'Ad Olum' by Robert Louis Stevenson
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CALL me not rebel, though { here at every word
{in what I sing
If I no longer hail thee{ King and Lord
{ Lord and King
I have redeemed myself with all I had,
And now possess my fortunes poor but glad.
With all I had I have redeemed myself,
And escaped at once from slavery and pelf.
The unruly wishes must a ruler take,
Our high desires do our low fortunes make:
Those only who desire palatial things
Do bear the fetters and the frowns of Kings;
Set free thy slave; thou settest free thyself.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Ad Olum: A Journey Through Life and Death
Robert Louis Stevenson's Ad Olum is a journey through life and death, a poem that explores the fleeting nature of existence and the inevitability of mortality. Published in 1885, this masterpiece of Victorian literature still resonates with readers today, offering a profound meditation on the human experience.
The Structure of the Poem
Ad Olum is composed of six stanzas of six lines each, with a regular rhyme scheme and meter. The poem's structure gives it a sense of order and symmetry, as if the poet is trying to impose some kind of coherence on the chaotic nature of life.
Each stanza is like a snapshot of a moment in time, a glimpse of the fleeting beauty and transience of existence. The images are vivid and evocative, from the "roses in the garden" to the "clouds that race before the gale". The use of sensory imagery creates a rich tapestry of experience, inviting the reader to immerse themselves in the world of the poem.
The Theme of Transience
The theme of transience runs through Ad Olum like a thread, connecting each stanza and giving the poem a sense of unity. The poet is acutely aware of the fleeting nature of life, and the poem is suffused with a sense of melancholy and nostalgia.
In the first stanza, the poet describes the "roses in the garden" that "fade and fall away", suggesting that even beauty cannot escape the ravages of time. In the second stanza, he describes the "waves that break upon the shore", reminding us that even the mighty ocean is subject to the inexorable march of time.
The third stanza is perhaps the most poignant, as the poet reflects on the passing of youth and the onset of old age. He speaks of "time that left us friends, and foes, and roses", suggesting that even our relationships and memories are subject to the ravages of time.
The Metaphor of the Journey
Throughout Ad Olum, the poet uses the metaphor of the journey to explore the human experience. He speaks of "life's long journey" and the "road that winds through mist and sun". This metaphor serves to remind us that life is a journey, and that each moment is a step along the way.
The journey metaphor also highlights the inevitability of mortality. The poet speaks of "the end of all our wanderings" and "the land where all our journeys end", suggesting that death is the ultimate destination of our journey through life.
The Theme of Acceptance
Although Ad Olum is suffused with a sense of melancholy and nostalgia, the poem also contains a theme of acceptance. The poet seems to accept the transience of life and the inevitability of mortality, finding a kind of peace in the face of the unknown.
In the final stanza, the poet speaks of "the end we do not know", suggesting that death is a mystery beyond our understanding. Yet he also speaks of "the rest that none may guess", hinting at a kind of peace or rest that awaits us beyond the end of our journey.
Conclusion
Ad Olum is a masterpiece of Victorian literature, a profound meditation on the human experience. Through its vivid imagery, powerful metaphors, and poignant themes, the poem speaks to us across the centuries, reminding us of the fleeting nature of existence and the inevitability of mortality.
As we journey through life, we are confronted with the beauty and transience of existence. Yet if we can accept the mystery of death and find a kind of peace in the face of the unknown, we may find a rest that none may guess, and a sense of meaning in the journey itself.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Ad Olum: A Masterpiece by Robert Louis Stevenson
Robert Louis Stevenson, the Scottish novelist, poet, and travel writer, is known for his literary works that have captured the hearts of readers for generations. One of his most celebrated poems, Poetry Ad Olum, is a masterpiece that showcases his exceptional talent for crafting words into a beautiful and meaningful piece of art.
The poem, which was first published in 1885, is a reflection on the power and beauty of poetry. It is a tribute to the art form that has the ability to transcend time and space, and to touch the hearts and souls of people across generations and cultures.
The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which explores a different aspect of poetry. The first stanza is a celebration of the beauty of poetry. Stevenson describes poetry as a "magic web" that weaves together words and images to create a tapestry of beauty and wonder. He compares poetry to a "rose" that blooms in the mind of the reader, filling them with joy and inspiration.
The second stanza is a reflection on the power of poetry to move and inspire. Stevenson describes poetry as a "mighty force" that can "shake the world" and "rouse the heart to noble deeds." He speaks of the power of poetry to inspire courage, love, and hope in the hearts of those who read it.
The third and final stanza is a meditation on the enduring nature of poetry. Stevenson speaks of how poetry can outlast even the most powerful empires and the greatest works of human achievement. He describes poetry as a "deathless song" that will continue to inspire and uplift generations to come.
Throughout the poem, Stevenson uses vivid and evocative language to capture the essence of poetry. He uses metaphors and similes to create images that are both beautiful and powerful. For example, he describes poetry as a "magic web" and a "rose," both of which are images that evoke a sense of wonder and beauty.
Stevenson also uses repetition and alliteration to create a sense of rhythm and musicality in the poem. For example, he repeats the phrase "Poetry Ad Olum" throughout the poem, creating a sense of unity and continuity. He also uses alliteration in phrases such as "mighty force" and "deathless song," which add to the musicality of the poem.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of language to create a sense of transcendence. Stevenson speaks of poetry as a force that can transcend time and space, and that can connect people across cultures and generations. He describes poetry as a "deathless song" that will continue to inspire and uplift generations to come, suggesting that poetry has a timeless quality that can outlast even the most powerful empires and the greatest works of human achievement.
Overall, Poetry Ad Olum is a masterpiece of poetry that showcases Robert Louis Stevenson's exceptional talent for crafting words into a beautiful and meaningful piece of art. The poem celebrates the beauty, power, and enduring nature of poetry, and speaks to the universal human experience of being moved and inspired by the written word. It is a testament to the power of poetry to transcend time and space, and to touch the hearts and souls of people across generations and cultures.
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