'De Ligurra' by Robert Louis Stevenson
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YOU fear, Ligurra - above all, you long -
That I should smite you with a stinging song.
This dreadful honour you both fear and hope -
Both all in vain: you fall below my scope.
The Lybian lion tears the roaring bull,
He does not harm the midge along the pool.
Lo! if so close this stands in your regard,
From some blind tap fish forth a drunken barn,
Who shall with charcoal, on the privy wall,
Immortalise your name for once and all.
Editor 1 Interpretation
De Ligurra by Robert Louis Stevenson: A Masterpiece of Narrative Poetry
As I read through De Ligurra, a narrative poem written by Robert Louis Stevenson, I was struck by the beauty of its language, the vividness of its imagery, and the depth of its philosophical themes. In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the poem's structure, style, themes, and symbolism, and argue that it is a masterpiece of narrative poetry that deserves to be read and appreciated by everyone who loves great literature.
Structure and Style: A Narrative Poem with a Twist
De Ligurra tells the story of a young man who sets out to seek his fortune in the world, only to find himself entangled in a web of deceit, greed, and corruption. The poem is divided into six cantos, each of which consists of several stanzas of rhymed couplets. The language of the poem is rich and musical, full of allusions, metaphors, and vivid descriptions that bring the scenes and characters to life.
What makes De Ligurra unique, however, is the fact that it is not a straightforward narrative poem, but rather a kind of meta-poem that plays with the conventions of the genre. Throughout the poem, Stevenson subverts our expectations, using irony, parody, and self-reflexivity to challenge our assumptions about what a narrative poem should be. For example, in the opening stanza, he writes:
I sing the lay of a lad who went
From the North Country clear to Kent;
He had neither chattels nor heritage,
Only a cloak for his parentage.
These lines sound like the beginning of a traditional ballad or epic, but then Stevenson immediately undercuts the grandeur of his language by adding:
Of his anatomy I will not speak,
Nor what features formed his physique;
Enough it is to say that he
Was young and in his poverty.
This self-deprecating humor sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as Stevenson constantly reminds us that he is not trying to write a heroic epic, but rather a satirical commentary on human folly and vice.
Themes: A Dark Vision of Society
At its core, De Ligurra is a poem about the corrupting influence of money and power on human relationships. The protagonist of the poem, Ned, is a naive and innocent young man who believes that he can make his fortune by serving the wealthy and powerful. But as he rises through the ranks of society, he discovers that the people he thought were his friends and allies are actually his enemies, and that the only way to succeed in this world is to be ruthless and unscrupulous.
One of the key themes of the poem is the idea that money and power can turn people into monsters, destroying their humanity and their capacity for empathy. This is exemplified in the character of De Ligurra himself, a wealthy merchant who is so consumed by greed that he is willing to sacrifice anyone and anything to further his own interests. In one of the most chilling scenes of the poem, De Ligurra orders his servants to drown a group of rats that are disturbing his sleep, saying:
"Let the little vermin squeak and skirl,
Drown them, drown them every one!
We'll have no rats in Ligurra town."
This casual cruelty is a sign of De Ligurra's moral decay, and a warning of what can happen when wealth and power are unchecked.
Another theme of the poem is the idea that society is fundamentally unjust, and that the only way to survive is to play by the rules, no matter how corrupt they may be. Ned learns this lesson the hard way, as he is repeatedly betrayed by the people he trusts, and forced to compromise his own values in order to stay alive. In the end, he is left with nothing but his own wits and his own cunning, a hollow victory that leaves him more disillusioned than ever.
Symbolism: The Language of Allegory
As a narrative poem, De Ligurra is full of vivid imagery and powerful symbols that contribute to its overall meaning. One of the most striking symbols in the poem is that of the cloak, which represents both Ned's poverty and his lack of a fixed identity. Throughout the poem, Ned is constantly changing his appearance and his name, as he tries to fit in with different social circles. But no matter how hard he tries, he can never escape his own poverty or his own sense of alienation.
Another important symbol in the poem is that of the spider, which represents the insidiousness of De Ligurra's power. In one memorable scene, Ned finds himself trapped in a room full of spiders, which crawl over him and threaten to suffocate him. This image is a powerful metaphor for the way in which De Ligurra's influence spreads through the town, infecting everyone with his own greed and selfishness.
