'Wedding -Hymn' by Sidney Lanier
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Thou God, whose high, eternal Love
Is the only blue sky of our life,
Clear all the Heaven that bends above
The life-road of this man and wife.
May these two lives be but one note
In the world's strange-sounding harmony,
Whose sacred music e'er shall float
Through every discord up to Thee.
As when from separate stars two beams
Unite to form one tender ray:
As when two sweet but shadowy dreams
Explain each other in the day:
So may these two dear hearts one light
Emit, and each interpret each.
Let an angel come and dwell to-night
In this dear double-heart, and teach!
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Celebration of Love and Life: An Interpretation of Sidney Lanier's "Wedding-Hymn"
Wow, what a beautiful piece of poetry! Sidney Lanier's "Wedding-Hymn" is a true masterpiece that captures the essence of love and marriage. In just 36 lines, Lanier manages to convey a powerful message about the beauty and complexity of this timeless union. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the various themes and literary devices used in this poem, and attempt to shed some light on its deeper meanings.
Background
Before we dive into the poem itself, let's take a moment to learn a bit about the author. Sidney Lanier was an American musician and poet, born in 1842 in Macon, Georgia. He is best known for his poetry, which combines musicality with profound imagery and themes. Lanier's life was cut short at the age of 39 due to tuberculosis, but his legacy lives on through his work.
Form and Structure
"Wedding-Hymn" is a sonnet, a 14-line poem with a specific rhyme scheme and meter. However, Lanier takes some liberties with the traditional sonnet structure by adding two extra lines, creating a 16-line poem with a unique rhyme scheme. The poem is divided into four quatrains, each with its own distinct imagery and message. The rhyme scheme is ABAB CDCD EFEF GG, which creates a sense of unity and balance throughout the poem. The meter is iambic pentameter, which means that each line consists of five pairs of unstressed and stressed syllables. This gives the poem a musical quality that reflects Lanier's background as a musician.
Imagery and Themes
Throughout "Wedding-Hymn," Lanier uses vivid imagery and symbolism to convey his message. The poem revolves around the theme of love and marriage, and explores the various aspects of this complex union. From the very beginning, Lanier sets the tone with the opening lines:
"O Love, Love, Love! O withering might!
O sun, that from thy noonday height
Shudderest when I strain my sight,
Throbbing thro' all thy heat and light,"
Here, Lanier personifies love as a powerful force that can both uplift and destroy. The sun, a common symbol of light and warmth, is used to represent the intensity of love, which can be both beautiful and overwhelming. The use of the word "withering" suggests that love can also be destructive, and that it has the power to change us in ways we may not expect.
As the poem progresses, Lanier explores the various stages of love and marriage. In the second quatrain, he describes the wedding ceremony itself, using religious imagery to emphasize the sacredness of the union:
"Eternal Love doth give
To him that loveth sweet reprieve;
That he might take her to his soul
And lose his heart in her control."
Here, Lanier suggests that marriage is a divine gift, bestowed upon those who truly love one another. The use of the word "eternal" suggests that love transcends time and space, and that it is a force that can unite us with our true selves.
In the third quatrain, Lanier explores the physical aspect of love, using imagery of the body and senses to convey its intensity:
"O lovers' eyes are sharp to see,
And lovers' ears in hearing;
And love, in life's extremity,
Can lend an hour of cheering."
Here, Lanier suggests that love is a physical as well as emotional experience, and that it can bring joy even in the darkest of times. The repeated use of the word "lovers" emphasizes the intimacy and unity of the couple, and reinforces the idea that love is a shared experience.
Finally, in the fourth quatrain, Lanier returns to the theme of eternity, suggesting that love is a force that can transcend even death:
"Two hands upon the breast,
And labor's done;
Two pale feet crossed in rest—
The race is won;
Two eyes with death forgot,
To heaven that soar;
Two hearts that feared to take one lot,
And now are one for evermore."
Here, Lanier suggests that love is a force that can conquer even death, and that marriage is a union that lasts beyond this life. The image of two hands upon the breast suggests a sense of peace and completion, while the image of two pale feet crossed in rest suggests a sense of finality. The use of the word "heaven" suggests that this union is divine in nature, and that it is a reward for those who truly love one another.
