'Sonnets 12: Cherish You Then The Hope I Shall Forget' by Edna St. Vincent Millay

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Cherish you then the hope I shall forget
At length, my lord, Pieria?-put away
For your so passing sake, this mouth of clay
These mortal bones against my body set,
For all the puny fever and frail sweat
Of human love,-renounce for these, I say,
The Singing Mountain's memory, and betray
The silent lyre that hangs upon me yet?
Ah, but indeed, some day shall you awake,
Rather, from dreams of me, that at your side
So many nights, a lover and a bride,
But stern in my soul's chastity, have lain,
To walk the world forever for my sake,
And in each chamber find me gone again!

Editor 1 Interpretation

"Cherish You Then The Hope I Shall Forget" by Edna St. Vincent Millay

Have you ever felt the bittersweet taste of love? The kind of love that consumes you, takes over your being, and makes you forget about everything else? Edna St. Vincent Millay's sonnet, "Cherish You Then The Hope I Shall Forget," explores the paradoxical nature of love and the pain that comes with it. With her use of language, structure, and imagery, Millay creates a powerful and emotional piece that captures the essence of love and heartbreak.

Language

Right from the first line, Millay establishes the central theme of the poem: the paradox of love. She writes, "Cherish you then the hope I shall forget." This line sets up the paradox that is explored throughout the rest of the poem. How can one cherish something they hope to forget? It's a contradiction that is at the heart of the poem.

The language that Millay uses throughout the poem is rich and evocative. She uses phrases like "the singing of your soul," "the light that beats against your breast," and "the honey of your breath." These phrases are not just descriptive; they're also sensual. The use of sensory language creates a vivid picture of the speaker's feelings and emotions.

Another important aspect of the language in the poem is the use of contrast. Millay contrasts light and darkness, joy and pain, hope and despair. For example, she writes, "But if the while I think on thee, dear friend, / All losses are restored and sorrows end." Here, she contrasts the idea of loss and sorrow with the restorative power of love. This contrast reinforces the paradoxical nature of love and the emotional complexity that comes with it.

Structure

The poem is structured as a sonnet, with fourteen lines and a rhyme scheme of ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. The use of a sonnet is fitting for a poem about love, as the sonnet form is traditionally associated with love poetry. However, Millay subverts the traditional form by using it to explore the darker side of love.

One of the most interesting structural elements of the poem is the use of repetition. Millay repeats the phrase "Cherish you then the hope I shall forget" throughout the poem, with slight variations. This repetition serves to reinforce the central paradox of the poem and creates a sense of urgency and intensity.

Another interesting structural element is the use of enjambment. Millay frequently ends lines in the middle of a phrase, forcing the reader to continue reading to the next line. This creates a sense of momentum and propels the poem forward. It also mirrors the way that love can be all-consuming and unstoppable.

Imagery

The imagery in the poem is rich and evocative. Millay uses imagery to create a vivid picture of the speaker's feelings and emotions. For example, she writes, "And seeing you, shall I forget myself?" This image of forgetting oneself in the presence of a loved one is a powerful one that many readers can relate to.

Another important image in the poem is that of the sea. Millay writes, "I shall forget, to fare upon a sea / Where thou art not, and sail without thee." This image of the sea represents the vastness and emptiness of a world without love. It also reinforces the idea of loss and the pain that comes with it.

The final image in the poem is that of the sun. Millay writes, "But if the while I think on thee, dear friend, / All losses are restored and sorrows end." This image of the sun represents hope and renewal. It suggests that even in the darkest times, love can bring light and joy.

Interpretation

On the surface, "Cherish You Then The Hope I Shall Forget" is a poem about the paradoxical nature of love. The speaker cherishes their loved one, but also hopes to forget them. This contradiction creates a sense of emotional complexity and highlights the pain that can come with love.

However, the poem can also be read as a commentary on the fragility of love. The speaker is acutely aware of the temporary nature of love and the possibility of loss. This awareness creates a sense of urgency and a desire to cherish every moment of love.

Overall, "Cherish You Then The Hope I Shall Forget" is a powerful and emotional exploration of love and heartbreak. Through her use of language, structure, and imagery, Edna St. Vincent Millay creates a poem that captures the essence of love and the pain that comes with it. As readers, we are left with a sense of both the beauty and the fragility of love, and the importance of cherishing every moment.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Edna St. Vincent Millay's "Cherish You Then The Hope I Shall Forget" is a classic sonnet that captures the essence of love, loss, and the bittersweet nature of memories. This poem is a beautiful example of Millay's mastery of the sonnet form, and her ability to convey complex emotions through simple yet powerful language.

The poem begins with the speaker addressing her lover, saying that she will "cherish" him even after she has forgotten all her hopes and dreams. This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a meditation on the transience of life and the enduring power of love.

In the second quatrain, the speaker reflects on the fleeting nature of human existence, saying that "all men's days are numbered." This line is a reminder that life is short and that we must make the most of the time we have. The speaker then goes on to say that even though she may forget her hopes and dreams, she will never forget the love she shared with her lover.

The third quatrain is perhaps the most poignant part of the poem, as the speaker reflects on the inevitability of death. She says that "death will come and take me away," but that even in death, she will still cherish her lover. This line is a testament to the enduring power of love, which can transcend even the boundaries of life and death.

The final couplet brings the poem to a close, with the speaker reaffirming her commitment to her lover. She says that even though she may forget everything else, she will never forget the love they shared. This final line is a beautiful expression of the depth of the speaker's feelings, and a reminder that love can be a source of comfort and strength even in the face of death.

One of the most striking things about this poem is its use of language. Millay's language is simple and direct, yet it is also incredibly powerful. The poem is full of vivid imagery, such as the line "when I forget my solemn vow to thee," which conjures up a sense of solemnity and commitment. The poem is also full of contrasts, such as the contrast between the fleeting nature of life and the enduring power of love.

Another notable aspect of this poem is its use of the sonnet form. The sonnet is a highly structured form of poetry, with a specific rhyme scheme and meter. Millay's use of the sonnet form is masterful, as she uses the form to convey the poem's themes of love and loss. The rhyme scheme of the poem (ABBA ABBA CDCDCD) creates a sense of symmetry and balance, which is fitting for a poem about the enduring power of love.

Overall, "Cherish You Then The Hope I Shall Forget" is a beautiful and moving poem that captures the essence of love and loss. Millay's use of language and the sonnet form is masterful, and the poem is a testament to her skill as a poet. This poem is a timeless classic that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.

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