'Isolation : To Marguerite' by Matthew Arnold
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We were apart; yet, day by day,
I bade my heart more constant be.
I bade it keep the world away,
And grow a home for only thee;
Nor fear'd but thy love likewise grew,
Like mine, each day, more tried, more true.
The fault was grave! I might have known,
What far too soon, alas! I learn'd--
The heart can bind itself alone,
And faith may oft be unreturn'd.
Self-sway'd our feelings ebb and swell--
Thou lov'st no more;--Farewell! Farewell!
Farewell!--and thou, thou lonely heart,
Which never yet without remorse
Even for a moment didst depart
From thy remote and spher{`e}d course
To haunt the place where passions reign--
Back to thy solitude again!
Back! with the conscious thrill of shame
Which Luna felt, that summer-night,
Flash through her pure immortal frame,
When she forsook the starry height
To hang over Endymion's sleep
Upon the pine-grown Latmian steep.
Yet she, chaste queen, had never proved
How vain a thing is mortal love,
Wandering in Heaven, far removed.
But thou hast long had place to prove
This truth--to prove, and make thine own:
"Thou hast been, shalt be, art, alone."
Or, if not quite alone, yet they
Which touch thee are unmating things--
Ocean and clouds and night and day;
Lorn autumns and triumphant springs;
And life, and others' joy and pain,
And love, if love, of happier men.
Of happier men--for they, at least,
Have dream'd two human hearts might blend
In one, and were through faith released
From isolation without end
Prolong'd; nor knew, although not less
Alone than thou, their loneliness.
Editor 1 Interpretation
"Isolation: To Marguerite" by Matthew Arnold
Introduction
"Isolation: To Marguerite" is a poem written by Matthew Arnold, a prominent Victorian poet and literary critic. The poem is a tribute to the poet's sister-in-law, Marguerite, who was a close friend and confidante. In this poem, Arnold explores the theme of isolation and how it affects the human psyche. The poem is characterized by its lyrical and melancholic tone, which reflects the poet's sense of loss and longing.
Analysis
The poem is divided into three stanzas, each comprising of eight lines. The rhyme scheme of the poem is ABABCCDD, which gives the poem a musical quality. The first stanza opens with the following lines:
We were apart; yet, day by day, I bade my heart more constant be. I bade it keep the world away, And grow a home for only thee; Nor fear'd but thy love likewise grew, Like mine, each day, more tried, more true.
In these lines, Arnold sets the tone for the rest of the poem. He emphasizes the idea of separation and the need for isolation. He suggests that by isolating oneself from the world, one can create a space for oneself and for one's loved one. The idea of love is central to this stanza. Arnold suggests that love can grow stronger through isolation.
The second stanza begins with the following lines:
The fault was grave! I might have known, What far too soon, alas! I learn'd— The heart can bind itself alone, And faith may oft be unreturn'd.
In this stanza, Arnold reflects on the downside of isolation. He suggests that isolating oneself can lead to a sense of loneliness and despair. He acknowledges that the human heart is capable of binding itself alone, but this can lead to a lack of faith and trust in others. Arnold suggests that isolation can be a double-edged sword.
The final stanza begins with the following lines:
Selfish?—the wish at least had been At variance with the heart no more. 'Tis vain to struggle—Fate, I ween, Made woman on a different shore; And vainly, thence, may men desire To stem the current of their fire.
In this stanza, Arnold reflects on the idea of selfishness. He suggests that the desire for isolation can be selfish, as it can lead to a lack of empathy and understanding towards others. He acknowledges that fate has made women differently, and that men cannot change the course of their desires. Arnold suggests that isolation can be a futile attempt to control one's emotions and desires.
Interpretation
"Isolation: To Marguerite" is a poem that explores the theme of isolation and its effects on the human psyche. The poem reflects the poet's sense of loss and longing for his sister-in-law. The poem is characterized by its lyrical and melancholic tone, which reflects the poet's emotional state.
The first stanza of the poem suggests that isolation can be a positive force. Arnold suggests that by isolating oneself from the world, one can create a space for oneself and for one's loved one. The idea of love is central to this stanza. Arnold suggests that love can grow stronger through isolation.
The second stanza of the poem reflects on the downside of isolation. Arnold suggests that isolating oneself can lead to a sense of loneliness and despair. He acknowledges that the human heart is capable of binding itself alone, but this can lead to a lack of faith and trust in others. Arnold suggests that isolation can be a double-edged sword.
The final stanza of the poem reflects on the idea of selfishness. Arnold suggests that the desire for isolation can be selfish, as it can lead to a lack of empathy and understanding towards others. He acknowledges that fate has made women differently, and that men cannot change the course of their desires. Arnold suggests that isolation can be a futile attempt to control one's emotions and desires.
Overall, "Isolation: To Marguerite" is a poignant and reflective poem that explores the complexities of human emotion. The poem highlights the importance of love, empathy, and understanding towards others. It suggests that isolation can be both positive and negative, and that one must be careful not to become too isolated from the world. The poem is a tribute to the poet's sister-in-law, Marguerite, and reflects the poet's sense of loss and longing for her.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Isolation: To Marguerite by Matthew Arnold is a classic poem that explores the theme of isolation and its impact on the human psyche. The poem is a beautiful portrayal of the poet's feelings of loneliness and despair, and his longing for human connection.
The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which explores a different aspect of isolation. The first stanza describes the physical isolation of the poet, who is standing on a cliff overlooking the sea. The second stanza explores the emotional isolation of the poet, who is longing for the love and companionship of his beloved Marguerite. The third stanza is a reflection on the nature of isolation itself, and its impact on the human soul.
The first stanza of the poem sets the scene for the rest of the poem. The poet is standing on a cliff overlooking the sea, and he describes the beauty of the natural world around him. However, despite the beauty of his surroundings, the poet feels a sense of isolation and loneliness. He describes himself as a "solitary man" who is "alone with the night." The use of the word "solitary" emphasizes the poet's sense of isolation, while the phrase "alone with the night" suggests a feeling of darkness and despair.
The second stanza of the poem explores the emotional isolation of the poet. He longs for the love and companionship of his beloved Marguerite, but she is not with him. He describes her as a "fair-haired daughter of the air," suggesting that she is a symbol of freedom and beauty. However, despite his love for her, the poet is unable to connect with her. He feels as though he is "shut out" from her world, and he longs to be with her.
The third stanza of the poem is a reflection on the nature of isolation itself. The poet suggests that isolation is a natural part of the human experience, and that it is something that we all must face at some point in our lives. He describes isolation as a "darkness" that can be both beautiful and terrifying. He suggests that isolation can be a source of inspiration for poets and artists, but that it can also be a source of despair and loneliness.
Overall, Poetry Isolation: To Marguerite is a beautiful and poignant poem that explores the theme of isolation and its impact on the human psyche. The poem is a powerful reminder of the importance of human connection, and the devastating effects of loneliness and despair. Through his use of vivid imagery and powerful language, Matthew Arnold has created a masterpiece that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.
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