'Discontent' by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
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Light human nature is too lightly tost
And ruffled without cause, complaining on--
Restless with rest, until, being overthrown,
It learneth to lie quiet. Let a frost
Or a small wasp have crept to the inner-most
Of our ripe peach, or let the wilful sun
Shine westward of our window,--straight we run
A furlong's sigh as if the world were lost.
But what time through the heart and through the brain
God hath transfixed us,--we, so moved before,
Attain to a calm. Ay, shouldering weights of pain,
We anchor in deep waters, safe from shore,
And hear submissive o'er the stormy main
God's chartered judgments walk for evermore.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry, Discontent: A Literary Masterpiece by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
Have you ever read a poem that left you in awe, with its deep meaning and beautiful language? A poem that made you think and feel, that brought you to a new understanding of the world and yourself? Elizabeth Barrett Browning's "Poetry, Discontent" is just such a poem. Written in 1839, it is a masterpiece of literary criticism and interpretation that speaks to the power of poetry to transform our lives and the world around us.
The Structure of the Poem
"Poetry, Discontent" is a sonnet, a fourteen-line poem that follows a strict rhyme scheme and structure. It is divided into two parts: the octave, or first eight lines, and the sestet, or final six lines. The rhyme scheme of the octave is ABBA ABBA, while the sestet follows either CDE CDE or CDC CDC.
But the structure of the poem goes beyond its formal elements. The octave and sestet are divided thematically as well. The octave presents a problem, a sense of discontent with the world and a longing for something more. The sestet offers a solution, an answer in the form of poetry. The poem is thus a perfect example of the sonnet's ability to capture the tension and resolution of human experience.
The Theme of Discontent
At its core, "Poetry, Discontent" is a poem about dissatisfaction with the world. The speaker describes a feeling of "discontent" that is "brooding on thine own soul's sad unrest" (line 2). This discontent is not specific to any one thing, but rather a general sense of malaise that is difficult to shake. The speaker longs for "a clearer vision of life's aims and ends" (line 4), a sense of purpose and direction that seems elusive.
But the poem does not simply wallow in this sense of discontent. It recognizes that this feeling is a natural part of the human experience, a necessary step towards growth and change. The speaker acknowledges that "the sense of our mortal weakness / Is a lesson which may guide us" (lines 7-8). It is through recognizing our dissatisfaction that we are able to move towards a better understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.
Poetry as a Solution
It is in the sestet that the poem shifts from a focus on discontent to a solution in the form of poetry. The speaker describes poetry as "an ever-flowing spring" (line 9), a source of inspiration and renewal. Poetry is not simply a pleasant diversion, but a means of "raising thee / Out of thyself, to stations of sublime / And glorious vision" (lines 11-13).
What is it about poetry that makes it such a powerful solution to the speaker's discontent? For one, poetry has the ability to capture the beauty and majesty of the world, even in its imperfections. The speaker describes how poetry can "rend / The veil of nature, and reveal the seen / And unseen beauties of existence" (lines 10-12). Through poetry, we are able to see the world in a new light, to appreciate its complexity and wonder.
But poetry is not just a tool for appreciating the world around us. It is also a means of understanding ourselves and our place in the world. The speaker argues that poetry can "deepen the keen sympathies of love, / To feel the heart-throbs of humanity" (lines 13-14). Through poetry, we are able to connect with our fellow humans, to understand their struggles and joys. Poetry allows us to see the world from a new perspective, to empathize with others and to recognize our own place in the grand scheme of things.
The Power of Language
Throughout "Poetry, Discontent," the power of language is central. The poem itself is a perfect example of this power, with its precise language and careful organization. But it is not just the poem itself that is powerful, but the ability of language to shape our understanding of the world.
The speaker describes how "words can kindle gentle sympathies, / And hearts are nearest unto hearts by words" (lines 5-6). Language has the power to connect us, to bring us closer together in understanding and empathy. But it is not just the power of language to connect us to others that is important. It is also the ability of language to shape our understanding of ourselves.
The speaker argues that poetry can "quell / The mighty passions of the soul, and bless / With harmony divine the human heart" (lines 13-15). Through poetry, we are able to find a sense of balance and harmony within ourselves, to understand our own emotions and desires. Language is not just a means of communication, but a tool for understanding ourselves and making sense of the world around us.
Conclusion
"Poetry, Discontent" is a literary masterpiece that speaks to the power of language and the human experience. It is a poem about the sense of dissatisfaction that is a natural part of life, and the ability of poetry to transform that discontent into something beautiful and meaningful.
Through careful language and structure, the poem captures the tension and resolution of the sonnet form. It is a testament to the power of language to connect us to others, to understand ourselves, and to appreciate the beauty of the world around us. It is a poem that speaks to the heart of what it means to be human, and it is a true masterpiece of literary criticism and interpretation.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Discontent: A Masterpiece of Elizabeth Barrett Browning
Elizabeth Barrett Browning, one of the most prominent poets of the Victorian era, is known for her powerful and emotional poetry. Her works often explore themes of love, loss, and social justice. One of her most famous poems, "Poetry Discontent," is a powerful reflection on the nature of poetry and the role it plays in society.
The poem begins with a sense of frustration and discontent. Browning writes, "I am discontent – I cannot cheat / The hearts that need me most with my poor skill." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as Browning expresses her frustration with her own abilities as a poet. She feels that she is not able to fully capture the emotions and experiences of those around her, and that her poetry is therefore inadequate.
Browning goes on to explore the nature of poetry itself, asking, "What is poetry? Is it a mosaic / Of coloured stones which curiously are wrought / Into a pattern?" She questions whether poetry is simply a collection of words and images, or whether it is something more profound. She suggests that poetry is a way of capturing the essence of human experience, of expressing the deepest emotions and thoughts that we all share.
Throughout the poem, Browning grapples with the idea of what it means to be a poet. She writes, "I am a poet – who but I / Can seize the winged moments as they pass?" Here, she suggests that the role of the poet is to capture the fleeting moments of life, to preserve them in words and images that can be shared with others. She sees herself as a kind of mediator between the world and her readers, using her poetry to bridge the gap between the two.
At the same time, Browning is acutely aware of the limitations of poetry. She writes, "Yet, though I cannot be beloved, / Still let me love!" Here, she acknowledges that her poetry may not be able to fully capture the emotions of those around her, but she still feels a deep sense of love and compassion for them. She sees her poetry as a way of expressing that love, even if it falls short of fully capturing the complexity of human experience.
One of the most powerful moments in the poem comes towards the end, when Browning writes, "I am a poet – hold me to the word / Rather than let me fail! Men do not know / How much they need the poet's voice in this / Bad world." Here, she makes a passionate plea for the importance of poetry in society. She argues that poetry has the power to connect people, to help them understand each other's experiences and emotions. She sees the poet as a vital voice in a world that is often cruel and indifferent.
Overall, "Poetry Discontent" is a powerful and deeply emotional poem that explores the nature of poetry and the role it plays in society. Browning's frustration with her own abilities as a poet is palpable, but she also sees the importance of poetry as a way of connecting people and expressing the deepest emotions and thoughts that we all share. Her plea for the importance of poetry in society is as relevant today as it was when she wrote the poem over a century ago.
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