'And love has changed to kindliness' by Rupert Brooke
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When love has changed to kindliness --
Oh, love, our hungry lips, that press
So tight that Time's an old god's dream
Nodding in heaven, and whisper stuff
Seven million years were not enough
To think on after, make it seem
Less than the breath of children playing,
A blasphemy scarce worth the saying,
A sorry jest, "When love has grown
To kindliness -- to kindliness!" . . .
And yet -- the best that either's known
Will change, and wither, and be less,
At last, than comfort, or its own
Remembrance. And when some caress
Tendered in habit (once a flame
All heaven sang out to) wakes the shame
Unworded, in the steady eyes
We'll have, -- that day, what shall we do?
Being so noble, kill the two
Who've reached their second-best? Being wise,
Break cleanly off, and get away.
Follow down other windier skies
New lures, alone? Or shall we stay,
Since this is all we've known, content
In the lean twilight of such day,
And not remember, not lament?
That time when all is over, and
Hand never flinches, brushing hand;
And blood lies quiet, for all you're near;
And it's but spoken words we hear,
Where trumpets sang; when the mere skies
Are stranger and nobler than your eyes;
And flesh is flesh, was flame before;
And infinite hungers leap no more
In the chance swaying of your dress;
And love has changed to kindliness.
Editor 1 Interpretation
"And love has changed to kindliness" by Rupert Brooke: A Romantic Interpretation
As I read through Rupert Brooke's poem "And love has changed to kindliness," I can't help but feel a sense of nostalgia for a time when love was pure and unadulterated. It's as if the poet is trying to capture a moment in time when love was still a source of joy and wonder, before the cynicism and disillusionment of modern life set in.
But what does it mean when love changes to kindliness? Is it a sign of maturity, or a loss of passion and intensity? Does it mean that love has become more practical and less idealistic? These are some of the questions that I will explore in this literary criticism and interpretation of "And love has changed to kindliness."
Background and Context
Before delving into the poem itself, it's important to understand the historical and cultural context in which it was written. Rupert Brooke was a well-known poet and literary figure in England during the early 20th century. He was part of the "Georgian poets," a group of writers who were known for their traditionalism and romanticism. These poets were reacting against the modernist movement, which emphasized fragmentation and experimentation in literature.
Brooke himself was known for his patriotic poetry, which celebrated the beauty and heroism of England. He died at a young age, during World War I, which only added to his mythic status as a poet and symbol of Englishness.
"And love has changed to kindliness" was written in 1911, several years before the outbreak of the war. It was published in Brooke's first collection of poetry, "1914 and Other Poems," which included many of his most famous works. The poem is relatively short, consisting of only three stanzas, each with four lines.
Analysis
At first glance, "And love has changed to kindliness" seems like a simple and straightforward poem. The title itself suggests that the speaker is reflecting on a change that has taken place in their relationship with someone they once loved. But as we delve deeper into the poem, we see that there are many layers of meaning and emotion.
Stanza 1: The Loss of Passion
In the first stanza, the speaker describes how their love has changed from something passionate and intense to something more gentle and kind. The use of the word "kindliness" suggests a certain warmth and affection, but also a lack of passion and fire. The speaker seems to be mourning the loss of that intensity, and wondering what has caused the change.
The line "We loved, but love away" suggests that the love has not disappeared entirely, but has simply shifted or faded. The use of the word "away" implies a sense of loss or distance, as if the love has slipped through the speaker's fingers.
Stanza 2: The Search for Understanding
In the second stanza, the speaker tries to make sense of the change that has taken place. They suggest that perhaps it was the passing of time, or the realization that love cannot last forever. The line "We had grown sincere" implies that the love was once insincere or naïve, and that the speaker has gained a deeper understanding of themselves and their partner.
The use of the word "sincerity" also implies a certain seriousness or gravity, as if the speaker is trying to come to terms with the fact that love is not always easy or joyful. The line "And strange swift sadness ran" suggests that the speaker is struggling to come to terms with this realization, and that the change has caused them some pain.
