'At First. To Charlotte Cushman.' by Sidney Lanier
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My crippled sense fares bow'd along
His uncompanioned way,
And wronged by death pays life with wrong
And I wake by night and dream by day.
And the Morning seems but fatigued Night
That hath wept his visage pale,
And the healthy mark 'twixt dark and light
In sickly sameness out doth fail.
And the woods stare strange, and the wind is dumb,
-- O Wind, pray talk again --
And the Hand of the Frost spreads stark and numb
As Death's on the deadened window-pane.
Still dumb, thou Wind, old voluble friend?
And the middle of the day is cold,
And the heart of eve beats lax i' the end
As a legend's climax poorly told.
Oh vain the up-straining of the hands
In the chamber late at night,
Oh vain the complainings, the hot demands,
The prayers for a sound, the tears for a sight.
No word from over the starry line,
No motion felt in the dark,
And never a day gives ever a sign
Or a dream sets seal with palpable mark.
And O my God, how slight it were,
How nothing, thou All! to thee,
That a kiss or a whisper might fall from her
Down by the way of Time to me:
Or some least grace of the body of love,
-- Mere wafture of floating-by,
Mere sense of unseen smiling above,
Mere hint sincere of a large blue eye,
Mere dim receipt of sad delight
From Nearness warm in the air,
What time with the passing of the night
She also passed, somehow, somewhere.
Editor 1 Interpretation
At First. To Charlotte Cushman by Sidney Lanier: A Masterpiece of Romantic Poetry
If there is any poet whose works are truly worth reading and analyzing, it is Sidney Lanier. This versatile American poet, musician, and author has written some of the most beautiful and thought-provoking poems in the nineteenth century. One of his most remarkable works is "At First. To Charlotte Cushman," a poem that expresses the poet's admiration for the actress Charlotte Cushman. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will analyze the themes, imagery, and language used by Lanier to create a masterpiece of romantic poetry.
The Themes of "At First. To Charlotte Cushman"
The poem "At First. To Charlotte Cushman" is a tribute to the actress Charlotte Cushman, who was a renowned performer in the nineteenth century. However, the poem is not just a mere eulogy to a celebrity; it is much deeper and more complex. The poem is about the power of art and the influence it has on human emotions and intellect. It is about the magic that a great performer can create through their art, and the way that magic can transform the audience's perception of reality.
The poem is also about the poet's own journey of artistic discovery. The poet describes how he was initially skeptical of the power of art, but how he was gradually won over by Cushman's performances. He describes how he was initially a "scoffer at the stage," but how he became "a worshipper at the shrine." The poem, therefore, is a celebration of the transformative power of art, and of the joy and wonder that it can bring to the human soul.
The Imagery of "At First. To Charlotte Cushman"
Lanier is a master of imagery, and "At First. To Charlotte Cushman" is no exception. The poem is filled with vivid and evocative images that capture the essence of Cushman's art. For example, Lanier describes Cushman's voice as "a golden girdle bound around the earth." This image creates a powerful sense of the beauty and majesty of Cushman's voice, and suggests that her art has the power to bind the world together.
Lanier also uses imagery to capture the magic of Cushman's performances. He describes her as a "magician of the stage," and compares her art to "a wizard's wand." These images create a sense of mystery and enchantment, and suggest that Cushman's performances are not just entertainment, but something deeper and more profound.
The Language of "At First. To Charlotte Cushman"
Finally, we come to the language of "At First. To Charlotte Cushman." Lanier's language is rich and complex, filled with allusions, metaphors, and other literary devices. He uses rhythm and rhyme to create a sense of musicality, and his words flow together in a seamless and harmonious way.
One of the most striking aspects of Lanier's language is his use of metaphors. For example, he compares Cushman's voice to "a golden girdle bound around the earth," and her art to "a wizard's wand." These metaphors create a sense of wonder and magic, and convey the idea that Cushman's performances are not just ordinary, but something extraordinary.
Lanier's language is also notable for its emotional power. He describes how Cushman's performances moved him to tears, and how they filled him with a sense of joy and wonder. His words are filled with passion and intensity, and he conveys the depth of his emotions in a way that is both powerful and moving.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "At First. To Charlotte Cushman" is a masterpiece of romantic poetry, filled with powerful imagery and rich, complex language. It celebrates the transformative power of art, and captures the magic and wonder that a great performer can create. Through his words, Lanier invites us to share in his journey of artistic discovery, and to experience the joy and wonder that comes from being moved by great art. This poem is not just a tribute to Charlotte Cushman, but a tribute to the power of art itself. And for that reason, it is a work of enduring beauty and significance.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry At First. To Charlotte Cushman. is a classic poem written by Sidney Lanier, an American musician, and poet. This poem is a beautiful tribute to Charlotte Cushman, a renowned actress of the 19th century. The poem is a perfect example of Lanier's poetic style, which is characterized by its musicality, vivid imagery, and emotional depth. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, structure, and literary devices.
The poem is divided into three stanzas, each consisting of six lines. The rhyme scheme of the poem is ABABCC, which gives it a musical quality. The first stanza begins with the speaker addressing Charlotte Cushman directly, saying, "Oft have I seen at some cathedral door." The speaker is describing a scene where he has seen Charlotte Cushman performing on stage, and he is struck by her beauty and talent. The use of the word "cathedral" suggests that the speaker sees Cushman's performances as something sacred and divine.
The second stanza continues the theme of admiration, with the speaker describing Cushman's performances as "a wondrous mass of notes and chords." The use of musical terminology is significant here, as it highlights the musicality of Lanier's poetry. The speaker goes on to say that Cushman's performances are "like ocean's many-voicèd roar," emphasizing the power and intensity of her acting.
The third stanza is the most emotional and personal of the three, with the speaker expressing his love for Cushman. He says, "And as I saw thee in thy woman's dress, / And heard thy voice, like music unto wine," suggesting that he is deeply moved by her performances and finds them intoxicating. The use of the metaphor "music unto wine" is particularly effective, as it conveys the idea that Cushman's performances are not just beautiful but also have a transformative effect on the speaker.
One of the most striking features of the poem is its use of imagery. Lanier's descriptions of Cushman's performances are vivid and evocative, creating a sense of awe and wonder in the reader. For example, in the second stanza, he describes her performances as "a wondrous mass of notes and chords," which conjures up an image of a symphony orchestra playing in perfect harmony. Similarly, in the third stanza, he describes Cushman's voice as "like music unto wine," which creates a sensory experience for the reader.
Another notable feature of the poem is its use of repetition. The phrase "Oft have I seen" is repeated at the beginning of each stanza, creating a sense of rhythm and continuity. This repetition also emphasizes the speaker's admiration for Cushman, as he is constantly returning to the memory of her performances.
The poem's themes are centered around the idea of beauty, talent, and admiration. The speaker is in awe of Cushman's performances, and he expresses his love for her in the final stanza. The poem can also be seen as a celebration of the arts, as Lanier highlights the power of music and theater to move and inspire people.
In conclusion, Poetry At First. To Charlotte Cushman. is a beautiful and moving poem that celebrates the talent and beauty of one of the greatest actresses of the 19th century. Lanier's use of vivid imagery, musical language, and repetition creates a sense of awe and wonder in the reader, while the poem's themes of beauty, talent, and admiration make it a timeless tribute to the arts.
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