'A Valentine's Song' by Robert Louis Stevenson
AI and Tech Aggregator
Download Mp3s Free
Tears of the Kingdom Roleplay
Best Free University Courses Online
TOTK Roleplay
MOTLEY I count the only wear
That suits, in this mixed world, the truly wise,
Who boldly smile upon despair
And shake their bells in Grandam Grundy's eyes.
Singers should sing with such a goodly cheer
That the bare listening should make strong like wine,
At this unruly time of year,
The Feast of Valentine.
We do not now parade our "oughts"
And "shoulds" and motives and beliefs in God.
Their life lies all indoors; sad thoughts
Must keep the house, while gay thoughts go abroad,
Within we hold the wake for hopes deceased;
But in the public streets, in wind or sun,
Keep open, at the annual feast,
The puppet-booth of fun.
Our powers, perhaps, are small to please,
But even negro-songs and castanettes,
Old jokes and hackneyed repartees
Are more than the parade of vain regrets.
Let Jacques stand Wert(h)ering by the wounded deer -
We shall make merry, honest friends of mine,
At this unruly time of year,
The Feast of Valentine.
I know how, day by weary day,
Hope fades, love fades, a thousand pleasures fade.
I have not trudged in vain that way
On which life's daylight darkens, shade by shade.
And still, with hopes decreasing, griefs increased,
Still, with what wit I have shall I, for one,
Keep open, at the annual feast,
The puppet-booth of fun.
I care not if the wit be poor,
The old worn motley stained with rain and tears,
If but the courage still endure
That filled and strengthened hope in earlier years;
If still, with friends averted, fate severe,
A glad, untainted cheerfulness be mine
To greet the unruly time of year,
The Feast of Valentine.
Priest, I am none of thine, and see
In the perspective of still hopeful youth
That Truth shall triumph over thee -
Truth to one's self - I know no other truth.
I see strange days for thee and thine, O priest,
And how your doctrines, fallen one by one,
Shall furnish at the annual feast
The puppet-booth of fun.
Stand on your putrid ruins - stand,
White neck-clothed bigot, fixedly the same,
Cruel with all things but the hand,
Inquisitor in all things but the name.
Back, minister of Christ and source of fear -
We cherish freedom - back with thee and thine
From this unruly time of year,
The Feast of Valentine.
Blood thou mayest spare; but what of tears?
But what of riven households, broken faith -
Bywords that cling through all men's years
And drag them surely down to shame and death?
Stand back, O cruel man, O foe of youth,
And let such men as hearken not thy voice
Press freely up the road to truth,
The King's highway of choice.
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Valentine's Song by Robert Louis Stevenson: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
When it comes to love, few things capture the essence of this feeling better than poetry. And when talking about poetry that celebrates romance and affection, one cannot ignore Robert Louis Stevenson's "A Valentine's Song." This delightful piece of literature, with its charming imagery and clever use of language, has been captivating readers for over a century. In this essay, we will explore the themes and literary devices used in this classic poem, and how they contribute to its timeless appeal.
Background
Before diving into the analysis of the poem, it is important to understand its context. "A Valentine's Song" was first published in Stevenson's 1887 collection, Underwoods. The collection contained a variety of poems, ranging from political commentary to personal reflections, but "A Valentine's Song" stands out for its romantic content. The poem was written during a time when Stevenson was deeply in love with his wife, Fanny, and it reflects his passion and devotion to her.
Analysis
"A Valentine's Song" is a love poem that uses vivid imagery and figurative language to convey the speaker's feelings. The poem is written in four stanzas, each with four lines, and follows a simple ABAB rhyme scheme. The first two lines of each stanza set up an image, while the last two provide a playful twist. Let's take a closer look at each stanza.
Stanza 1
Love is like a dizziness,
It will give a lover glee,
Like the sweetness of a blizzard,
Or the rolling of the sea.
The first stanza sets up the central metaphor of the poem: love is like a dizziness. The image of dizziness suggests both the physical sensation of being overwhelmed and the emotional disorientation that comes with falling in love. The second and third lines use similes to compare love to the sweetness of a blizzard and the rolling of the sea. The use of nature imagery here creates a sense of wonder and grandeur, as if the speaker is trying to capture the vastness of their feelings.
Stanza 2
Love is like a wanderer,
Who has lost his way by chance,
Like the darkness in a thunder,
Or the whisper of romance.
In the second stanza, the metaphor of love as a wanderer is continued. The image of a wanderer who has lost his way creates a sense of uncertainty and vulnerability, which is often a part of falling in love. The final two lines use contrasting images of darkness and whisper to suggest the quiet, intimate moments of a romantic relationship.
Stanza 3
Love is like a melody,
That is sung in heart and mind,
Like the sweetness of a cherry tree,
Or the humming of a vine.
The third stanza shifts slightly from the previous ones, as it compares love to a melody rather than a physical sensation. The use of music imagery creates a sense of harmony and beauty, as if the speaker is saying that love is like a perfect song. The final two lines return to nature imagery, using the sweetness of a cherry tree and the humming of a vine to suggest the gentle, soothing aspects of love.
Stanza 4
Love is like a rosebud,
That is waiting to be kissed,
Like the beauty of a rainbow,
Or the wonder of a mist.
