'Self -Dependence' by Matthew Arnold
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Weary of myself, and sick of asking
What I am, and what I ought to be,
At this vessel's prow I stand, which bears me
Forwards, forwards, o'er the starlit sea.
And a look of passionate desire
O'er the sea and to the stars I send:
"Ye who from my childhood up have calm'd me,
Calm me, ah, compose me to the end!
"Ah, once more," I cried, "ye stars, ye waters,
On my heart your mighty charm renew;
Still, still let me, as I gaze upon you,
Feel my soul becoming vast like you!"
From the intense, clear, star-sown vault of heaven,
Over the lit sea's unquiet way,
In the rustling night-air came the answer:
"Wouldst thou be as these are? Live as they.
"Unaffrighted by the silence round them,
Undistracted by the sights they see,
These demand not that the things without them
Yield them love, amusement, sympathy.
"And with joy the stars perform their shining,
And the sea its long moon-silver'd roll;
For self-poised they live, nor pine with noting
All the fever of some differing soul.
"Bounded by themselves, and unregardful
In what state God's other works may be,
In their own tasks all their powers pouring,
These attain the mighty life you see."
O air-born voice! long since, severely clear,
A cry like thine in mine own heart I hear:
"Resolve to be thyself; and know that he,
Who finds himself, loses his misery!"
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry, Self-Dependence by Matthew Arnold
Are you tired of reading poems that have no substance? Are you looking for something that will challenge your mind and make you think? Look no further than Matthew Arnold's "Poetry, Self-Dependence."
In this poem, Arnold explores the role of poetry in society and encourages readers to find their own inner strength and self-reliance. Through his use of language, imagery, and structure, Arnold creates a powerful and thought-provoking piece that has stood the test of time.
Analysis of Language
Arnold's language is both simple and complex at the same time. He uses straightforward words and phrases, but his message is deep and profound. His use of language is particularly effective in the opening lines of the poem:
"We cannot kindle when we will The fire which in the heart resides; The spirit bloweth and is still, In mystery our soul abides."
Here, Arnold is essentially saying that we cannot force ourselves to feel inspired or creative. It is something that comes from within us, and we must wait for it to happen naturally. He uses the metaphor of a fire in the heart to represent this inner spark, which can either be kindled or extinguished.
Arnold's use of imagery is also particularly effective in this poem. He uses metaphors and symbols to convey his message in a way that is both accessible and memorable. For example, he compares the poet to a "seer" who can see beyond the surface of things and reveal deeper truths:
"A deep below the deep, And a height beyond the height! Our hearing is not hearing, And our seeing is not sight."
Here, Arnold is essentially saying that the poet has a special gift of perception that allows them to see beyond what is immediately apparent. They are able to tap into a deeper level of understanding that is not accessible to the average person.
Analysis of Structure
The structure of the poem is also worth discussing. Arnold divides the poem into three stanzas, each with four lines. This creates a sense of symmetry and balance that is pleasing to the eye and ear.
Each stanza also contains a repeating refrain: "Self-dependence, self-dependence, the great word." This reinforces the central message of the poem, which is the importance of relying on oneself and finding inner strength. The repetition of this phrase also creates a sense of urgency and emphasis, driving home the message and making it more memorable.
Interpretation
So what does all of this mean? What is Arnold trying to say with his poem?
At its core, "Poetry, Self-Dependence" is a call to action. It is a reminder that we must rely on ourselves and our own inner strength if we want to achieve greatness. We cannot wait for inspiration to strike or for someone else to give us permission to create. We must take the initiative and trust in our own abilities.
Arnold is also calling on us to embrace the mystery and uncertainty of life. He acknowledges that there are things beyond our understanding, but he also reminds us that this is what makes life interesting and worth living. We should not be afraid of the unknown or the unpredictable. Instead, we should embrace it and trust that we have the strength to face whatever challenges come our way.
Ultimately, "Poetry, Self-Dependence" is a powerful and inspiring poem that encourages us to be our best selves. It reminds us that we have the power to create and achieve great things, but that we must rely on ourselves and our own inner strength to do so. Whether you are a poet or not, this message is one that is relevant and important for all of us to hear.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry is a form of art that has been around for centuries. It is a medium that allows individuals to express their thoughts, emotions, and experiences in a creative and unique way. Matthew Arnold, a renowned poet, wrote a poem titled "Self-Dependence," which is a reflection on the importance of individuality and self-reliance. In this article, we will analyze and explain this classic poem in detail.
"Self-Dependence" is a poem that consists of four stanzas, each with four lines. The poem begins with the line, "Weary of myself, and sick of asking what I am, and what I ought to be." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it highlights the speaker's frustration with himself and his constant questioning of his identity and purpose. The speaker is tired of relying on others to define him and is seeking a sense of self-reliance.
The second stanza begins with the line, "At every turn, I meet the question, Who are you?" This line emphasizes the speaker's struggle with identity and the pressure he feels from society to conform to certain expectations. The speaker is constantly being asked to define himself, and he is tired of not having a clear answer. He wants to be able to define himself on his own terms, without the influence of others.
The third stanza begins with the line, "I am not what I have been." This line is a reflection on the speaker's past and how it has shaped him. The speaker acknowledges that he has changed over time and that he is not the same person he once was. He is no longer defined by his past experiences and is seeking to define himself in the present.
The final stanza begins with the line, "I cannot be what I ought to be." This line is a reflection on the speaker's struggle with living up to societal expectations. The speaker acknowledges that he cannot be what others want him to be and that he must define himself on his own terms. He is seeking to be true to himself and to live a life that is authentic and genuine.
Overall, "Self-Dependence" is a poem that emphasizes the importance of individuality and self-reliance. The speaker is tired of relying on others to define him and is seeking to define himself on his own terms. He acknowledges that he has changed over time and that he cannot live up to societal expectations. Instead, he is seeking to be true to himself and to live a life that is authentic and genuine.
One of the key themes in "Self-Dependence" is the struggle with identity. The speaker is constantly being asked to define himself, and he is tired of not having a clear answer. This theme is relevant to many individuals today, as many people struggle with defining themselves in a world that is constantly changing. The poem encourages individuals to define themselves on their own terms and to be true to themselves, rather than conforming to societal expectations.
Another key theme in "Self-Dependence" is the importance of self-reliance. The speaker is tired of relying on others to define him and is seeking to define himself on his own terms. This theme is relevant to many individuals today, as many people struggle with relying too heavily on others for validation and approval. The poem encourages individuals to be self-reliant and to define themselves on their own terms.
In conclusion, "Self-Dependence" is a classic poem that emphasizes the importance of individuality and self-reliance. The speaker is tired of relying on others to define him and is seeking to define himself on his own terms. The poem encourages individuals to define themselves on their own terms and to be true to themselves, rather than conforming to societal expectations. This poem is relevant to many individuals today, as many people struggle with defining themselves in a world that is constantly changing.
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