'Success' by Rupert Brooke


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I think if you had loved me when I wanted;
If I'd looked up one day, and seen your eyes,
And found my wild sick blasphemous prayer granted,
And your brown face, that's full of pity and wise,
Flushed suddenly; the white godhead in new fear
Intolerably so struggling, and so shamed;
Most holy and far, if you'd come all too near,
If earth had seen Earth's lordliest wild limbs tamed,
Shaken, and trapped, and shivering, for MY touch --
Myself should I have slain? or that foul you?
But this the strange gods, who had given so much,
To have seen and known you, this they might not do.
One last shame's spared me, one black word's unspoken;
And I'm alone; and you have not awoken.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Triumph of Success in Rupert Brooke's Poem

When one hears the word "success," what comes to mind? Perhaps it is the image of a wealthy businessman sitting in a boardroom, or an athlete standing atop a podium after winning a championship. But what exactly is success, and is it always something to be desired? These questions are explored in Rupert Brooke's poem, "Success," a powerful and thought-provoking work of literature that delves into the complexities of ambition and achievement.

At first glance, "Success" may seem like a straightforward poem, with its simple language and direct message. Brooke begins by defining success as "being blown along / By the fulfilment of your every whim," painting a picture of someone who is propelled forward by their desires and aspirations. The poem then goes on to describe the physical sensations of success, comparing it to "a woman's breast" and "a wave's uplifted crest." It is a visceral, almost sensual description that conveys the exhilarating rush of achievement.

But as the poem progresses, it becomes clear that Brooke's definition of success is not as straightforward as it may seem. He writes, "Success is not the result of any deed, / But is the trivial, inevitable ease / Of days whereon your life's work is agreed." Here, Brooke suggests that success is not something that can be earned through hard work or merit, but rather something that simply falls into one's lap when their life's work is complete. This is a radical departure from the traditional concept of success as something that must be earned through determination and perseverance, and it raises important questions about the nature of ambition and the pursuit of excellence.

Throughout the poem, Brooke also explores the emotional toll of success, suggesting that it can be a double-edged sword that brings both pleasure and pain. He writes, "Success, that wakens sleepers, and that drives / The pallid anxious worker through the night, / That casts into a shade the brightest lives, / And leaves unheard the songs of heart's delight." Here, Brooke acknowledges that success can be a motivator that spurs people on to achieve greatness, but he also suggests that it can be a source of stress and anxiety that robs people of their happiness and joy. This is a poignant reminder that success is not always the panacea that it is often made out to be.

Another interesting aspect of "Success" is Brooke's use of imagery and metaphor. Throughout the poem, he employs vivid and arresting images that help to convey the emotional impact of success. For example, he writes, "Success is but the shadow of your light, / The step that lifts you higher than your feet, / The moment's pause to take the breath aright, / The peace aloft there, wonderful and sweet." These images help to create a sense of the transcendent and otherworldly, suggesting that success is not just a material achievement but a spiritual one as well.

Ultimately, what makes "Success" such a powerful poem is its ability to capture the complexity of the human experience. Brooke's discussion of success is not just a celebration of achievement, but a nuanced exploration of the many different facets of ambition and its consequences. By asking us to consider what success really means and whether it is always worth pursuing, Brooke challenges us to think deeply about our own desires and aspirations.

In conclusion, Rupert Brooke's "Success" is a remarkable work of literature that offers a unique and thought-provoking perspective on the meaning of success. Through his use of language, imagery, and metaphor, Brooke challenges us to reconsider our assumptions about ambition and achievement, and to think more deeply about what it means to live a successful life. Whether we agree with his conclusions or not, "Success" is a poem that has the power to inspire us, to challenge us, and to make us think.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Success: A Masterpiece by Rupert Brooke

Poetry is an art that has been cherished by humans for centuries. It is a form of expression that allows us to convey our deepest emotions and thoughts in a beautiful and creative way. Rupert Brooke, a renowned poet of the early 20th century, was one of the pioneers of modern poetry. His poem, "Poetry Success," is a masterpiece that captures the essence of what it means to be a successful poet.

The poem begins with the line, "I shall not rest quiet in Montparnasse." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem. It is a declaration of Brooke's ambition and determination to succeed as a poet. Montparnasse was a district in Paris that was known for its vibrant artistic community. It was a place where many aspiring artists and writers went to pursue their dreams. Brooke's use of this location in the poem is significant because it represents the idea of a poet's journey towards success.

The second line of the poem, "I shall not lie easy at Winchelsea," is a contrast to the first line. Winchelsea is a small town in England where Brooke spent much of his childhood. It is a place that represents comfort and familiarity. By juxtaposing Montparnasse and Winchelsea, Brooke is highlighting the contrast between the life of an aspiring poet and the life of a comfortable, settled individual.

The third line of the poem, "You may bury my body in Sussex grass," is a reference to Brooke's own mortality. He is acknowledging that he will eventually die, but his legacy as a poet will live on. This line is significant because it shows that Brooke is not just concerned with achieving success in his lifetime, but also with leaving a lasting impact on the world.

The fourth line of the poem, "You may bury my tongue at Champmedy," is a reference to the French poet, Francois Villon. Champmedy was the location where Villon was buried. Brooke is paying homage to Villon, who was known for his rebellious and unconventional style of poetry. By referencing Villon, Brooke is aligning himself with a tradition of poets who were not afraid to challenge the status quo.

The fifth line of the poem, "I shall not be there," is a reminder that Brooke's success as a poet will not be measured by his physical presence. He is acknowledging that his legacy will live on through his poetry, even after he is gone.

The sixth line of the poem, "I shall rise and pass," is a reference to the idea of transcendence. Brooke is suggesting that his poetry will transcend time and space, and that it will continue to inspire and move people long after he is gone.

The final line of the poem, "Bury my heart at Wounded Knee," is a reference to the massacre of Native Americans at Wounded Knee in 1890. Brooke is using this line to express his solidarity with the oppressed and marginalized. He is suggesting that his poetry will be a voice for those who have been silenced and forgotten.

Overall, "Poetry Success" is a powerful and moving poem that captures the essence of what it means to be a successful poet. Brooke's use of imagery and symbolism is masterful, and his message is both inspiring and thought-provoking. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry, and it serves as a reminder that the written word can have a profound impact on the world.

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