Stanza 3: The Acceptance of Kindliness
In the final stanza, the speaker seems to have come to a place of acceptance and peace. They acknowledge that their love has changed, but that they still feel a sense of warmth and tenderness towards their partner. The use of the word "kindliness" again suggests a certain affection and care, but also a lack of passion or intensity.
The line "We'll kiss but not in love" implies that the physical act of kissing is still important to the speaker, but that it no longer carries the same emotional weight or significance. The final line, "For love is not a toy," suggests that the speaker has come to a more mature and realistic understanding of love, and that they no longer see it as something to be played with or taken lightly.
Interpretation
So what does this all mean? What is Rupert Brooke trying to say in "And love has changed to kindliness"? As with any piece of literature, there are many possible interpretations, but I will offer my own here.
To me, the poem is a reflection on the nature of love and relationships, and how they change over time. The speaker starts out mourning the loss of passion and intensity in their relationship, but by the end they have come to a place of acceptance and appreciation for the kindliness and warmth that remains.
The poem suggests that love is not a static or unchanging thing, but rather a dynamic and evolving force. It can wax and wane, deepen and mature, and ultimately transform into something new. The speaker seems to be suggesting that this transformation is not necessarily a bad thing, but rather a natural and inevitable part of life.
At the same time, the poem also suggests that love is not something to be taken lightly or played with. The use of the word "toy" in the final line implies a certain immaturity or irresponsibility, as if the speaker has learned from their mistakes and come to a more mature understanding of what love is and what it requires.
Overall, I see "And love has changed to kindliness" as a poignant and bittersweet reflection on the complexities of human relationships. It captures the joy and pain of love, and the way that it can transform over time. It's a reminder that love is not always easy or straightforward, but that it can still be a source of warmth and tenderness even when the passion fades.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry And love has changed to kindliness: An Analysis of Rupert Brooke's Classic Poem
Rupert Brooke, one of the most celebrated poets of the early 20th century, is known for his romantic and patriotic poetry. His poem "Poetry And love has changed to kindliness" is a beautiful reflection on the changing nature of love and poetry. In this 14-line poem, Brooke explores the idea that love and poetry have evolved over time, from passionate and intense to kind and gentle.
The poem begins with the line "I have loved flowers that fade," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. Brooke is acknowledging that his love for certain things has changed over time, just as love and poetry have changed. He goes on to say that "And, though love depart, / And life must fade away," he still finds beauty in the world around him. This is a powerful statement, as it suggests that even though love and life are fleeting, there is still something worth cherishing.
Brooke then turns his attention to poetry, saying that "Poetry and love are one: / We live in them as once we lived in noon." This line is particularly interesting, as it suggests that poetry and love are intertwined. Brooke seems to be saying that poetry is a reflection of love, and that both are essential to the human experience. He also suggests that poetry and love are timeless, just as the noon is a constant in our lives.
The next few lines of the poem are particularly beautiful, as Brooke describes the changing nature of love and poetry. He says that "But now my heart is grey, / Haunted by words that fluttered away, / Giddy as leaves, the little people of gold / That tap the window-pane and pass." This is a powerful image, as it suggests that the intense passion of youth has given way to a more subdued kind of love. Brooke is acknowledging that he is no longer the same person he once was, and that his love and poetry have changed as a result.
The final lines of the poem are particularly poignant, as Brooke reflects on the beauty of the world around him. He says that "The things I am remembering / I may no longer touch with my hand, / Gold leaves, sunlit in a woodland place, / Summer, and laughter, and the moon's white grace." This is a beautiful image, as it suggests that even though Brooke's love and poetry have changed, he still finds beauty in the world around him. He is able to appreciate the simple things in life, such as the beauty of nature and the joy of laughter.
Overall, "Poetry And love has changed to kindliness" is a beautiful reflection on the changing nature of love and poetry. Brooke's use of imagery and language is particularly powerful, as he is able to convey complex emotions and ideas in just a few lines. The poem is a reminder that even though love and life are fleeting, there is still something worth cherishing. It is a beautiful tribute to the power of love and poetry, and a testament to Brooke's skill as a poet.
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