'Eyes And Tears' by Andrew Marvell
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How wisely Nature did decree,
With the same Eyes to weep and see!
That, having view'd the object vain,
They might be ready to complain.
And since the Self-deluding Sight,
In a false Angle takes each hight;
These Tears which better measure all,
Like wat'ry Lines and Plummets fall.
Two Tears, which Sorrow long did weigh
Within the Scales of either Eye,
And then paid out in equal Poise,
Are the true price of all my Joyes.
What in the World most fair appears,
Yea even Laughter, turns to Tears:
And all the Jewels which we prize,
Melt in these Pendants of the Eyes.
I have through every Garden been,
Amongst the Red,the White, the Green;
And yet, from all the flow'rs I saw,
No Hony, but these Tears could draw.
So the all-seeing Sun each day
Distills the World with Chymick Ray;
But finds the Essence only Showers,
Which straight in pity back he powers.
Yet happy they whom Grief doth bless,
That weep the more, and see the less:
And, to preserve their Sight more true,
Bath still their Eyes in their own Dew.
So Magdalen, in Tears more wise
Dissolv'd those captivating Eyes,
Whose liquid Chains could flowing meet
To fetter her Redeemers feet.
Not full sailes hasting loaden home,
Nor the chast Ladies pregnant Womb,
Nor Cynthia Teeming show's so fair,
As two Eyes swoln with weeping are.
The sparkling Glance that shoots Desire,
Drench'd in these Waves, does lose it fire.
Yea oft the Thund'rer pitty takes
And here the hissing Lightning slakes.
The Incense was to Heaven dear,
Not as a Perfume, but a Tear.
And Stars shew lovely in the Night,
But as they seem the Tears of Light.
Ope then mine Eyes your double Sluice,
And practise so your noblest Use.
For others too can see, or sleep;
But only humane Eyes can weep.
Now like two Clouds dissolving, drop,
And at each Tear in distance stop:
Now like two Fountains trickle down:
Now like two floods o'return and drown.
Thus let your Streams o'reflow your Springs,
Till Eyes and Tears be the same things:
And each the other's difference bears;
These weeping Eyes, those seeing Tears.
Note:
Magdala, lascivos sic quum dimisit Amantes,
Fervidaque in castas lumina solvit aquas;
Haesit in irriguo lachrymarum compede Christus,
Et tenuit sacros uda Catena pedes.
Editor 1 Interpretation
"Eyes And Tears" by Andrew Marvell: A Poem of Wonder and Melancholy
Andrew Marvell, the celebrated English poet of the seventeenth century, is remembered for his eloquent expressions of wonder, melancholy, and philosophical reflections on life and the human condition. In his poem "Eyes And Tears," Marvell explores the theme of transience and the fleeting nature of human experience, capturing the essence of human emotions and the beauty of the natural world. In this literary criticism, I will examine the poetic devices, themes, and interpretations of "Eyes And Tears," and explore how Marvell's unique style and voice elevate the poem to a timeless masterpiece.
The Poem
"Eyes And Tears" was first published in 1681 as part of the posthumous collection "Miscellaneous Poems" by Marvell. The poem is composed of six stanzas, each consisting of four lines of iambic tetrameter, with a rhyme scheme of AABB. The poem's structure and form are simple and regular, but Marvell's use of poetic devices such as metaphor, personification, and alliteration, gives the poem a depth and complexity that belies its apparent simplicity.
The first stanza sets the tone for the poem, expressing the poet's sense of wonder at the beauty of nature, and the transience of human experience. Marvell personifies nature, describing how the trees, flowers, and streams weep and shed tears, as if mourning the passing of human life. The imagery of tears, which recurs throughout the poem, is symbolic of the fleeting nature of human happiness and the inevitability of death.
The second stanza shifts focus to the human experience, describing how the eyes shed tears in response to the beauty and wonder of the natural world. The metaphor of tears as a response to beauty is a common poetic device, but Marvell's use of it is particularly effective. The eyes, in Marvell's poem, are not just a physical organ, but a metaphor for the human soul, which is moved by the beauty of nature and the transience of human experience.
The third stanza is a reflection on the nature of time and how it affects human experience. Marvell uses the metaphor of a clock to describe the passage of time and its effect on human life. The clock is personified as a cruel taskmaster, driving people towards their inevitable end, regardless of their desires or aspirations. The image of the clock as a symbol of death is a powerful metaphor that resonates with readers of all ages and cultures.
The fourth stanza continues the theme of transience, describing how human life is like a stream that flows towards its ultimate end. The image of the stream is a metaphor for the passage of time, and Marvell's use of it is particularly effective. The stream, like human life, is beautiful and ephemeral, and its passing is mourned by the trees and flowers. The image of the stream flowing towards the sea, its ultimate end, is a powerful metaphor that captures the essence of the human condition.
The fifth stanza is a reflection on the nature of memory and how it affects human experience. Marvell describes how memories are like ghosts that haunt the human soul, reminding us of our past and bringing to mind the transience of human experience. The metaphor of memories as ghosts is a powerful and evocative image that captures the essence of human emotions and the beauty of the natural world.
