'Kindliness' by Rupert Brooke
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When love has changed to kindliness --
Oh, love, our hungry lips, that press
So tight that Time's an old god's dream
Nodding in heaven, and whisper stuff
Seven million years were not enough
To think on after, make it seem
Less than the breath of children playing,
A blasphemy scarce worth the saying,
A sorry jest, "When love has grown
To kindliness -- to kindliness!" . . .
And yet -- the best that either's known
Will change, and wither, and be less,
At last, than comfort, or its own
Remembrance.And when some caress
Tendered in habit (once a flame
All heaven sang out to) wakes the shame
Unworded, in the steady eyes
We'll have, -- THAT day, what shall we do?
Being so noble, kill the two
Who've reached their second-best?Being wise,
Break cleanly off, and get away.
Follow down other windier skies
New lures, alone?Or shall we stay,
Since this is all we've known, content
In the lean twilight of such day,
And not remember, not lament?
That time when all is over, and
Hand never flinches, brushing hand;
And blood lies quiet, for all you're near;
And it's but spoken words we hear,
Where trumpets sang; when the mere skies
Are stranger and nobler than your eyes;
And flesh is flesh, was flame before;
And infinite hungers leap no more
In the chance swaying of your dress;
And love has changed to kindliness.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Introduction
Oh, dear reader, have you had the chance to read Rupert Brooke's "Kindliness"? If not, let me assure you that you're in for a treat. This poem is a masterpiece of lyrical beauty and deep meaning. It was written in 1914, at the dawn of World War I, a time when the world was about to be plunged into chaos and darkness. Yet, even in the midst of this impending tragedy, Brooke manages to find a glimmer of hope and kindness. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deep into the poem and explore its themes, imagery, and symbolism. So, fasten your seatbelts, dear reader, and let's take a journey into the world of "Kindliness."
Analysis
Themes
The main theme of "Kindliness" is, as the title suggests, kindness. Throughout the poem, Brooke extols the virtues of kindness and its power to heal and transform. He contrasts kindness with the ugliness and brutality of war, and shows how it offers a ray of hope in a dark world. The poem is also about love and friendship, as Brooke speaks of the "dear love of comrades" and the "close and holy laughter" that comes from true friendship. Finally, the poem is about the beauty of nature and its ability to inspire and uplift the human spirit. Brooke paints vivid pictures of the English countryside, with its "green fields" and "silver streams," and shows how even in the midst of war, nature can offer solace and comfort.
Imagery
One of the most striking aspects of "Kindliness" is its imagery. Brooke is a master of descriptive language, and his words paint vivid pictures in the reader's mind. He uses a variety of images to convey the themes of the poem, from the beauty of nature to the horrors of war. For example, in the opening lines, he describes the English countryside as a place of peace and tranquillity:
When love has changed to kindliness - Oh, love, our hungry lips, that kiss Like flame on flam... Heart, have no pity on this House of flesh, this rented tenement, To-day, when tired of all the many wars, We tenants find them hardest to endure.
Here, Brooke uses the metaphor of a rented tenement to describe the human body, which is temporary and fragile. He contrasts the beauty of nature with the ugliness of war, showing how even the most peaceful places can be touched by violence. He also uses nature imagery to convey a sense of renewal and hope. For example, in the following lines, he describes the arrival of spring and the renewal of life:
And soon, O beautifully soon! In the forgetfulness of sleep, When he shall find nough scope For his enuréd strength, not more Than heavily lifting her head, He shall remember her no more.
Here, Brooke uses the image of spring to show how life goes on despite the horrors of war. He suggests that even though people may die in battle, nature will continue to renew itself, providing hope for the future.
Symbolism
Another important aspect of "Kindliness" is its use of symbolism. Brooke uses a variety of symbols to convey the themes and emotions of the poem, from the poppies that symbolize remembrance to the sea that symbolizes the vastness of human emotion. One of the most powerful symbols in the poem is the image of the sun:
The sun burns on the half-mown hill, By now the blood is dried and cool; Dreary, dreary - Yet I think the sea is beautiful, Flat and quiet, all forgotten But a dead man out of Wales...