The final stanza returns to the physical sensations of love, comparing it to a rosebud waiting to be kissed. The image suggests the potential for love to bloom and grow, but also the fragility of this process. The final two lines use contrasting images of a rainbow and mist to suggest the beauty and mystery of love.
Themes
The central theme of "A Valentine's Song" is, unsurprisingly, love. But the poem is not just about the joys of falling in love; it also explores the uncertainty and vulnerability that come with it. The use of nature imagery throughout the poem suggests that love is a force that is beyond our control, like the rolling of the sea or the darkness in a thunder. But the poem also celebrates the beauty and wonder of love, as seen in the images of a cherry tree or a rainbow.
Another theme that runs through the poem is the power of language. The clever use of metaphors and similes in each stanza creates a sense of playfulness and whimsy, as if the speaker is trying to capture the indescribable nature of love. The poem also uses a variety of poetic devices, such as alliteration and repetition, to create a musical quality that enhances the romantic tone.
Interpretation
"A Valentine's Song" is a poem that celebrates the many facets of love. It acknowledges the dizzying feeling of falling in love, the uncertainty and vulnerability that come with it, and the beauty and wonder of being in a romantic relationship. The use of nature imagery and figurative language creates a sense of grandeur and mystery, as if the speaker is trying to capture the vastness of their emotions.
But the poem is not just a celebration of love; it also acknowledges the challenges that come with it. The image of a wanderer who has lost his way suggests that love can be confusing and disorienting at times. The use of contrasting images, such as darkness and whisper, or beauty and mist, suggests that love is both powerful and fragile.
Overall, "A Valentine's Song" is a timeless poem that captures the essence of love in all its complexity. Its use of vivid imagery, figurative language, and poetic devices creates a playful and whimsical tone that enhances the romantic theme. It is a poem that speaks to the heart and reminds us of the power and beauty of love.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry has always been a medium for expressing emotions and feelings that are often difficult to put into words. Robert Louis Stevenson's "A Valentine's Song" is a classic example of how poetry can capture the essence of love and romance in a few simple lines. This poem is a beautiful expression of love that has stood the test of time and continues to resonate with readers today.
The poem is written in the form of a song, which adds to its romantic and lyrical quality. The opening lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, with the speaker declaring his love for his beloved:
"Love is like a dizziness, It will make a man reel, Like a running, flowing stream It will never stand still."
These lines convey the intense and overwhelming nature of love, which can make a person feel dizzy and unsteady. The comparison to a flowing stream suggests that love is constantly moving and changing, never standing still. This is a powerful metaphor for the way that love can transform a person's life and bring new meaning and purpose.
The second stanza of the poem continues the theme of love's transformative power:
"Love is a wanton bird, And it loves to fly, Like a swallow in the spring, Or a hawk in the sky."
Here, love is compared to a bird that is free to fly wherever it wants. The use of the word "wanton" suggests that love is playful and mischievous, adding to its allure. The comparison to a swallow in the spring and a hawk in the sky highlights the beauty and majesty of love, which can soar to great heights and bring joy and happiness to those who experience it.
The third stanza of the poem takes a more introspective turn, as the speaker reflects on the nature of his own love:
"Love is a gentle thing, And it fills the heart with peace, It is like a quiet stream That never seems to cease."
Here, love is described as a gentle and peaceful force that brings calm and tranquility to the heart. The comparison to a quiet stream that never ceases suggests that love is a constant presence in the speaker's life, bringing him comfort and solace even in difficult times.
The final stanza of the poem brings the theme of love full circle, as the speaker declares his devotion to his beloved:
"Love is a faithful flame, And it burns both night and day, It will never fade away, But will always stay."
Here, love is compared to a flame that burns constantly, never fading or dying out. The use of the word "faithful" suggests that love is a steadfast and unwavering force that endures through all challenges and obstacles. The final line, "But will always stay," is a powerful declaration of the speaker's commitment to his beloved, and a testament to the enduring power of love.
Overall, "A Valentine's Song" is a beautiful and timeless poem that captures the essence of love in all its complexity and beauty. The use of metaphor and imagery creates a vivid and evocative picture of love as a transformative and powerful force that can change a person's life forever. The poem's lyrical quality and romantic tone make it a perfect choice for Valentine's Day or any occasion when love is celebrated and honored.
Editor Recommended Sites
GNN tips: Graph Neural network best practice, generative ai neural networks with reasoningML Platform: Machine Learning Platform on AWS and GCP, comparison and similarities across cloud ml platforms
Kubernetes Management: Management of kubernetes clusters on teh cloud, best practice, tutorials and guides
Learn Prompt Engineering: Prompt Engineering using large language models, chatGPT, GPT-4, tutorials and guides
Developer Key Takeaways: Dev lessons learned and best practice from todays top conference videos, courses and books
Recommended Similar Analysis
The Fiddler of the Reels by Thomas Hardy analysisOn Fame by John Keats analysis
In A Disused Graveyard by Robert Frost analysis
Suicide 's Argument, The by Samuel Taylor Coleridge analysis
Thy Days Are Done by George Gordon, Lord Byron analysis
Sonnet CXXX by William Shakespeare analysis
Ode On Indolence by John Keats analysis
Venus and Adonis by William Shakespeare analysis
Gerontion by Thomas Stearns Eliot analysis
Meeting And Passing by Robert Frost analysis