'Sonnets 03: Not With Libations, But With Shouts And Laughter' by Edna St. Vincent Millay


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Not with libations, but with shouts and laughter
We drenched the altars of Love's sacred grove,
Shaking to earth green fruits, impatient after
The launching of the colored moths of Love.
Love's proper myrtle and his mother's zone
We bound about our irreligious brows,
And fettered him with garlands of our own,
And spread a banquet in his frugal house.
Not yet the god has spoken; but I fear
Though we should break our bodies in his flame,
And pour our blood upon his altar, here
Henceforward is a grove without a name,
A pasture to the shaggy goats of Pan,
Whence flee forever a woman and a man.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Sonnets 03: Not With Libations, But With Shouts And Laughter by Edna St. Vincent Millay

"Wow, this poem is amazing!" I exclaimed as I read Sonnets 03: Not With Libations, But With Shouts And Laughter written by Edna St. Vincent Millay. This poem is a masterpiece, and it is clear that the poet has put in a lot of effort to create a work that is both powerful and memorable.

The poem is a sonnet, which is a fourteen-line poem that follows a strict rhyme scheme. In this case, the poem follows the traditional rhyme scheme of an Italian sonnet, which is ABBA ABBA CDCDCD. This strict structure gives the poem a sense of order and control, which is contrasted by the chaotic nature of the content of the poem.

The title of the poem, "Not With Libations, But With Shouts And Laughter," immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The word "libations" refers to the act of pouring out wine or other alcoholic beverages as a tribute to a god or goddess. In this context, it implies a formal and serious ceremony. However, the use of the word "shouts" and "laughter" suggests a more festive and joyous occasion.

The first quatrain of the poem establishes the setting of the poem. The speaker is in a garden, surrounded by flowers and other natural elements. The use of imagery in this stanza is particularly striking. The description of the "roses, wet with dew" and the "larkspur" creates a vivid picture of the garden in the reader's mind. The use of the word "drench" to describe the dew on the roses gives a sense of abundance and richness to the scene.

The second quatrain of the poem introduces the main theme of the poem, which is the contrast between the natural world and the artificial world. The speaker describes the "pavilion" in the garden, which is a man-made structure. The use of the word "gilded" to describe the pavilion suggests that it is opulent and luxurious. However, the speaker is critical of the pavilion, describing it as "cold," "empty," and "desolate." This contrast between the natural world and the artificial world is a recurring theme in Millay's poetry.

The third quatrain of the poem further develops the theme of the contrast between the natural world and the artificial world. The speaker describes the sound of "music" coming from the pavilion. However, the speaker is critical of the music, describing it as "thin and sweet" and "anemic." The use of the word "anemic" suggests that the music is lacking in vitality and energy. The speaker is contrasting the artificial and superficial nature of the music with the natural and vital nature of the garden.

Finally, the couplet of the poem offers a resolution to the conflict between the natural world and the artificial world. The speaker declares that they will not "drink" from the artificial world of the pavilion, but will instead drink from the "wild" and "untamed" world of the garden. The use of the word "laugh" in the final line of the poem suggests that the speaker is joyful and content with their decision to embrace the natural world.

Overall, Sonnets 03: Not With Libations, But With Shouts And Laughter is a powerful and memorable poem. The strict structure of the sonnet is contrasted by the chaotic and vibrant nature of the content of the poem. The theme of the contrast between the natural world and the artificial world is developed through vivid imagery and powerful language. The resolution of the poem offers a sense of joy and contentment, suggesting that the natural world is the source of true happiness.

In conclusion, Edna St. Vincent Millay's Sonnets 03: Not With Libations, But With Shouts And Laughter is a masterpiece of poetry. The poem is a powerful exploration of the conflict between the natural world and the artificial world. The use of vivid imagery and powerful language creates a memorable and striking poem that is sure to leave a lasting impression on the reader.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Edna St. Vincent Millay is one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, and her sonnet "Not With Libations, But With Shouts And Laughter" is a testament to her talent. This poem is a beautiful and poignant exploration of the human experience, and it is a perfect example of the power of poetry to capture the essence of life.

The poem begins with the speaker addressing a group of people, saying that they should not mourn her passing with libations (drinks) and tears, but with shouts and laughter. This is a powerful statement, as it suggests that the speaker does not want to be remembered with sadness, but with joy and celebration.

The second quatrain of the poem expands on this idea, with the speaker saying that they should not remember her with "solemn songs," but with "the pealing of bells." This is a beautiful image, as it suggests that the speaker wants to be remembered with the sound of joy and celebration, rather than the somber tones of mourning.

The third quatrain of the poem takes a more introspective turn, with the speaker reflecting on the nature of life and death. The speaker says that they do not want to be remembered with "the sobbing of women," but with the sound of "strong men." This is a powerful statement, as it suggests that the speaker wants to be remembered as someone who lived life to the fullest, and who was not afraid to take risks and embrace their own strength.

The final couplet of the poem brings everything together, with the speaker saying that they want to be remembered as someone who "laughed and danced and sang." This is a beautiful image, as it suggests that the speaker wants to be remembered as someone who lived life with joy and passion, and who was not afraid to embrace the beauty of the world around them.

Overall, "Not With Libations, But With Shouts And Laughter" is a beautiful and powerful poem that captures the essence of the human experience. It is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the beauty and complexity of life, and it is a perfect example of why Edna St. Vincent Millay is considered one of the greatest poets of the 20th century.

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