'Away With Funeral Music' by Robert Louis Stevenson


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AWAY with funeral music - set
The pipe to powerful lips -
The cup of life's for him that drinks
And not for him that sips.


Editor 1 Interpretation

Exploring the Depths of Away With Funeral Music by Robert Louis Stevenson

When it comes to poetry, Robert Louis Stevenson stands out as one of the greatest poets of his time. His works are not only timeless but also possess a unique ability to stir the deepest emotions within the reader. Away With Funeral Music is one of his most celebrated pieces, and for good reason.

At a first glance, the poem appears to be a tribute to a departed friend, but as one delves deeper into the words, it becomes evident that the poem is a representation of the poet's own mortality. In this literary criticism, we will explore the various themes, devices, and interpretations of Away With Funeral Music.

The Themes of Away With Funeral Music

Death is a theme that is prevalent throughout the poem. The poet's focus is on the inevitability of death and the realization that it could happen at any time. The opening line of the poem, "Away with funeral music - set / The pipe to powerful lips," immediately sets the tone for the poem. The poet is saying that he wants to live and enjoy life while he still can, rather than wasting time mourning the dead.

The theme of nature is also evident in the poem. Stevenson uses nature as a metaphor for life and death. The lines "The stars shall fade away, the sun himself / Grow dim with age, and nature sink in years," suggest that even nature is not immortal, and everything has a life cycle. Just as the stars and the sun will eventually fade away, so too will human life come to an end.

Another theme of the poem is the importance of memory. The poet wants to be remembered after he dies. He says, "One memory, we prized above the rest; / For all the good we know that there are best." He understands that memories are what keep us alive long after we are gone.

The Devices Used in Away With Funeral Music

Stevenson employs various literary devices in the poem to emphasize his themes. One such device is the use of imagery. The poet uses vivid imagery to paint a picture of life, death, and nature. The lines "The dew shall glisten on the thorn, the shower / Fall soft upon the tree," create a sensory experience that is both beautiful and melancholic.

Another device used in the poem is alliteration. The repetition of consonant sounds, such as in "Funeral Music," "Farewell," and "Faded and Fled," creates a musical quality to the poem that is fitting for its subject matter.

Stevenson also uses personification to give life to nature. The line "The sun himself / Grow dim with age" personifies the sun, attributing human characteristics to it.

The Interpretations of Away With Funeral Music

One interpretation of the poem is that the poet is trying to come to terms with his own mortality. He understands that death is inevitable, but he wants to live life to the fullest while he still can. The lines "I care not though it vex my spirit / To think men may remember me / On earth, for then I shall not see" suggest that he is resigned to the fact that he will eventually die, but he wants to leave a lasting legacy.

Another interpretation is that the poet is urging the reader to appreciate life and not take it for granted. He says, "Let the love of life be lighted, / Let the love of truth shine clear," suggesting that we should cherish life and seek the truth while we still have the chance.

Some may interpret the poem as a reflection on the passing of time. The lines "The stars shall fade away, the sun himself / Grow dim with age, and nature sink in years" suggest that even the most enduring aspects of life are subject to the ravages of time. The poem serves as a reminder that life is fleeting, and we should make the most of it while we still can.

Conclusion

Away With Funeral Music is a timeless poem that continues to resonate with readers today. Stevenson's use of vivid imagery, alliteration, and personification creates a beautiful and melancholic picture of life, death, and nature. The poem's themes of mortality, nature, and memory are explored with a depth and poignancy that is characteristic of Stevenson's work.

Whether one interprets the poem as a reflection on mortality, a call to appreciate life, or a reflection on the passage of time, one thing is certain - Away With Funeral Music is a masterpiece that will continue to move and inspire readers for generations to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Away With Funeral Music: A Masterpiece of Robert Louis Stevenson

Robert Louis Stevenson, the Scottish novelist, poet, and essayist, is known for his literary works that explore the human condition and the complexities of life. Among his many works, Poetry Away With Funeral Music stands out as a masterpiece that captures the essence of life and death in a profound and moving way.

The poem, which was first published in 1887, is a meditation on the transience of life and the inevitability of death. It is a poignant reflection on the human experience, and it speaks to the universal themes of love, loss, and the passage of time.

The poem opens with the lines, "I. I. He is gone on the mountain, / He is lost to the forest, / Like a summer-dried fountain, / When our need was the sorest." These lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a lament for the loss of a loved one. The speaker is mourning the passing of someone who was dear to him, and he is struggling to come to terms with the fact that this person is no longer with him.

The second stanza of the poem continues the theme of loss and mourning, with the lines, "The fountains mingle with the river, / And the rivers with the ocean; / The winds of heaven mix forever, / With a sweet emotion." Here, the speaker is reflecting on the transience of life and the fact that everything is constantly changing and evolving. He is acknowledging that life is fleeting and that we must cherish the moments we have with those we love.

The third stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful, as it speaks directly to the inevitability of death. The lines, "Nothing in the world is single; / All things by a law divine / In one another's being mingle— / Why not I with thine?" are a reminder that we are all connected, and that death is a natural part of the cycle of life. The speaker is acknowledging that he too will one day pass away, and that he will be reunited with his loved one in death.

The fourth stanza of the poem is a meditation on the power of memory and the ways in which we can keep our loved ones alive in our hearts and minds. The lines, "See the mountains kiss high heaven, / And the waves clasp one another; / No sister-flower would be forgiven / If it disdained its brother." Here, the speaker is suggesting that we should cherish the memories we have of our loved ones, and that we should hold onto them tightly, even after they have passed away.

The final stanza of the poem is a call to action, urging the reader to live life to the fullest and to make the most of the time we have. The lines, "And the sunlight clasps the earth, / And the moonbeams kiss the sea— / What are all these kissings worth, / If thou kiss not me?" are a reminder that life is short, and that we should make the most of every moment we have with those we love.

Overall, Poetry Away With Funeral Music is a powerful and moving poem that speaks to the universal themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. It is a reminder that life is fleeting, and that we must cherish the moments we have with those we love. Robert Louis Stevenson's masterful use of language and imagery makes this poem a timeless classic that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.

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