'A Visit To The Asylum' by Edna St. Vincent Millay
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Once from a big, big building,
When I was small, small,
The queer folk in the windows
Would smile at me and call.And in the hard wee gardens
Such pleasant men would hoe:
"Sir, may we touch the little girl's hair!"-
It was so red, you know.They cut me coloured asters
With shears so sharp and neat,
They brought me grapes and plums and pears
And pretty cakes to eat.And out of all the windows,
No matter where we went,
The merriest eyes would follow me
And make me compliment.There were a thousand windows,
All latticed up and down.
And up to all the windows,
When we went back to town,The queer folk put their faces,
As gentle as could be;
"Come again, little girl!" they called, and I
Called back, "You come see me!"
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Visit To The Asylum: A Masterpiece of Edna St. Vincent Millay
As a literary critic, I have read countless poems throughout my career, but few have moved me as much as "A Visit To The Asylum" written by Edna St. Vincent Millay. From the very first stanza, Millay sets the tone for the rest of the poem with her use of imagery and language. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will delve deeper into the poem's themes, language, and structure to uncover its true meaning and impact.
The Theme of Madness and Mental Illness
One of the most prominent themes in "A Visit To The Asylum" is madness and mental illness. Millay's use of language and imagery creates a vivid picture of the asylum and the people who inhabit it. In the second stanza, Millay describes the patients as "shadows moving upon shadows," and in the third stanza, she writes, "they move not like flowers but like things that limp." These descriptions paint a picture of people who are struggling and suffering, both physically and mentally.
Millay's portrayal of the asylum is not one of horror or disgust, but one of empathy and compassion. She writes, "I pity them greatly, but I must be mum, for how could we do without sugar and rum?" This line is a nod to the societal norms of the time, where mental illness was often stigmatized and ignored. The use of the word "mum" implies that people were expected to keep quiet about mental illness and that it was something shameful.
The Use of Language and Imagery
Millay's use of language and imagery in "A Visit To The Asylum" is masterful. Throughout the poem, she uses metaphors and similes to create a vivid picture of the asylum and its inhabitants. In the second stanza, she writes, "their faces are twisted with torture, then." This line creates a powerful image of people who are suffering, both physically and mentally.
In the third stanza, Millay writes, "the floor is all matted with hair," which creates a grotesque and disturbing image of the asylum. This use of imagery is effective in conveying the despair and hopelessness that the patients must feel living in such conditions.
Another example of Millay's use of language and imagery is in the ninth stanza. She writes, "the air is damp, here, and hushes all." This line creates a sense of claustrophobia and confinement, which is fitting for a poem about an asylum. The use of the word "hushes" implies that there is a stillness and silence that comes with mental illness, as if the patients are unable to speak or communicate their thoughts and feelings.
The Structure of the Poem
The structure of "A Visit To The Asylum" is another interesting element of the poem. It is written in quatrains, which are four-line stanzas that usually follow a rhyme scheme. However, Millay does not follow a strict rhyme scheme in this poem. Instead, she uses slant rhymes and internal rhymes to create a more subtle effect.
For example, in the first stanza, Millay writes, "Within the broken darkness every bird / Is thrown upon its own, and hears the unheard / Music that is its own." The use of internal rhyme in "bird" and "heard" creates a musical quality to the poem, which is fitting given the subject matter.
Another interesting aspect of the structure of this poem is the use of repetition. Millay repeats the phrase "I pity them greatly" throughout the poem, which creates a sense of empathy and compassion for the patients. This repetition also serves to reinforce the theme of mental illness and the stigma that surrounds it.
The Meaning of the Poem
At its core, "A Visit To The Asylum" is a poem about empathy and compassion. Millay paints a vivid picture of the asylum and the people who inhabit it, but she does not judge or condemn them. Instead, she shows empathy for their suffering and acknowledges the societal stigma that surrounds mental illness.
The poem is also a commentary on societal norms and expectations. Millay's use of the phrase "I must be mum" implies that there are certain things that are not spoken about, and mental illness is one of them. By acknowledging this, Millay is challenging the societal norms of her time and calling for a greater understanding and empathy for those who suffer from mental illness.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "A Visit To The Asylum" is a masterful poem that explores the themes of mental illness, empathy, and societal norms. Millay's use of language and imagery creates a vivid picture of the asylum and its inhabitants, and her use of repetition and structure serve to reinforce the poem's themes.
As a literary critic, I am struck by the power and beauty of this poem. It is a testament to Millay's skill as a poet and her compassion for those who suffer from mental illness. "A Visit To The Asylum" is a masterpiece that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry is a form of art that has the power to evoke emotions and convey messages in a unique and powerful way. One such poem that has stood the test of time is "A Visit to the Asylum" by Edna St. Vincent Millay. This poem, written in 1935, is a haunting and powerful portrayal of the lives of those who are confined to mental institutions. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in this poem to understand its significance and impact.
The poem begins with the speaker describing her visit to an asylum, where she encounters the patients who are "shut up on the second floor." The use of the phrase "shut up" immediately sets a tone of confinement and imprisonment, suggesting that the patients are trapped and unable to escape. The speaker then goes on to describe the patients in vivid detail, using imagery that is both beautiful and disturbing. She describes them as "pale" and "thin," with "eyes like stars" and "hair like twigs." This imagery creates a sense of otherworldliness and suggests that the patients are not quite human, but rather something ethereal and otherworldly.
As the poem progresses, the speaker begins to interact with the patients, asking them questions and listening to their stories. She describes one patient who tells her that he is "Napoleon," and another who claims to be "Jesus Christ." These delusions are common among those who suffer from mental illness, and the speaker's willingness to listen to them suggests a sense of empathy and understanding. However, the speaker also acknowledges the sadness and tragedy of their situations, describing them as "lost" and "broken."
The poem then takes a darker turn, as the speaker describes the treatments that the patients are subjected to. She describes them as being "strapped" and "shocked," suggesting that they are being subjected to cruel and inhumane treatments. The use of the word "shocked" is particularly powerful, as it suggests that the patients are being electrocuted, a common treatment for mental illness at the time. This imagery is disturbing and unsettling, and it serves to highlight the cruelty and inhumanity of the treatment of those who suffer from mental illness.
Despite the darkness of the poem, there is also a sense of hope and resilience. The speaker describes one patient who is "singing" and "laughing," suggesting that even in the midst of their suffering, there is still joy and beauty to be found. This sense of resilience is further emphasized in the final lines of the poem, where the speaker describes the patients as "still alive," despite their confinement and suffering. This suggests that even in the face of adversity, there is still hope and the possibility of survival.
In terms of language, the poem is rich in metaphor and imagery. The use of metaphors such as "eyes like stars" and "hair like twigs" creates a sense of otherworldliness and suggests that the patients are not quite human. This is further emphasized by the use of the word "ghosts" to describe them, suggesting that they are not fully present in the world. The use of the word "lost" also creates a sense of sadness and despair, suggesting that the patients are adrift and without hope.
The poem also makes use of repetition, particularly in the final lines. The repetition of the phrase "still alive" emphasizes the resilience of the patients and suggests that even in the face of adversity, there is still hope. This repetition also serves to drive home the message of the poem, which is that those who suffer from mental illness are still human and deserving of compassion and understanding.
In conclusion, "A Visit to the Asylum" is a powerful and haunting poem that explores the lives of those who are confined to mental institutions. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, the poem conveys a sense of sadness, despair, and resilience. It serves as a reminder that those who suffer from mental illness are still human and deserving of compassion and understanding.
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