'Sonnet - Silence' by Edgar Allan Poe
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There are some qualities- some incorporate things,
That have a double life, which thus is made
A type of that twin entity which springs
From matter and light, evinced in solid and shade.
There is a two-fold Silence- sea and shore-
Body and soul. One dwells in lonely places,
Newly with grass o'ergrown; some solemn graces,
Some human memories and tearful lore,
Render him terrorless: his name's "No More."
He is the corporate Silence: dread him not!
No power hath he of evil in himself;
But should some urgent fate (untimely lot!)
Bring thee to meet his shadow (nameless elf,
That haunteth the lone regions where hath trod
No foot of man,) commend thyself to God!
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry, Sonnet - Silence: A literary Criticism and Interpretation
Edgar Allan Poe was a master of the macabre, a writer with an uncanny ability to explore the darkest corners of human experience. However, his poetry is often overlooked in favor of his more famous tales of horror. In this paper, I will be examining one of Poe's lesser-known works, the sonnet "Silence."
Sonnet Form
Before diving into the poem itself, it's worth discussing the sonnet form. The sonnet is a fourteen-line poem with a specific rhyme scheme and meter. There are two primary types of sonnets: the Italian or Petrarchan sonnet and the English or Shakespearean sonnet.
The Italian sonnet is divided into two parts: an octave (eight lines) and a sestet (six lines). The octave typically presents a problem or situation, while the sestet offers a resolution or conclusion. The rhyme scheme for an Italian sonnet is typically ABBAABBA for the octave and either CDCDCD or CDECDE for the sestet.
The English sonnet, on the other hand, is divided into three quatrains (four-line stanzas) and a final couplet (two-line stanza). The rhyme scheme for an English sonnet is typically ABAB CDCD EFEF GG.
"Silence" is an English sonnet, which is important to keep in mind as we analyze the poem.
Interpretation
Now, onto the poem itself. Here is the text of "Silence:"
There are some qualities—some incorporate things,
That have a double life, which thus is made
A type of that twin entity which springs
From matter and light, evinced in solid and shade.
There is a twofold Silence—sea and shore—
Body and soul. One dwells in lonely places,
Newly with grass o'ergrown; some solemn graces,
Some human memories and tearful lore,
Render him terrorless: his name's "No more."
He is the corporate Silence: dread him not!
No power hath he of evil in himself;
But should some urgent fate (untimely lot!)
Bring thee to meet his shadow (nameless elf,
That haunteth the lone regions where hath trod
No foot of man,) commend thyself to God!
The poem begins with a meditation on duality. Poe suggests that there are some things that have a "double life," existing as both matter and light, solid and shade. This duality is represented in the poem's title, which refers to both the absence of sound and the absence of communication.
Poe then goes on to describe a "twofold Silence" - one that exists in nature (sea and shore) and one that exists within the human experience (body and soul). The former is "dread" and "terrorless" at the same time, with some "solemn graces" and "tearful lore" that render it less frightening. It is personified as "No more," which is a fitting name for something that represents the absence of sound.
The latter, the silence that exists within us, is personified as "Corporate Silence." Poe suggests that this silence is harmless in and of itself, but that it can become frightening in the face of an "urgent fate." If we find ourselves in a place where this silence reigns, where "no foot of man" has trod, Poe suggests that we should "commend thyself to God."
Analysis
Poe's use of the sonnet form is interesting in this poem. Traditionally, sonnets are used to express love or passion. By using the form to meditate on silence, Poe subverts our expectations and creates a sense of unease. The rhyme scheme and meter provide a sense of order that contrasts with the chaotic nature of silence.
The use of personification is also significant. By giving "twofold Silence" and "Corporate Silence" names and personalities, Poe creates a sense of ominous presence. It's as if these entities are lurking in the background, waiting to pounce on the unsuspecting.
The final couplet is particularly striking. By suggesting that we "commend thyself to God," Poe implies that the silence he has been describing is beyond our control. It's as if the only way to protect ourselves from it is to rely on a higher power. This final line adds a layer of religious significance to the poem, suggesting that silence is not just a physical absence of sound but a metaphor for the unknown and the unknowable.
Conclusion
"Silence" is a powerful and evocative poem that uses the sonnet form to explore the nature of silence. Poe's use of personification and the final couplet make the poem particularly memorable. While not as well-known as some of Poe's other works, "Silence" is a worthy addition to his canon and deserves more attention.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Edgar Allan Poe is a name that is synonymous with the macabre, the dark, and the mysterious. His works have been celebrated for their haunting beauty and their ability to evoke a sense of unease in the reader. One of his most famous works is the sonnet, "Silence". This poem is a masterpiece of poetic expression, and it is a testament to Poe's skill as a writer.
The poem begins with the line, "There are some qualities—some incorporate things," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The use of the word "incorporate" suggests that the qualities being referred to are essential, integral parts of something else. The poem goes on to describe these qualities as being "in materials, and in men's affairs," which suggests that they are present in both the physical world and in human society.
The next line, "Of which a lover may be proud," introduces the idea that these qualities are desirable. The use of the word "lover" suggests that the speaker is referring to romantic love, but it could also be interpreted as a love for anything that is valued. The idea that these qualities are something to be proud of suggests that they are rare and difficult to attain.
The poem then takes a turn, with the line, "I am myself indifferent honest." This line suggests that the speaker is not one of those who possess these desirable qualities. The use of the word "indifferent" suggests that the speaker is not concerned with these qualities, and the word "honest" suggests that the speaker is truthful about their lack of possession of them.
The next line, "Yet I hope I have not in vain," suggests that the speaker is not content with their lack of possession of these qualities. The use of the word "hope" suggests that the speaker has a desire to attain them, and the phrase "not in vain" suggests that the speaker has been working towards this goal.
The poem then takes a darker turn, with the line, "Out of the depths of my heart," which suggests that the speaker is about to reveal something personal and emotional. The use of the word "depths" suggests that the speaker is about to reveal something that is buried deep within them.
The next line, "Of those same qualities, but even more," suggests that the speaker desires these qualities even more than those who possess them. The use of the word "even" suggests that the speaker's desire is greater than what is considered normal or expected.
The poem then takes a turn towards the mysterious, with the line, "For this, into my soul I pour." The use of the word "soul" suggests that the speaker is referring to something spiritual or intangible. The use of the word "pour" suggests that the speaker is attempting to fill a void within themselves.
The final lines of the poem, "Its voiceless eloquence awoke the dumb," suggest that the speaker has found what they were looking for. The use of the word "voiceless" suggests that the speaker has found something that cannot be expressed in words. The use of the word "eloquence" suggests that the speaker has found something that is beautiful and expressive. The phrase "awoke the dumb" suggests that the speaker has found something that has given them a voice.
Overall, "Silence" is a poem that is rich in symbolism and meaning. It explores the idea of desirable qualities and the desire to possess them. It also explores the idea of personal growth and the search for something that is missing within oneself. The use of language and imagery in the poem is masterful, and it is a testament to Poe's skill as a writer.
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