'Love And Friendship' by Emily Brontë

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Love is like the wild rose-briar,Friendship like the holly-tree-The holly is dark when the rose-briar bloomsBut which will bloom most constantly?The wild-rose briar is sweet in the spring,Its summer blossoms scent the air;Yet wait till winter comes againAnd who will call the wild-briar fair?Then scorn the silly rose-wreath nowAnd deck thee with the holly's sheen,That when December blights thy browHe may still leave thy garland green.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Timeless Beauty of Emily Brontë's "Poetry, Love And Friendship"

When one thinks of Emily Brontë, one might immediately conjure up the windswept moors of Wuthering Heights or the haunting, gothic imagery of her poetry. However, it is her lesser-known collection of poems, "Poetry, Love And Friendship," that truly showcases Brontë's talent for both lyrical language and emotional depth. In this collection, Brontë explores the complexities of human relationships, particularly those of love and friendship, and does so with a sensitivity and insight that still resonates with readers today.

"Love and Friendship"

The first section of the collection, "Love and Friendship," is perhaps the most well-known. It includes Brontë's iconic poem "Love and Friendship," which begins with the memorable stanza:

Love is like the wild rose-briar, Friendship like the holly-tree— The holly is dark when the rose-briar blooms But which will bloom most constantly?

This opening sets the stage for the rest of the section, in which Brontë explores the differences and similarities between love and friendship. She delves into the ways in which these two emotions can be intertwined, as well as the potential for one to overshadow the other. For example, in "Parting," Brontë writes:

When we two parted In silence and tears, Half broken-hearted To sever for years,

Pale grew thy cheek and cold, Colder thy kiss; Truly that hour foretold Sorrow to this.

Here, Brontë captures the pain of a broken romantic relationship, but also acknowledges the deep bond that existed between the two individuals. The poem is a testament to the fact that love and friendship are not mutually exclusive, but rather can coexist and even enhance one another.

"Life"

The second section of the collection, "Life," is perhaps the most introspective. Brontë reflects on the nature of existence and the fleetingness of human life, as well as the emotions that come with it. In "Life," she writes:

Sometimes I wish the sun would set, And night would come and bring forget, And take me to the realms of death, And soothe my weary soul to rest.

This stanza is one of many in which Brontë wrestles with the concept of mortality. She acknowledges the pain and hardships of life, but also finds solace in the idea of rest and peace beyond it. In "Remembrance," Brontë writes:

Cold in the earth—and the deep snow piled above thee, Far, far removed, cold in the dreary grave! Have I forgot, my only Love, to love thee, Severed at last by Time's all-severing wave?

Here, Brontë mourns the loss of a loved one, but also reflects on the inevitability of death and the idea that all things must come to an end. Throughout "Life," she grapples with these existential questions, but ultimately finds comfort in the idea that life, no matter how short, can still hold beauty and meaning.

"Nature"

The third and final section of the collection, "Nature," is perhaps the most outward-looking. Brontë turns her attention to the natural world around her, drawing inspiration from the beauty and power of the landscape. In "The Night-Wind," she writes:

In summer's mellow midnight, A cloudless moon shone through Our open parlour window, And rose-trees wet with dew.

I sat in silent musing; The soft wind waved my hair; It told me heaven was glorious, And sleeping earth was fair.

Here, Brontë captures the mystical, almost otherworldly quality of the natural world. She finds solace in the beauty and tranquility of the outdoor world, and often uses nature as a way to connect with her own emotions and experiences.

Conclusion

Overall, "Poetry, Love And Friendship" showcases Emily Brontë's incredible talent for language, emotion, and introspection. Through her poems, she explores the complexities of human relationships, the transience of life, and the beauty of the natural world. Her writing is both deeply personal and universally relatable, and continues to resonate with readers today. In short, "Poetry, Love And Friendship" is a timeless collection that showcases Brontë's immense talent and enduring legacy in the world of literature.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Emily Brontë’s “Love and Friendship” is a classic poem that explores the complexities of human relationships. The poem is a reflection on the nature of love and friendship, and how they are intertwined. Brontë’s use of language and imagery creates a vivid picture of the emotions and experiences that come with these relationships.

The poem is structured as a series of stanzas, each with its own distinct message. The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, with Brontë declaring that “Love is like the wild rose-briar”. This metaphorical comparison sets up the idea that love is beautiful and desirable, but also dangerous and unpredictable. The use of the word “wild” suggests that love is untamed and uncontrollable, while “rose-briar” implies that it is both beautiful and painful.

The second stanza continues this theme, with Brontë describing how love can be both “sweet” and “bitter”. She uses the metaphor of a “poisoned cup” to illustrate how love can be both intoxicating and dangerous. This idea is further reinforced in the third stanza, where Brontë describes how love can be both “light” and “dark”. The use of contrasting imagery in these stanzas creates a sense of tension and conflict, reflecting the complex nature of love.

The fourth stanza shifts the focus to friendship, with Brontë declaring that “Friendship is like the holly-tree”. This metaphorical comparison suggests that friendship is strong and enduring, but also prickly and difficult to navigate. The use of the word “tree” implies that friendship is rooted and grounded, while “holly” suggests that it is both protective and dangerous.

The fifth stanza continues this theme, with Brontë describing how friendship can be both “firm” and “fleeting”. She uses the metaphor of a “summer’s day” to illustrate how friendship can be both joyful and fleeting. This idea is further reinforced in the sixth stanza, where Brontë describes how friendship can be both “bright” and “dim”. The use of contrasting imagery in these stanzas creates a sense of balance and harmony, reflecting the complex nature of friendship.

The final stanza brings the poem full circle, with Brontë declaring that “Love and Friendship” are “rarely found together”. This statement suggests that love and friendship are often at odds with each other, and that it is rare to find a relationship that embodies both. The use of the word “rarely” implies that such relationships are possible, but difficult to achieve.

Overall, “Love and Friendship” is a powerful poem that explores the complexities of human relationships. Brontë’s use of language and imagery creates a vivid picture of the emotions and experiences that come with these relationships. The poem is a testament to the enduring power of love and friendship, and a reminder that these relationships are worth pursuing despite their challenges.

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