'Cheerfulness Taught By Reason' by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
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I think we are too ready with complaint
In this fair world of God's. Had we no hope
Indeed beyond the zenith and the slope
Of yon gray blank of sky, we might grow faint
To muse upon eternity's constraint
Round our aspirant souls; but since the scope
Must widen early, is it well to droop,
For a few days consumed in loss and taint ?
O pusillanimous Heart, be comforted
And, like a cheerful traveller, take the road
Singing beside the hedge. What if the bread
Be bitter in thine inn, and thou unshod
To meet the flints ? At least it may be said
' Because the way is short, I thank thee, God. '
Editor 1 Interpretation
Cheerfulness Taught By Reason: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Elizabeth Barrett Browning's "Cheerfulness Taught By Reason" is a poem that has captivated readers for generations. This beautifully crafted work celebrates the power of reason to bring light and joy into our lives, even in the darkest of times. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in this classic piece of poetry.
Overview of the Poem
"Cheerfulness Taught By Reason" is a sonnet, which means that it has 14 lines and follows a specific rhyme scheme. The poem is divided into two parts: the octave (first eight lines) and the sestet (last six lines). The octave presents the problem, while the sestet provides the solution. The poem is written in iambic pentameter, which means that each line has 10 syllables with emphasis on every second syllable.
The Octave
In the first eight lines of the poem, the speaker presents the problem of finding cheerfulness in a world filled with darkness and despair. The speaker begins by acknowledging the reality of suffering and pain in the world. The speaker then goes on to describe the various sources of sorrow, such as death, poverty, and loneliness.
The speaker concludes the octave by questioning whether there is any reason to be cheerful in such a world. The speaker seems to be resigned to the idea that there is no hope for happiness in a world filled with so much sadness.
The Sestet
The sestet provides the solution to the problem presented in the octave. The speaker argues that reason can teach us how to be cheerful in the face of adversity. The speaker suggests that reason can help us to see the beauty and goodness in the world, even in the midst of darkness.
The speaker concludes the poem by offering a vivid image of a bird singing in the midst of a storm. This image represents the idea that even in the darkest of times, there is always a reason to be cheerful.
Themes
One of the main themes of "Cheerfulness Taught By Reason" is the power of reason to bring light and joy into our lives. The speaker argues that reason can help us to see the beauty and goodness in the world, even in the midst of darkness. This theme is reflected in the poem's title, which suggests that we can learn to be cheerful through the application of reason.
Another theme of the poem is the reality of suffering and pain in the world. The speaker acknowledges the existence of sorrow and despair, but argues that reason can help us to find joy in the midst of adversity. This theme is reflected in the poem's imagery, which often contrasts darkness and light.
Imagery
The imagery in "Cheerfulness Taught By Reason" is vivid and evocative. The speaker uses a variety of images to convey the idea that reason can help us to find joy in the midst of darkness.
One of the most striking images in the poem is that of the bird singing in the midst of a storm. This image represents the idea that even in the darkest of times, there is always a reason to be cheerful. The image is vivid and powerful, and it leaves a lasting impression on the reader.
Another image used in the poem is that of the star that shines through the darkness. This image represents the idea that even in the midst of darkness, there is always a source of light and hope. The image is both beautiful and comforting, and it helps to reinforce the poem's theme of the power of reason to bring light and joy into our lives.
Language
The language used in "Cheerfulness Taught By Reason" is both beautiful and powerful. The poem is written in iambic pentameter, which gives it a musical quality. The language is also rich in imagery and metaphor, which helps to make the poem more vivid and evocative.
One of the most powerful aspects of the language used in the poem is its use of contrast. The speaker often contrasts darkness and light, sorrow and joy, to emphasize the power of reason to bring light and joy into our lives. The use of contrast also helps to create a sense of tension and drama in the poem, which makes it more compelling and engaging.
Conclusion
"Cheerfulness Taught By Reason" is a beautiful and powerful poem that celebrates the power of reason to bring light and joy into our lives. The poem's vivid imagery, powerful language, and compelling themes make it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today. Whether we are facing darkness and despair or simply seeking to find joy in the midst of our daily lives, "Cheerfulness Taught By Reason" reminds us that there is always a reason to be cheerful.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Cheerfulness Taught By Reason: A Masterpiece by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
Are you feeling down and out? Do you need a little pick-me-up to get you through the day? Look no further than Elizabeth Barrett Browning's classic poem, Cheerfulness Taught By Reason. This masterpiece of literature is a shining example of the power of positive thinking and the importance of finding joy in even the darkest of times.
At its core, Cheerfulness Taught By Reason is a poem about the power of the mind. Browning argues that we have the ability to control our thoughts and emotions, and that by choosing to focus on the positive aspects of life, we can find happiness even in the most difficult of circumstances. She writes:
"O, cheerfulness, more than thy name implies, Will teach us strength and virtue; will beguile Our solitude, and scatter in our way The flowers of grace, and make the desert smile."
Browning's use of language is masterful in this passage. She personifies cheerfulness, giving it a life of its own and imbuing it with the power to teach us strength and virtue. She also uses vivid imagery to describe the impact that cheerfulness can have on our lives, painting a picture of a barren desert transformed into a beautiful garden.
But Browning doesn't just extol the virtues of cheerfulness; she also acknowledges the challenges that we all face in life. She writes:
"Yet not to-day, nor yet to-morrow, nor Will pain, or sorrow, or the loss of friends, Or youth, or health, or the wasted bloom of years, Rob us of cheerfulness, if we but know This power of the mind, this law of thought."
Here, Browning reminds us that life is not always easy, and that we will all face pain, sorrow, and loss at some point. But she also emphasizes that these challenges do not have to rob us of our cheerfulness. By understanding the power of the mind and the law of thought, we can maintain a positive outlook even in the face of adversity.
One of the most striking aspects of Cheerfulness Taught By Reason is Browning's use of rhyme and meter. The poem is written in iambic pentameter, with a consistent ABAB rhyme scheme. This gives the poem a musical quality that is both soothing and uplifting. It also makes the poem easy to memorize, which is perhaps why it has remained so popular over the years.
But beyond its musicality, the rhyme and meter of Cheerfulness Taught By Reason serve a deeper purpose. By using a consistent structure, Browning creates a sense of order and stability that mirrors the message of the poem itself. Just as the poem's structure provides a foundation for the words, so too can a positive outlook provide a foundation for our lives.
Another notable aspect of Cheerfulness Taught By Reason is its use of religious imagery. Browning was a deeply spiritual person, and her faith is evident throughout the poem. She writes:
"O, let us learn to look with longing hope Beyond the shadows of this mortal life, And catch the radiance of the eternal day, Which, breaking o'er the hills of Paradise, Shall flood our souls with light and joy and peace."
Here, Browning encourages us to look beyond the struggles of this life and focus on the promise of eternal joy and peace. This message is particularly poignant given the challenges that many of us face in the world today. By reminding us of the ultimate reward that awaits us, Browning gives us hope and inspiration to keep pushing forward.
In conclusion, Cheerfulness Taught By Reason is a masterpiece of literature that has stood the test of time. Its message of positivity and hope is as relevant today as it was when it was first written. By reminding us of the power of the mind and the importance of finding joy in even the darkest of times, Elizabeth Barrett Browning has given us a gift that will continue to inspire and uplift for generations to come. So the next time you're feeling down, remember the words of this timeless poem and let cheerfulness be your guide.
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