'When Lovely Woman Stoops To Folly' by Oliver Goldsmith
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When lovely woman stoops to folly,
And finds too late that men betray,
What charm can soothe her melancholy,
What art can wash her guilt away?The only art her guilt to cover,
To hide her shame from every eye,
To give repentance to her lover,
And wring his bosom, is-to die.
Editor 1 Interpretation
When Lovely Woman Stoops to Folly by Oliver Goldsmith
Have you ever come across a poem that makes you feel like you're reading a story? When Lovely Woman Stoops to Folly by Oliver Goldsmith is one such poem that takes the reader on a journey of love, lust, and regret. This poem is a classic example of a ballad, a narrative poem that tells a story.
Background
Oliver Goldsmith was an Irish writer, poet, and playwright who lived in the eighteenth century. He was known for his works such as The Vicar of Wakefield and She Stoops to Conquer. When Lovely Woman Stoops to Folly was published in 1765 and became an instant hit. It tells the story of a young woman who falls in love with a man who only wants to take advantage of her.
Structure
The poem is structured in six stanzas, each consisting of four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, and the meter is iambic tetrameter, which means each line has eight syllables with the stress on every second syllable. The poem has a musical quality to it, and it is easy to read aloud.
Interpretation
The poem starts with the narrator praising the beauty of a young woman. The first two lines of the first stanza set the tone for the rest of the poem:
When lovely woman stoops to folly, and finds too late that men betray,
What charm can soothe her melancholy, what art can wash her guilt away?
The use of the word "folly" in the first line implies that the woman has made a mistake. The second line suggests that men are to blame for her misfortune. The narrator then asks a rhetorical question in the next two lines, which sets the theme of the poem - how can a woman overcome her guilt and sorrow when she has been betrayed by a man?
The second stanza introduces the character of the man who has betrayed the woman. The narrator describes him as "the sordid slave of interest" who "betrayed her and forgot." The use of the word "slave" suggests that the man is controlled by his desire for money or power. The word "forgot" implies that the man has moved on and left the woman behind.
The third stanza describes the woman's reaction to the man's betrayal. The narrator says that the woman is "left to mourn the loss of reason, left to shed the tears of love." The use of the word "reason" implies that the woman has lost her sense of judgment. The phrase "tears of love" suggests that the woman still loves the man despite his betrayal.
The fourth stanza introduces a new character, the "flatt'ring sycophant." The narrator describes him as a man who "with jocund heart" tells the woman that the man who betrayed her is "still constant to thee." The use of the word "flatt'ring" suggests that the man is insincere and is only trying to please the woman. The phrase "jocund heart" implies that the man is happy and carefree.
The fifth stanza describes the woman's reaction to the sycophant's words. The narrator says that the woman "listens to his soothing tale, and starts at horror's glaring eye." The use of the word "soothing" implies that the woman is comforted by the sycophant's words. The phrase "horror's glaring eye" suggests that the woman is aware of the man's betrayal but is in denial.
The sixth and final stanza is the conclusion of the poem. The narrator says that the woman is "lost, though she blushes at the name." The use of the word "lost" implies that the woman has lost her innocence and is now tainted by the man's betrayal. The phrase "blushes at the name" suggests that the woman is ashamed of what has happened to her. The final two lines of the poem ask a rhetorical question and provide an answer:
And yet, the moral's truth remains,
When lovely woman stoops to folly, she has a price to pay.
The use of the word "yet" implies that despite the woman's misfortune, there is still a lesson to be learned. The phrase "a price to pay" suggests that every action has consequences.
Literary Criticism
When Lovely Woman Stoops to Folly has been praised for its musicality and its ability to tell a story. The poem's rhyme scheme and meter make it easy to read aloud and remember. The use of rhetorical questions throughout the poem engages the reader and makes them think about the poem's themes.