The final stanza is a reflection on the nature of mortality and how it affects human experience. Marvell describes how death is inevitable and how it affects all human beings, regardless of their station in life. The image of death as a great equalizer is a powerful metaphor that resonates with readers of all ages and cultures.
Interpretation
"Eyes And Tears" is a poem of wonder and melancholy, exploring the themes of transience, mortality, and the beauty of the natural world. Marvell's use of poetic devices such as metaphor, personification, and alliteration, gives the poem a depth and complexity that belies its apparent simplicity. The poem's structure and form are simple and regular, but Marvell's unique style and voice elevate the poem to a timeless masterpiece.
The poem's central theme is transience, which Marvell explores through the use of evocative imagery and metaphor. The image of tears, which recurs throughout the poem, is symbolic of the fleeting nature of human happiness and the inevitability of death. The metaphor of the stream, which represents the passage of time and the transience of human experience, is particularly effective, capturing the essence of the human condition.
Marvell's use of personification is also effective in conveying the poem's themes. By personifying nature, Marvell imbues it with a sense of mourning and melancholy, reflecting the human condition. The clock, personified as a cruel taskmaster, drives people towards their inevitable end, regardless of their desires or aspirations. The use of such powerful metaphors and personifications contributes to the poem's depth and complexity, elevating it to a timeless masterpiece.
The poem's style and voice are also significant in contributing to its effectiveness. Marvell's use of iambic tetrameter and a regular rhyme scheme gives the poem a sense of structure and clarity, while his use of imagery and metaphors evokes a range of emotions and ideas. The poem's voice is one of wonder, melancholy, and philosophical reflection, conveying Marvell's deep insights into the human condition.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Eyes And Tears" is a timeless masterpiece that explores the themes of transience, mortality, and the beauty of the natural world. Marvell's use of poetic devices such as metaphor, personification, and alliteration, gives the poem a depth and complexity that belies its apparent simplicity. The poem's structure and form are simple and regular, but Marvell's unique style and voice elevate the poem to a timeless masterpiece. Through his evocative imagery and metaphors, Marvell captures the essence of the human condition, conveying a sense of wonder, melancholy, and philosophical reflection that resonates with readers of all ages and cultures.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Eyes and Tears: A Masterpiece of Andrew Marvell
Andrew Marvell, the 17th-century English poet, is known for his metaphysical poetry that explores complex themes of love, death, and spirituality. One of his most celebrated works is the poem "Eyes and Tears," which is a beautiful meditation on the nature of grief and the human condition. In this article, we will explore the poem's themes, structure, and language to understand why it is considered a masterpiece of English literature.
The poem "Eyes and Tears" is a short lyric poem consisting of three stanzas, each with six lines. The poem's structure is simple, but its language is rich and complex, with a range of metaphors and images that create a vivid and emotional landscape. The poem's central theme is the nature of grief and the human response to loss, and Marvell explores this theme through a series of metaphors that compare tears to various natural phenomena.
The first stanza of the poem begins with the speaker addressing his eyes, asking them why they are weeping. He compares his tears to the dew that falls from the sky in the morning, suggesting that they are a natural and inevitable part of the world. The speaker then compares his tears to the waves of the sea, suggesting that they are a powerful and unstoppable force that cannot be controlled. This comparison creates a sense of the overwhelming nature of grief, which can feel like a tidal wave that sweeps over us and leaves us powerless.
In the second stanza, the speaker continues to explore the nature of grief, comparing his tears to the rain that falls from the sky. He suggests that tears are a cleansing force that washes away the pain and sorrow of loss, allowing us to move forward. The speaker then compares his tears to the mist that rises from the earth, suggesting that they are a mysterious and elusive force that cannot be fully understood. This comparison creates a sense of the complexity of grief, which can be both cleansing and confusing, both healing and haunting.
In the final stanza, the speaker concludes his meditation on grief by comparing his tears to the snow that falls from the sky. He suggests that tears are a cold and bitter force that can freeze the heart and soul, leaving us numb and disconnected from the world. The speaker then compares his tears to the frost that covers the ground, suggesting that they are a temporary and fleeting force that will eventually melt away. This comparison creates a sense of the transience of grief, which can feel all-consuming in the moment but will eventually pass.
Throughout the poem, Marvell uses a range of poetic devices to create a rich and complex emotional landscape. He uses metaphors to compare tears to various natural phenomena, creating a sense of the power and inevitability of grief. He also uses imagery to create a vivid and emotional picture of the speaker's inner world, suggesting that grief is not just a physical response but a deeply emotional and spiritual one.
In addition to its themes and language, "Eyes and Tears" is also notable for its use of form and structure. The poem's three stanzas each have six lines, creating a sense of symmetry and balance. The poem's rhyme scheme is also consistent, with each stanza following an ABABCC pattern. This consistency creates a sense of order and stability, which contrasts with the emotional turmoil of the poem's content.
In conclusion, "Eyes and Tears" is a masterpiece of English literature that explores the complex nature of grief and the human response to loss. Through its use of metaphors, imagery, and poetic devices, the poem creates a vivid and emotional landscape that captures the essence of the human experience. Its simple structure and consistent rhyme scheme create a sense of order and stability that contrasts with the emotional turmoil of the poem's content. Overall, "Eyes and Tears" is a beautiful and powerful poem that continues to resonate with readers today.
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