'Before they were mothers' by Sappho
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Before they were mothers
Leto and Niobe
had been the most
devoted of friends
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry Before They Were Mothers by Sappho
Sappho, the ancient Greek poet, is regarded as one of the most influential poets of all time. She is known for her lyrical poetry, which is characterized by its musicality and emotional intensity. One of her most famous works is "Poetry Before They Were Mothers," which is a collection of poems that explores the joys and sorrows of motherhood.
In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will discuss the themes, structure, and language used by Sappho in "Poetry Before They Were Mothers."
Themes
The primary themes of "Poetry Before They Were Mothers" are love, motherhood, and the passage of time. Sappho's poems depict the lives of women before they became mothers and the emotions they experienced as they navigated the complexities of love and relationships.
In "Fragment 16," Sappho writes:
"Sweet mother, I cannot weave – slender Aphrodite has overcome me with longing for a girl."
This poem speaks to the intense longing that Sappho feels for a woman she desires. The use of the word "mother" in this context is significant because it highlights the idea that women are first and foremost mothers, but they are also individuals with their own desires and longings.
The theme of the passage of time is also evident in Sappho's poetry. In "Fragment 31," she writes:
"But when our sun sets, shadows lengthen over the earth, and we find ourselves lost in the night – would that you were here."
This poem speaks to the fleeting nature of life and the desire to spend precious moments with loved ones. It also highlights the idea that time is a precious commodity and that it should be cherished and not wasted.
Structure
The structure of "Poetry Before They Were Mothers" is unique in that it consists of fragments rather than complete poems. Sappho's poetry was originally written on papyrus scrolls, which were often damaged or lost over time. As a result, many of her poems have been lost or only exist in fragments.
Despite the fragmented nature of her work, Sappho's poetry is renowned for its musicality and emotional intensity. In "Fragment 22," she writes:
"I simply want to be dead. After all this longing, I would rather be buried beneath the earth."
The repetition of the word "want" and the use of the word "longing" create a sense of emotional intensity that is characteristic of Sappho's poetry. The use of the word "simply" also adds a sense of resignation to the poem, as if the speaker has given up on the hope of ever being with the object of her desire.
Language
The language used by Sappho in "Poetry Before They Were Mothers" is characterized by its musicality and emotional depth. Sappho's poetry is known for its use of repetition, alliteration, and metaphor.
In "Fragment 31," Sappho writes:
"With delicate feet you dance around the house, and your gowns rustle softly – like the sound of sparrows in flight."
This poem is a beautiful example of Sappho's use of metaphor. The comparison of the sound of the woman's gown to the sound of sparrows in flight creates a sense of lightness and grace that is characteristic of Sappho's poetry.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Poetry Before They Were Mothers" is a beautiful collection of poems that explores the themes of love, motherhood, and the passage of time. Sappho's use of language, structure, and imagery creates a sense of emotional depth and musicality that is unparalleled in the world of poetry. Her work continues to inspire and influence poets to this day, and her legacy as one of the greatest poets of all time remains firmly intact.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Before They Were Mothers: A Timeless Ode to Female Friendship and Love
When it comes to ancient Greek poetry, few names are as revered and celebrated as Sappho. Born on the island of Lesbos in the 7th century BCE, Sappho was a prolific poet who wrote about love, desire, beauty, and the complexities of human emotions. Despite the fact that most of her work has been lost over time, her legacy endures, and her poems continue to inspire and captivate readers to this day.
One of Sappho's most famous poems is "Before They Were Mothers," a beautiful ode to female friendship and love. In this poem, Sappho celebrates the bond between two women who were once carefree and unencumbered by the responsibilities of motherhood. Through her vivid imagery and lyrical language, Sappho captures the essence of a fleeting moment in time, a moment of pure joy and freedom that is all too often lost as we grow older and take on the roles and duties of adulthood.
The poem begins with a simple yet powerful statement: "Before they were mothers, they were maidens." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, emphasizing the idea that these two women were once young and carefree, unburdened by the weight of motherhood. Sappho goes on to describe the women's beauty, their grace, and their laughter, painting a vivid picture of a time when they were free to enjoy life and each other's company without any worries or cares.
As the poem progresses, Sappho's language becomes more sensual and evocative, hinting at the deeper feelings that these two women share. She describes their "soft arms" and "tender thighs," suggesting a physical intimacy that is both tender and passionate. At the same time, she emphasizes the emotional connection between the two women, describing how they "shared the same bed" and "whispered secrets to each other."
What makes this poem so powerful is the way that Sappho captures the essence of female friendship and love. She celebrates the bond between these two women, emphasizing the deep emotional connection that they share. At the same time, she acknowledges the physical aspect of their relationship, suggesting that their love is both emotional and physical, a union of body and soul.
It's worth noting that Sappho's poetry was often controversial in her own time, and even today, some readers may find her depiction of same-sex love and desire challenging or uncomfortable. However, it's important to remember that Sappho was writing in a different cultural context, and her poetry reflects the values and beliefs of her own time and place. At the same time, her work has endured precisely because it speaks to universal themes and emotions that transcend time and place.
Ultimately, "Before They Were Mothers" is a timeless ode to female friendship and love, a celebration of the beauty and joy that can be found in human connection. Sappho's lyrical language and vivid imagery capture the essence of a moment in time, a moment of pure joy and freedom that is all too often lost as we grow older and take on the responsibilities of adulthood. Through her poetry, Sappho reminds us of the importance of cherishing the relationships that matter most to us, and of the power of love to transcend time and space.
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