'Epilogue' by Robert Browning
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At the midnight in the silence of the sleep-time,
When you set your fancies free,
Will they pass to where--by death, fools think, imprisoned--
Low he lies who once so loved you, whom you loved so,
--Pity me?
Oh to love so, be so loved, yet so mistaken!
What had I on earth to do
With the slothful, with the mawkish, the unmanly?
Like the aimless, helpless, hopeless, did I drivel
--Being--who?
One who never turned his back but marched breast forward,
Never doubted clouds would break,
Never dreamed, though right were worsted, wrong would triumph,
Held we fall to rise, are baffled to fight better,
Sleep to wake.
No, at noonday in the bustle of man's work-time
Greet the unseen with a cheer!
Bid him forward, breast and back as either should be,
"Strive and thrive!" cry "Speed,--fight on, fare ever
There as here!"
Editor 1 Interpretation
Robert Browning's Epilogue: An Exploration of the Poet's Voice
Robert Browning's Epilogue, first published in 1864, is a unique meditation on the nature and purpose of poetry. In this poem, Browning speaks directly to his audience, questioning the value of his own work and the role of the poet in society. Through a careful analysis of the poem's language, structure, and themes, we can gain a deeper understanding of Browning's art and the complexities of his poetic voice.
The Poet's Voice
From the very first line of the poem, Browning establishes a self-conscious, even defensive tone:
"First time he kissed me, he but only kissed The fingers of this hand wherewith I write; And ever since, it grew more clean and white, Slow to world-greetings, quick with its 'Oh, list,' When the angels speak. A ring of amethyst I could not wear here, plainer to my sight, Than that first kiss. The second passed in height The first, and sought the forehead, and half missed, Half falling on the hair. O beyond meed! That was the chrism of love, which love's own crown, With sanctifying sweetness, did precede. The third upon my lips was folded down In perfect, purple state; since when, indeed, I have been proud and said, 'My love, my own.'"
Here, Browning describes the intimate moment when he first kissed his beloved, but quickly shifts his attention to the hand that wrote these words. By emphasizing the physical act of writing, Browning draws attention to the constructed nature of his poem and his own role as a poet. He also alludes to the idea of the poet's hand as a tool of creation, an instrument through which the poet can shape language and meaning.
Throughout the poem, Browning's voice fluctuates between self-assured and uncertain, playful and serious, confident and defensive. This complex and multi-faceted voice is characteristic of Browning's style, which often blends colloquial language with rich imagery and philosophical ideas.
The Role of the Poet
At the heart of Epilogue is a questioning of the value and purpose of poetry. Browning wonders whether his own work has any lasting significance, or whether it is merely a passing fancy:
"What? Deeper wrongs than this Men's indemnity to man? They sit withershins, Methinks, who cram their stomachs with the thought They feed upon the shadow of a dream. Are all things then made right by dreaming them awake? Would that I dreamed for ever!"
Here, Browning critiques the idea that poetry can be an escape from reality or a substitute for real-world action. He expresses a desire to engage with the world more directly, to dream not just for himself but for all humanity.
At the same time, Browning recognizes the power of poetic language to inspire and transform, to create new worlds and open up new possibilities:
"But why should I haunt the hours with fears As if such things were or could be? I myself am heaven and hell; Heaven and hell are within myself."
Through lines like these, Browning suggests that the poet has a unique ability to tap into the universal human experience, to illuminate the mysteries of existence and offer new ways of seeing the world.
Form and Structure
Browning's poetic voice is also reflected in the form and structure of Epilogue. The poem is composed of twelve stanzas, each consisting of four lines of iambic pentameter. The rhyming scheme is irregular, with some stanzas rhyming ABAB and others AABB. This lack of strict form and rhyme gives the poem a sense of spontaneity and improvisation, reflecting the playfulness and unpredictability of Browning's voice.
The poem's structure is also notable for its use of repetition and variation. The first line of each stanza begins with the word "first," establishing a sense of cyclical progression that echoes the themes of time and memory explored in the poem. Browning also repeats certain phrases throughout the poem, such as "my love, my own" and "Oh, list," creating a sense of musicality and continuity that ties the poem together.
Conclusion
In Epilogue, Robert Browning grapples with the nature and purpose of poetry, exploring the role of the poet in society and the power of language to inspire and transform. Through his unique voice and use of form and structure, Browning creates a poem that is at once playful and profound, intimate and universal. And while he may question the value of his own work, we can see in Epilogue the enduring legacy of Browning's art and the richness of his poetic vision.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Robert Browning's "Epilogue" is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a powerful piece of literature that speaks to the human experience and the struggle for self-expression. The poem is a reflection on the nature of poetry and the role it plays in our lives. In this analysis, we will explore the themes and ideas presented in the poem and examine how they relate to our own experiences.
The poem begins with the speaker addressing the audience directly, asking them to "listen" to what he has to say. This sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a passionate plea for the importance of poetry. The speaker argues that poetry is not just a form of entertainment, but a vital part of the human experience. He says that poetry is "the one art that's ours in all the world," and that it is "the one thing that we're fit for."
The speaker goes on to explain that poetry is not just a way of expressing ourselves, but a way of understanding ourselves and the world around us. He says that poetry is "the voice of man," and that it is through poetry that we can truly connect with each other. The speaker argues that poetry is not just a form of communication, but a way of experiencing life itself.
One of the key themes of the poem is the idea of self-expression. The speaker argues that poetry is a way for us to express ourselves in a way that is unique and personal. He says that poetry is "the one thing that we're fit for," suggesting that it is through poetry that we can truly be ourselves. This idea is particularly relevant in today's society, where we are often encouraged to conform to certain standards and expectations. Poetry offers us a way to break free from these constraints and express ourselves in a way that is true to who we are.
Another important theme of the poem is the idea of connection. The speaker argues that poetry is a way for us to connect with each other on a deeper level. He says that poetry is "the voice of man," suggesting that it is through poetry that we can truly understand each other. This idea is particularly relevant in today's society, where we are often disconnected from each other due to technology and social media. Poetry offers us a way to connect with each other on a more meaningful level.
The poem also explores the idea of the power of language. The speaker argues that poetry is a way for us to use language in a way that is powerful and meaningful. He says that poetry is "the one art that's ours in all the world," suggesting that it is through poetry that we can truly harness the power of language. This idea is particularly relevant in today's society, where language is often used in a superficial and meaningless way. Poetry offers us a way to use language in a way that is powerful and meaningful.
In conclusion, Robert Browning's "Epilogue" is a powerful poem that speaks to the human experience and the struggle for self-expression. The poem explores the themes of self-expression, connection, and the power of language. It is a passionate plea for the importance of poetry in our lives and a reminder of the power of art to connect us with each other and with the world around us. As we navigate the complexities of modern life, it is important to remember the value of poetry and the role it can play in helping us to understand ourselves and the world around us.
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