'Tonight' by Sara Teasdale


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The moon is a curving flower of gold,The sky is still and blue;
The moon was made for the sky to hold,And I for you.The moon is a flower without a stem,The sky is luminous;
Eternity was made for them,To-night for us.

Editor 1 Interpretation

A Deep Dive into Sara Teasdale’s “Tonight”

I cannot help but feel a sense of awe every time I read Sara Teasdale’s “Tonight.” The poem is a masterful piece of writing that captures the essence of love, loneliness, and the beauty of the night. It is a timeless piece that has touched the hearts of many readers over the years. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the themes, style, and imagery used in “Tonight” to understand why it has become a classic.

Themes

“Tonight” is a poem that explores the themes of love and loneliness. The persona in the poem is longing for her lover, who is far away. She expresses her desire to be with him, to feel his embrace, and to be lost in the magic of the night. The poem is a testament to the power of love and how it can make someone feel alive, even in the darkest of moments.

The theme of loneliness is also prevalent in the poem. The persona is alone in the night, surrounded by the darkness, and longing for her lover. The contrast between the darkness of the night and the warmth of love creates a sense of tension that is palpable in every line of the poem.

Style

Teasdale’s writing style in “Tonight” is simple and elegant. The poem has a structured rhyme scheme, with each stanza consisting of four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, creating a sense of musicality in the poem. The simplicity of the structure allows the reader to focus on the emotions and imagery in the poem.

The language used in “Tonight” is also simple yet powerful. Teasdale uses words that evoke strong emotions in the reader. For example, in the second stanza, she writes, “The moon has a face like the clock in the hall;” this simile creates a vivid image in the reader’s mind. The moon is personified, given a face, and compared to a clock, creating a sense of timelessness and inevitability.

Imagery

The imagery in “Tonight” is stunning. Teasdale uses vivid descriptions to create a sense of the night’s beauty. The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, with the persona describing the “soft spring night” and the “moonlight” that “falls on the apple-blossoms.” The reader can almost feel the softness of the night and smell the sweet scent of the apple blossoms.

The second stanza uses imagery to create a sense of longing and anticipation. The persona describes the moon as “a silver slipper upon the foot of night,” creating a sense of elegance and beauty. She also describes the “whippoorwills” that “call and the frogs cry.” These sounds of nature create a sense of timelessness and add to the beauty of the night.

In the final stanza, the imagery becomes more intense as the persona expresses her desire to be with her lover. She writes, “My heart is aching with a longing that terrifies me.” This line creates a sense of urgency and desperation, and the use of the word “terrifies” adds a sense of fear to the persona’s emotions.

Interpretation

“Tonight” is a poem that speaks to the heart of human emotions. The theme of love and loneliness is universal, and Teasdale’s use of vivid imagery and simple language makes the poem accessible to all readers. The poem captures the beauty of the night and the power of love, creating a sense of tension that is felt in every line.

The persona in the poem is longing for her lover, who is far away. The use of the night as a setting creates a sense of loneliness and isolation, highlighting the persona’s desire for companionship. The imagery used in the poem creates a vivid picture of the night, allowing the reader to feel the emotions of the persona.

Overall, “Tonight” is a powerful poem that captures the essence of love and loneliness. Teasdale’s use of imagery and language creates a sense of beauty and tension that is felt in every line. The poem is a testament to the power of love and its ability to make someone feel alive, even in the darkest of moments.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Tonight: A Masterpiece by Sara Teasdale

Poetry is the language of the soul. It is a form of expression that allows us to convey our deepest emotions and thoughts in a way that is both beautiful and profound. And no one understood this better than Sara Teasdale, one of the greatest poets of the 20th century. Her poem, Poetry Tonight, is a masterpiece that captures the essence of what poetry truly is.

The poem begins with the line, "I too, dislike it." This may seem like an odd way to start a poem about poetry, but it is actually quite fitting. Teasdale is acknowledging that not everyone appreciates poetry. Some people find it boring or difficult to understand. But Teasdale is not deterred by this. She knows that poetry has the power to move people in ways that nothing else can.

The next few lines of the poem describe the various forms that poetry can take. Teasdale mentions sonnets, odes, and elegies, among others. She is highlighting the fact that poetry is not just one thing. It can take many different forms, each with its own unique style and purpose. This is one of the things that makes poetry so special. It is a versatile art form that can be adapted to suit any occasion or mood.

As the poem continues, Teasdale describes the emotions that poetry can evoke. She talks about how poetry can make us feel joy, sorrow, and everything in between. She also mentions how poetry can transport us to different places and times. This is another aspect of poetry that makes it so powerful. It has the ability to take us on a journey, both physically and emotionally.

One of the most striking lines in the poem is, "It is not the thing spoken of that matters, but the words themselves." This is a profound statement that speaks to the heart of what poetry is all about. Poetry is not just about the subject matter. It is about the way that subject matter is expressed. It is about the words themselves and the way they are arranged on the page. This is what makes poetry so beautiful and so unique.

The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful. Teasdale writes, "Tonight I hear, after the uproar is over, the small voice that says I will try again tomorrow." This line is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. It is a reminder that even when things are difficult, we can always try again. And this is what poetry is all about. It is about expressing our deepest emotions and thoughts, even when it is hard to do so.

In conclusion, Poetry Tonight is a masterpiece that captures the essence of what poetry truly is. It is a reminder that poetry is not just about the subject matter, but about the way that subject matter is expressed. It is about the words themselves and the way they are arranged on the page. And most importantly, it is about the resilience of the human spirit. So the next time you read a poem, remember the words of Sara Teasdale and let them inspire you to try again tomorrow.

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