for its lyrical style. Stevenson’s use of language is masterful, evoking vivid images and emotions with every line. He employs a variety of poetic devices, including alliteration, assonance, and rhyme, to create a musical quality that adds to the poem’s beauty.

For example, consider the following lines:

"The world is so full of a number of things, I’m sure we should all be as happy as kings."

Here, Stevenson employs alliteration and repetition to create a sense of joy and exuberance. The use of the word "full" and the repetition of the phrase "a number of things" suggest a world teeming with possibilities and wonder. The image of being "as happy as kings" reinforces this idea of abundance and joy.

Stevenson also uses vivid imagery to evoke strong emotions. For example, he writes:

"My bed is like a little boat; Nurse helps me in when I embark; She girds me in my sailor’s coat And starts me in the dark."

Here, Stevenson uses metaphor to compare the child’s bed to a boat, creating a sense of adventure and excitement. The use of the word "sailor’s coat" suggests that the child is embarking on a journey, further reinforcing this idea of exploration and discovery.

Overall, Stevenson’s style is marked by its lyricism, its use of poetic devices, and its ability to evoke strong emotions and vivid imagery. It is a style that is both beautiful and accessible, making Dedication a work that can be appreciated by readers of all ages and backgrounds.

The Symbolism of Dedication

Finally, Dedication is rich in symbolism, using imagery to convey deeper meanings and themes. One example of this is the use of the garden as a symbol of childhood innocence and wonder. Stevenson writes:

"I have a little garden, A garden of my own, And there I often wander Alone."

Here, the garden is a metaphor for the child’s inner world, a place of imagination and exploration. The fact that the child wanders there "alone" suggests a sense of solitude and introspection, further reinforcing the idea of the garden as a symbol of the inner self.

Another example of symbolism in the poem is the use of the tree as a symbol of nature’s beauty and power. Stevenson writes:

"I think that I shall never see A poem as lovely as a tree."

Here, the tree is a metaphor for the natural world, something that is beautiful and awe-inspiring in its own right. The fact that Stevenson compares poetry to a tree suggests that he sees them both as sources of inspiration and wonder.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dedication is a masterpiece of poetry that celebrates the power of the written word, employs a lyrical style that evokes strong emotions and vivid imagery, and uses symbolism to convey deeper meanings and themes. It is a work that speaks to the soul, connecting us with our innermost selves and reminding us of the beauty and wonder of the world around us. Whether you are a lover of poetry or a curious reader, Dedication is a work that is sure to inspire and delight.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Robert Louis Stevenson's "Poetry Dedication" is a beautiful and heartfelt tribute to the power of poetry. In this poem, Stevenson explores the ways in which poetry can inspire and uplift us, and he celebrates the role of the poet as a visionary and a guide.

The poem begins with a declaration of the poet's purpose: "To her, whose name is writ in water." This line is a reference to the famous epitaph for the poet John Keats, who died young and whose work was not fully appreciated until after his death. By invoking Keats, Stevenson is acknowledging the fragility of the poet's art, and the fact that poetry is often undervalued and overlooked.

But Stevenson is not deterred by this. Instead, he sees poetry as a powerful force that can transcend time and space, and connect us to something greater than ourselves. He writes:

"Poet and martyr, thou to whom The gods, their craft imparted, And on thy forehead writ a doom, Above the reach of fate or doom, To live, the laurelled and the parted."

Here, Stevenson is celebrating the poet as a kind of hero, someone who has been blessed with a special gift from the gods. He sees the poet as someone who is able to transcend the limitations of mortal life, and to achieve a kind of immortality through their art.

Stevenson goes on to describe the ways in which poetry can inspire us and lift us up:

"O, not for the love of the rhyme, Nor yet for the love of the laurel, But for the rapture of the time, And the joy of its sunny apparel."

Here, Stevenson is emphasizing the importance of the experience of reading and writing poetry. He sees poetry as a source of joy and inspiration, something that can transport us out of our everyday lives and into a world of beauty and wonder.

But Stevenson is not content to simply celebrate the power of poetry. He also sees the poet as a kind of guide, someone who can help us navigate the complexities of life and find our way to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. He writes:

"Thou hast taught me, Silent River! Many a lesson, deep and long; Thou hast been a generous giver, And I owe thee more than song."

Here, Stevenson is using the metaphor of the river to describe the poet's role as a guide. He sees the poet as someone who can help us navigate the twists and turns of life, and who can teach us important lessons about ourselves and the world around us.

Overall, Robert Louis Stevenson's "Poetry Dedication" is a beautiful and inspiring tribute to the power of poetry. Through his words, Stevenson reminds us of the importance of the poet's art, and the ways in which poetry can inspire and uplift us. He celebrates the poet as a kind of hero and guide, someone who can help us navigate the complexities of life and find our way to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

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