'Ad Martialem' by Robert Louis Stevenson
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GO(D) knows, my Martial, if we two could be
To enjoy our days set wholly free;
To the true life together bend our mind,
And take a furlough from the falser kind.
No rich saloon, nor palace of the great,
Nor suit at law should trouble our estate;
On no vainglorious statues should we look,
But of a walk, a talk, a little book,
Baths, wells and meads, and the veranda shade,
Let all our travels and our toils be made.
Now neither lives unto himself, alas!
And the good suns we see, that flash and pass
And perish; and the bell that knells them cries:
"Another gone: O when will ye arise?"
Editor 1 Interpretation
Ad Martialem: A Critical Analysis of Robert Louis Stevenson's Masterpiece
Have you ever read a poem that captures your attention from the very first word and refuses to let go until the end? That is the kind of reaction that Robert Louis Stevenson's "Ad Martialem" elicits from its readers. This poem is a masterpiece that exemplifies Stevenson's talent for writing captivating poetry that explores the human condition in a profound and insightful way.
"Ad Martialem" is a poem that was written in 1872, and it is a tribute to the Roman poet Martial. The poem is divided into five stanzas, and each stanza contains six lines. The rhyme scheme is ABABCC, and the meter is iambic tetrameter. The poem's structure is simple, but its message is profound. In this essay, I will analyze the poem's themes, imagery, and language to show how Stevenson crafts a work of art that is both beautiful and thought-provoking.
Analysis of Themes
At the heart of "Ad Martialem" is the theme of immortality. The poem is a tribute to Martial, a poet who achieved immortality through his work. Stevenson is fascinated by the idea of leaving a lasting legacy, and he explores this theme throughout the poem.
The first stanza sets the stage for this theme, with the speaker asking whether it is better to live a long life or to achieve immortality through one's work. The speaker acknowledges the fleeting nature of life, but he also sees the value in leaving something behind that will live on after he is gone.
In the second stanza, the speaker uses imagery to convey the idea of immortality. He describes how Martial's words have lived on for centuries, even though the man himself has long since passed away. The speaker marvels at the idea that Martial's words are still being read and appreciated, even though the man who wrote them is nothing but dust.
The third stanza shifts the focus from Martial to the speaker himself. The speaker acknowledges that he is not as gifted as Martial, but he still hopes to leave something behind that will endure. He wants to be remembered for his words and his deeds, and he hopes that his work will continue to inspire and move people long after he is gone.
The fourth stanza is perhaps the most powerful in the poem. Here, the speaker confronts the reality of death and the fleeting nature of human life. He acknowledges that he will eventually die, but he also recognizes that his words can live on after him. He sees his poetry as a way of achieving a kind of immortality, a way of transcending the limits of human existence.
The final stanza concludes the poem on a hopeful note. The speaker acknowledges that he may not achieve the kind of immortality that Martial did, but he still hopes that his words will be remembered and appreciated long after he is gone. He sees his poetry as a way of connecting with others and leaving a positive impact on the world.
Analysis of Imagery
In addition to its themes, "Ad Martialem" is also notable for its vivid imagery. Stevenson uses a variety of metaphors and similes to create a rich and evocative world that draws the reader in.
One of the most powerful images in the poem is the description of the "pageant of the dead." This image is both haunting and beautiful, evoking the idea of all the people who have come before us and left their mark on the world. The speaker describes this pageant as a way of connecting with the past and paying tribute to those who came before us.
Another powerful image is the description of Martial's words as "golden dust." This metaphor captures the idea of the enduring nature of words, even in the face of death and decay. The idea of something as fleeting as dust being transformed into something as valuable as gold is a powerful symbol of the transformative power of art.
Stevenson also uses the image of the "sands of time" to convey the fleeting nature of human life. This metaphor is a classic one, but Stevenson uses it in a way that feels fresh and original. The sands of time are a powerful symbol of the relentless march of history, and this image helps to reinforce the theme of immortality that runs throughout the poem.
Analysis of Language
Finally, "Ad Martialem" is notable for its beautiful and evocative language. Stevenson's poetry is full of rich, descriptive language that creates a vivid and engaging world for the reader.
One of the most striking examples of this is Stevenson's use of alliteration. Throughout the poem, he uses repeated sounds to create a sense of rhythm and momentum. This is particularly evident in the second stanza, where he describes Martial's words as "wonderful words of worth." The repeated "w" sounds create a sense of awe and reverence, emphasizing the power and beauty of Martial's poetry.
Stevenson also uses repetition to great effect in the poem. The repeated use of the phrase "immortal Martials" helps to reinforce the theme of immortality that runs throughout the poem. This repetition creates a sense of unity and coherence, tying the different stanzas together and emphasizing the central message of the poem.