The poem has also been criticized for its portrayal of women. The woman in the poem is portrayed as a victim who is controlled by men. The poem suggests that women are helpless and cannot make their own decisions. This portrayal of women is outdated and sexist.
Conclusion
When Lovely Woman Stoops to Folly is a classic ballad that tells a story of love, lust, and regret. The poem's rhyme scheme and meter make it easy to read aloud, and its rhetorical questions engage the reader. The poem's portrayal of women has been criticized, but its themes of betrayal and consequence are still relevant today. Overall, When Lovely Woman Stoops to Folly is a timeless poem that should be read and appreciated by all lovers of poetry.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
When Lovely Woman Stoops to Folly: An Analysis of Oliver Goldsmith's Classic Poem
Oliver Goldsmith's poem, "When Lovely Woman Stoops to Folly," is a timeless classic that has been celebrated for its insightful commentary on human nature and the pitfalls of vanity. Written in the 18th century, the poem still resonates with readers today, as it explores the universal themes of love, beauty, and the dangers of pride.
The poem is structured as a conversation between two speakers, with the first speaker lamenting the fact that women often fall prey to the temptation of vanity and pride. The second speaker responds by acknowledging the truth of this observation, but also pointing out that men are just as guilty of these sins. The poem concludes with a warning to both men and women to avoid the pitfalls of pride and to strive for humility and virtue.
At its core, "When Lovely Woman Stoops to Folly" is a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and vanity. Goldsmith uses the image of a beautiful woman as a metaphor for the allure of worldly success and the temptation to put one's own desires above all else. The poem warns that this kind of pride can lead to ruin, both for the individual and for society as a whole.
The first speaker in the poem laments the fact that women are often seduced by their own beauty and become vain and proud. He describes how women become obsessed with their appearance, spending hours preening and primping in front of the mirror. He notes that this kind of vanity can lead to a loss of virtue and a decline in moral character.
The second speaker responds by acknowledging the truth of this observation, but also pointing out that men are just as guilty of these sins. He notes that men are often just as vain and proud as women, and that they too can become obsessed with their own appearance and worldly success. He warns that this kind of pride can lead to a loss of humility and a decline in moral character.
Throughout the poem, Goldsmith uses vivid imagery and metaphor to convey his message. He describes the woman's beauty as a "lure" that can lead to destruction, and compares it to the "siren's song" that led sailors to their doom. He also uses the image of a "gilded pill" to describe the temptation of worldly success, warning that it may look attractive on the outside but can be poisonous on the inside.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of language and rhythm. Goldsmith employs a variety of poetic techniques, including alliteration, rhyme, and repetition, to create a musical and rhythmic flow to the poem. This helps to draw the reader in and to emphasize the poem's message.
For example, in the opening lines of the poem, Goldsmith uses alliteration to create a sense of urgency and to emphasize the speaker's frustration:
"When lovely woman stoops to folly, And finds too late that men betray, What charm can soothe her melancholy, What art can wash her guilt away?"
The repetition of the "w" sound in "when," "woman," and "woe" creates a sense of urgency and emphasizes the speaker's frustration with the situation. The rhyme scheme of the poem also adds to its musicality, with each stanza following an ABAB rhyme scheme that helps to create a sense of unity and coherence.
In addition to its poetic techniques, "When Lovely Woman Stoops to Folly" is also notable for its social commentary. Goldsmith was writing at a time when society was undergoing significant changes, with the rise of the middle class and the emergence of new forms of social mobility. The poem can be seen as a critique of the excesses of this new society, warning against the dangers of pride and vanity in a world where success and status were becoming increasingly important.
Overall, "When Lovely Woman Stoops to Folly" is a powerful and timeless poem that continues to resonate with readers today. Its message about the dangers of pride and vanity is as relevant now as it was in the 18th century, and its use of vivid imagery and poetic techniques make it a joy to read and analyze. Whether you are a lover of poetry or simply interested in exploring the complexities of human nature, this classic poem is well worth your time and attention.
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