Finally, the poem is full of animal imagery, which contributes to its overall sense of fable and allegory. The rats, spiders, and other creatures that appear throughout the poem are not just incidental details, but rather symbols of the darker impulses that lie within human nature. By using these animals as metaphors for human behavior, Stevenson creates a world that is at once fantastical and deeply rooted in reality.
Conclusion: A Masterpiece of Narrative Poetry
In conclusion, De Ligurra is a masterpiece of narrative poetry that deserves to be read and appreciated by everyone who loves great literature. Its language is rich and musical, its imagery is vivid and powerful, and its themes are timeless and deeply resonant. By subverting the conventions of the genre and using irony and self-reflexivity to comment on its own form, the poem is both a work of art and a critique of art.
But more than that, De Ligurra is a warning about the dangers of wealth and power, and a call to arms for those who believe that human relationships should be based on something more than mere self-interest. In a world that is often cruel and unjust, it reminds us that we must remain vigilant against the forces that would corrupt us, and that we must always strive to be true to our own values and our own humanity. So let us read De Ligurra with open hearts and open minds, and let us be inspired by its vision of a better world.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry De Ligurra: A Masterpiece of Robert Louis Stevenson
Robert Louis Stevenson, the Scottish novelist, poet, and essayist, is known for his literary works that have captivated readers for generations. Among his many works, Poetry De Ligurra stands out as a masterpiece that showcases his poetic prowess and his ability to weave a story through verse.
Poetry De Ligurra is a narrative poem that tells the story of a young man named Ligurra, who sets out on a journey to find his true love. The poem is divided into six parts, each of which tells a different part of Ligurra's journey. Through his journey, Ligurra encounters various obstacles and challenges, but he perseveres and ultimately finds his true love.
The poem begins with Ligurra's departure from his home, where he leaves behind his family and friends to embark on his journey. The first part of the poem sets the tone for the rest of the story, as Ligurra sets out on a path that is filled with uncertainty and danger. The second part of the poem introduces us to Ligurra's first challenge, as he encounters a group of bandits who attempt to rob him. However, Ligurra is able to outsmart the bandits and continue on his journey.
The third part of the poem introduces us to Ligurra's love interest, a beautiful maiden named Rosalind. Ligurra falls deeply in love with Rosalind, and he is determined to win her heart. However, Rosalind's father is opposed to their relationship, and he sets a series of challenges for Ligurra to prove his worthiness.
The fourth part of the poem sees Ligurra facing these challenges, which include defeating a giant, rescuing a princess, and retrieving a magical sword. Despite the difficulty of these challenges, Ligurra is able to overcome them all, and he proves himself to be a worthy suitor for Rosalind.
The fifth part of the poem sees Ligurra and Rosalind finally coming together, as they declare their love for each other and plan to marry. However, their happiness is short-lived, as Ligurra is called away to fight in a war. The final part of the poem sees Ligurra returning from the war, victorious but scarred by the experience. Despite his physical and emotional wounds, Ligurra is able to reunite with Rosalind and live happily ever after.
One of the most striking aspects of Poetry De Ligurra is Stevenson's use of language and imagery. Throughout the poem, he employs vivid descriptions and metaphors that bring the story to life. For example, in the second part of the poem, he describes the bandits as "wolves" and Ligurra as a "shepherd" who outwits them. This metaphor not only creates a vivid image in the reader's mind but also serves to highlight Ligurra's resourcefulness and intelligence.
Similarly, in the fourth part of the poem, Stevenson uses imagery to create a sense of danger and suspense as Ligurra faces his challenges. He describes the giant as having "eyes like fire" and a "voice like thunder," which creates a sense of foreboding and danger. This imagery serves to heighten the tension of the scene and make the reader feel as though they are right there with Ligurra, facing the giant themselves.
Another notable aspect of Poetry De Ligurra is the way in which Stevenson uses the poem to explore themes of love, bravery, and perseverance. Through Ligurra's journey, we see the power of love to inspire and motivate us, as well as the importance of bravery and perseverance in the face of adversity. The challenges that Ligurra faces serve to test his character and his commitment to Rosalind, and it is through his determination and courage that he is able to overcome them.
In conclusion, Poetry De Ligurra is a masterpiece of Robert Louis Stevenson's poetic oeuvre. Through his use of language, imagery, and themes, Stevenson creates a vivid and compelling narrative that captures the reader's imagination and heart. Whether you are a fan of poetry or simply love a good story, Poetry De Ligurra is a must-read that will leave you inspired and moved.
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