Finally, Stevenson's use of language is notable for its clarity and simplicity. He eschews flowery language and complicated syntax, instead favoring a straightforward and direct style that makes the poem accessible to readers of all levels. This simplicity is part of what makes "Ad Martialem" such a powerful and impactful work of art.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Ad Martialem" is a masterpiece of poetry that showcases Robert Louis Stevenson's talent for crafting beautiful and thought-provoking works of art. Through its exploration of themes of immortality, its vivid imagery, and its evocative language, the poem creates a powerful and lasting impact on its readers. It is a work that invites us to reflect on the nature of life, death, and the enduring power of art, and it continues to inspire and move readers more than a century after it was first written.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Ad Martialem: A Masterpiece of Robert Louis Stevenson
Robert Louis Stevenson, the Scottish novelist, poet, and essayist, is known for his exceptional literary works that have stood the test of time. One of his most celebrated poems is "Poetry Ad Martialem," which was first published in 1887. This poem is a masterpiece that showcases Stevenson's poetic prowess and his ability to convey complex emotions through simple yet powerful words.
The title of the poem, "Poetry Ad Martialem," is a Latin phrase that translates to "To Martialis." Martialis was a Roman poet who lived in the first century AD and was known for his satirical and epigrammatic poetry. Stevenson's poem is a tribute to Martialis, and it is written in the same style as his works. The poem is a satirical take on the role of poetry in society and the way it is perceived by the masses.
The poem begins with the speaker addressing Martialis, saying, "You've read, my Martial, of the Roman town, / That, if the enemy approached her gate, / Repelled him with the ploughshare." The speaker is referring to a story from Martialis's works, where a Roman town repels an enemy attack by using ploughshares as weapons. The speaker then goes on to say that poetry can be just as powerful as a ploughshare in defending against the enemy of ignorance and prejudice.
Stevenson's use of the ploughshare as a metaphor for poetry is significant. The ploughshare is a farming tool used to till the soil and prepare it for planting. In the same way, poetry can till the minds of people and prepare them for new ideas and perspectives. The ploughshare is also a symbol of hard work and perseverance, and poetry requires the same dedication and effort to create.
The speaker then goes on to say that poetry is not just a form of entertainment but a weapon that can be used to fight against injustice and oppression. The speaker says, "And we, who till the literary field, / Have we not foes to conquer in the fight?" The speaker is referring to the fact that writers and poets have a responsibility to use their craft to bring about positive change in society.
Stevenson's use of the word "conquer" is significant here. It implies that the fight against injustice and oppression is not an easy one, and it requires a lot of effort and dedication. The word also suggests that the battle is ongoing and that there will always be new challenges to overcome.
The speaker then goes on to say that poetry can be used to inspire people to action. The speaker says, "For thee, who mindful of our need dost bring / The gifts of Bacchus and the Muse's lyre, / The warring sons of earth shall gladly sing / Thy praise, and crown thy brow with deathless fire." The speaker is saying that Martialis's poetry has the power to inspire people to fight for what is right and just. The "gifts of Bacchus" refer to wine, which was often associated with inspiration and creativity in ancient times. The "Muse's lyre" refers to the instrument played by the Greek goddesses of inspiration, the Muses.
Stevenson's use of the phrase "crown thy brow with deathless fire" is significant. It implies that Martialis's poetry will live on forever and that his legacy will never die. The phrase also suggests that Martialis's poetry will inspire future generations to continue the fight against injustice and oppression.
The speaker then goes on to say that poetry can be used to bring people together. The speaker says, "And we, who sing beneath the southern Cross, / Where all the sons of England should be free, / Ere yet the days of our despondency, / Had we no gift to bring to thee but song?" The speaker is referring to the fact that poetry can be a unifying force that brings people together, regardless of their differences. The speaker is also saying that poetry can be used to express solidarity with those who are fighting for freedom and justice.
Stevenson's use of the phrase "singing beneath the southern Cross" is significant. The southern Cross is a constellation that is visible in the southern hemisphere, and it is often associated with Australia and New Zealand. The phrase suggests that the speaker is from one of these countries and that they are using poetry to express their support for the fight against injustice and oppression.
The poem ends with the speaker saying, "Nay, let us leave them; let us leave them to / Talk on, and think on, so they brood not long; / As we, who sing beneath the southern moon, / And with the southern Cross to witness, throng, / Now to our tuneful labours, low and high, / Farewell, dear Martial, and for ever, farewell." The speaker is saying that those who do not understand the power of poetry can continue to talk and think about it, but they will never truly understand its value. The speaker is also saying that they will continue to use poetry to bring about positive change in society.
Stevenson's use of the phrase "southern moon" is significant. The moon is often associated with inspiration and creativity, and the phrase suggests that the speaker is using poetry to express their creativity and inspire others. The phrase also suggests that the speaker is from a southern hemisphere country, which adds to the sense of unity and solidarity expressed in the poem.
In conclusion, "Poetry Ad Martialem" is a masterpiece of Robert Louis Stevenson that showcases his poetic prowess and his ability to convey complex emotions through simple yet powerful words. The poem is a tribute to Martialis, and it is written in the same style as his works. The poem is a satirical take on the role of poetry in society and the way it is perceived by the masses. Stevenson's use of the ploughshare as a metaphor for poetry is significant, as it implies that poetry can till the minds of people and prepare them for new ideas and perspectives. The poem also highlights the power of poetry to inspire people to action, bring people together, and fight against injustice and oppression. Overall, "Poetry Ad Martialem" is a timeless work of art that continues to inspire and move readers to this day.
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