Here, Brooke uses the sun to symbolize life and vitality, while the dead man in the sea represents the loss and futility of war. He contrasts the beauty of the sea with the ugliness of war, showing how even in the midst of death and destruction, there can be moments of beauty and grace.
Structure
The structure of "Kindliness" is also worth noting. The poem is written in a series of quatrains, with an ABAB rhyme scheme. This gives the poem a sense of rhythm and musicality, which helps to reinforce the themes of love and beauty. The use of enjambment also adds to the sense of flow and movement in the poem. Brooke's use of repetition and parallelism also adds to the poem's musicality, as he repeats certain phrases and uses similar sentence structures throughout the poem.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Kindliness" is a beautiful and powerful poem that speaks to the human spirit. Brooke's use of imagery and symbolism creates a sense of depth and richness that is rarely seen in modern poetry. His portrayal of kindness, love, and the beauty of nature is a poignant reminder of the things that truly matter in life. As we navigate the trials and tribulations of the modern world, it is important to remember the lessons of "Kindliness" and strive to be kind, loving, and compassionate to one another.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Kindliness: A Masterpiece by Rupert Brooke
Poetry is a form of art that has the power to evoke emotions, stir the soul, and inspire the mind. It is a medium through which poets express their deepest thoughts, feelings, and experiences. One such poet who has left an indelible mark on the world of poetry is Rupert Brooke. His poem "Kindliness" is a masterpiece that captures the essence of human kindness and the power it holds in transforming lives.
The poem begins with the lines, "When love has changed to kindliness - / Oh, love, our hungry lips, that press / So tight that Time's an old god's dream / Nodding in heaven, and whisper stuff / Seven million years were not enough / To think on after, make it seem / Less than the breath of children playing / Alone beneath the sheets on summer nights."
These lines are a beautiful depiction of the transformation that love undergoes over time. Love, which was once passionate and intense, slowly evolves into a kinder, gentler form of affection. The poet compares this transformation to the passing of time, which is so vast that it makes the love of two people seem insignificant. However, the poet also suggests that this transformation is not a negative thing. Instead, it is a natural progression that leads to a deeper, more meaningful connection between two people.
The next few lines of the poem are equally beautiful and thought-provoking. The poet writes, "Peace, peace! he is not dead, he doth not sleep - / He hath awakened from the dream of life - / 'Tis we, who lost in stormy visions, keep / With phantoms an unprofitable strife, / And in mad trance, strike with our spirit's knife / Invulnerable nothings."
These lines are a reflection on the nature of death and the afterlife. The poet suggests that death is not the end but merely a transition to a different state of being. He also implies that the living are the ones who suffer, as they are lost in their own illusions and unable to see the truth. The use of the phrase "strike with our spirit's knife / Invulnerable nothings" is particularly powerful, as it suggests that we are fighting against something that does not exist.
The poem then takes a turn towards a more positive and uplifting message. The poet writes, "Gladly we lived, gladly we died, / And laid us down in the hallowed earth / With a sense of joyous mirth, / Feeling the blood in our veins run / Quietly on as of old / But knowing that the last debt was paid, / Fully, and for ever."
These lines are a celebration of life and death. The poet suggests that we should live our lives with joy and mirth, knowing that death is inevitable but not something to be feared. He also implies that death is a release from the burdens of life, and that we should embrace it with open arms.
The final lines of the poem are a call to action. The poet writes, "Yesterday we obeyed kings, and bent, / With the loathèd yokèd necks, / Today we stand, and, with the wings / Unfurled, we loom aloft, erect, / And here, beside the singing sea, / This hour of peace, this hour of rest, / Of happiness, and of me, / Come to the bending, weary head, / And hear the whispers of the sea!"
These lines are a call to break free from the chains of oppression and stand tall as free individuals. The poet suggests that we should embrace our freedom and use it to create a better world. He also implies that the sea, with its endless whispers, is a symbol of the infinite possibilities that lie ahead of us.
In conclusion, "Kindliness" is a masterpiece that captures the essence of human kindness and the power it holds in transforming lives. The poem is a celebration of life, death, and freedom, and a call to action to create a better world. Rupert Brooke's use of language and imagery is nothing short of brilliant, and his message is as relevant today as it was when he wrote it. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry and the enduring legacy of one of the greatest poets of all time.
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