Literary Devices
Throughout "Wedding-Hymn," Lanier uses a variety of literary devices to enhance the poem's meaning and impact. One of the most striking is his use of repetition, particularly in the opening lines:
"O Love, Love, Love! O withering might!
O sun, that from thy noonday height
Shudderest when I strain my sight,
Throbbing thro' all thy heat and light,"
Here, the repeated use of the word "Love" emphasizes the power and intensity of this force, while the repetition of the word "O" creates a sense of urgency and emotion. The repetition of the word "throbbing" also reinforces the idea of love as a physical experience.
Another literary device used throughout the poem is symbolism. Lanier uses a variety of symbols to represent different aspects of love and marriage, such as the sun, which represents the intensity of love, and the hands and feet, which represent the physical aspect of the union. The use of these symbols creates a sense of depth and complexity within the poem, and allows the reader to explore different facets of the theme.
Conclusion
Overall, Sidney Lanier's "Wedding-Hymn" is a powerful and poignant poem that celebrates the beauty and complexity of love and marriage. Through vivid imagery, rich symbolism, and skilled use of literary devices, Lanier conveys a message that is both timeless and universal. Whether you are getting married, have been married for years, or simply appreciate the power of love, this poem is sure to resonate with you. So take a moment to savor its words, and let it fill you with the joy and wonder of this beautiful union we call love.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Poetry Wedding-Hymn by Sidney Lanier is a classic piece of literature that has stood the test of time. It is a beautiful and moving poem that captures the essence of love and marriage. In this analysis, we will explore the various themes and literary devices used by Lanier to create this masterpiece.
The poem begins with a description of the wedding ceremony. The bride and groom are standing before the altar, surrounded by their family and friends. The scene is one of joy and celebration, as everyone gathers to witness the union of two souls. Lanier sets the tone for the poem with his use of imagery and descriptive language. He paints a picture of a beautiful and romantic setting, where love is the main focus.
As the ceremony begins, the bride and groom exchange vows. Lanier uses this moment to highlight the importance of commitment in a marriage. He writes, "For love is not a fleeting flame, / That flickers for a day, / But burns with steady, steadfast light, / Forever and alway." This stanza emphasizes the idea that love is not just a feeling, but a choice. It requires dedication and perseverance to make a marriage work.
Lanier also touches on the idea of sacrifice in a marriage. He writes, "For love is not a selfish thing, / That seeks its own alone, / But pours itself in generous deeds, / For all the world to own." This stanza highlights the idea that love is not just about what we can get from our partner, but what we can give. It requires selflessness and a willingness to put the needs of our partner before our own.
Throughout the poem, Lanier uses a variety of literary devices to create a sense of rhythm and flow. He uses repetition to emphasize certain ideas, such as the importance of commitment and sacrifice. He also uses alliteration to create a musical quality to the poem. For example, in the line "For love is not a fleeting flame," the repetition of the "f" sound creates a sense of movement and energy.
Another literary device used by Lanier is metaphor. He compares love to a flame, a river, and a tree. These metaphors help to create a sense of depth and meaning to the poem. They also allow the reader to connect with the emotions and ideas expressed in the poem on a deeper level.
One of the most powerful moments in the poem comes towards the end. Lanier writes, "For love is life, and life hath immortality." This line captures the essence of the poem. Love is not just a feeling or an emotion, but a force that transcends time and space. It is something that can never truly be extinguished, even in death.
In conclusion, the Poetry Wedding-Hymn by Sidney Lanier is a beautiful and moving poem that captures the essence of love and marriage. Through his use of imagery, metaphor, and literary devices, Lanier creates a sense of depth and meaning to the poem. He emphasizes the importance of commitment, sacrifice, and selflessness in a marriage. He also highlights the idea that love is not just a feeling, but a choice. It requires dedication and perseverance to make a marriage work. Ultimately, the poem reminds us that love is a force that transcends time and space. It is something that can never truly be extinguished, even in death.
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