'Love Calls Us To The Things Of This World' by Richard Wilbur
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Things of This World1956The eyes open to a cry of pulleys,
And spirited from sleep, the astoundedsoul
Hangs for a moment bodiless andsimple
As false dawn.Outside the open window
The morning air is all awash withangels.Some are in bed-sheets, some arein blouses,
Some are in smocks: but truly therethey are.
Now they are rising together in calmswells
Of halcyon feeling, filling whatever theywear
With the deep joy of their impersonalbreathing;Now they are flying in place,conveying
The terrible speed of theiromnipresence, moving
And staying like white water; and nowof a sudden
They swoon down in so rapt a quiet
That nobody seems to be there.The soul shrinksFrom all that it is about to remember,
From the punctual rape of everyblessed day,
And cries,"Oh, let there be nothing onearth but laundry,
Nothing but rosy hands in the risingsteam
And clear dances done in the sight ofheaven."Yet, as the sun acknowledges
With a warm look the world's hunksand colors,
The soul descends once more in bitterlove
To accept the waking body, saying now
In a changed voice as the man yawnsand rises,"Bring them down from their ruddygallows;
Let there be clean linen for the backsof thieves;
Let lovers go fresh and sweet to beundone,
And the heaviest nuns walk in a purefloating
Of dark habits,keeping their difficultbalance."
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry, Love Calls Us To The Things Of This World: A Masterpiece of Human Sensibility
Poetry is the language of the heart, the voice of the soul, the expression of the deepest and most profound human emotions. It is the art of words, the magic of language, the beauty of sound and meaning. And when it comes to Richard Wilbur's "Love Calls Us to the Things of This World," we see the essence of poetry at its best - a masterpiece of human sensibility that speaks to the heart, the mind, and the soul all at once.
In this literary criticism and interpretation of Wilbur's poem, we will explore the themes, symbols, language, and imagery used in the poem and examine their significance and meaning. We will also analyze the structure, form, and style of the poem and discuss their contribution to its overall effect and impact.
The Theme of Love and Redemption
At the heart of Wilbur's poem is the theme of love and redemption. The poem portrays the journey of a soul from the darkness of despair and disillusionment to the light of hope and joy, from the abyss of sin and guilt to the heights of salvation and grace. It is a journey that is both spiritual and emotional, both profound and universal.
The poem begins with an image of the soul trapped in a dark and suffocating space, a space that is both physical and spiritual. The soul is described as a "little room / With no view," a space that is "choked with vines." The image of the room suggests confinement, isolation, and despair, while the vines suggest the suffocating hold of sin and guilt.
But then, suddenly, the soul hears a voice that calls it to the things of this world. The voice is the voice of love, the voice of redemption, the voice of God. The soul is awakened from its slumber, and it begins to climb out of the darkness and into the light.
The journey of the soul is a journey of redemption. It is a journey from darkness to light, from despair to hope, from sin to salvation. The soul is called to the things of this world - the things of beauty, of love, of grace. It is called to the light of day, to the beauty of the earth, to the joy of life. And in answering this call, the soul is redeemed, it is saved, it is transformed.
The Symbolism of the Laundry
One of the most significant symbols in Wilbur's poem is the laundry. The laundry is a symbol of the things of this world - the ordinary, the mundane, the everyday. It is a symbol of the beauty and grace that can be found in the most unexpected places.
The laundry is described in vivid detail, and its beauty is revealed through the poet's use of imagery and language. The laundry is "flapping white on the clothesline," "barely stirring in the heat," "so still and dense, / It seemed like a fire / Without flames." The laundry is a symbol of life, of vitality, of beauty.
The laundry is also a symbol of the soul's journey from darkness to light. The laundry is described as "a thing that sends / Upward, scarcely discernible, / A wisp of human soul." The wisp of soul rising from the laundry symbolizes the soul's ascent from darkness to light, from despair to hope, from sin to salvation.
The Imagery of Light and Darkness
Another significant imagery in Wilbur's poem is the imagery of light and darkness. The poem begins with an image of the soul trapped in a dark and suffocating space, a space that is both physical and spiritual. The image of the room suggests confinement, isolation, and despair, while the vines suggest the suffocating hold of sin and guilt.
But then, suddenly, the soul hears a voice that calls it to the things of this world. The voice is the voice of love, the voice of redemption, the voice of God. The soul is awakened from its slumber, and it begins to climb out of the darkness and into the light.
The journey of the soul is a journey of light. It is a journey from darkness to light, from despair to hope, from sin to salvation. The soul is called to the things of this world - the things of beauty, of love, of grace. It is called to the light of day, to the beauty of the earth, to the joy of life. And in answering this call, the soul is redeemed, it is saved, it is transformed.
The Structure and Form of the Poem
The structure and form of Wilbur's poem are significant elements that contribute to its overall effect and impact. The poem is structured in six stanzas, with each stanza consisting of four lines. The form is that of a sonnet, with a rhyme scheme of abba, abba, cdcd, ee.
The use of the sonnet form is significant because it is traditionally associated with love poetry. The theme of love is central to Wilbur's poem, and the sonnet form adds to the poem's emotional power and resonance.
The rhyme scheme is also significant because it adds to the poem's musicality and rhythm. The poem has a musical quality that is enhanced by the rhyme scheme, and this adds to its emotional impact.
The Language and Style of the Poem
The language and style of Wilbur's poem are characterized by their clarity and simplicity. The language is straightforward and easy to understand, and the style is direct and unadorned.
The use of simple language and direct style is significant because it adds to the poem's emotional power and resonance. The poem deals with profound and universal themes, and the use of simple language and direct style makes these themes accessible to a wider audience.
The language and style of the poem are also characterized by their vivid imagery and metaphorical language. The poem is full of vivid images that bring the themes and symbols to life. The use of metaphorical language adds depth and resonance to the poem, and it makes the themes and symbols more meaningful and significant.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Richard Wilbur's "Love Calls Us to the Things of This World" is a masterpiece of human sensibility. The poem deals with profound and universal themes of love, redemption, light, and darkness, and it uses symbols, imagery, language, structure, and form to convey its message with emotional power and resonance.
The poem is a journey of the soul from darkness to light, from despair to hope, from sin to salvation. It is a journey that is both spiritual and emotional, both profound and universal. And in answering the call of love, the soul is redeemed, it is saved, it is transformed.
Richard Wilbur's poem is a testament to the power and beauty of poetry, to the magic of language, and to the depths of human emotion and experience. It is a poem that will continue to inspire and move readers for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Love Calls Us To The Things Of This World: A Masterpiece of Richard Wilbur
Poetry is a powerful medium that can evoke emotions, inspire ideas, and convey messages that are beyond the reach of ordinary language. Richard Wilbur's "Love Calls Us to the Things of This World" is a classic example of how poetry can capture the essence of human experience and transcend the limitations of words. In this 2000-word analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language of this masterpiece and understand why it has stood the test of time.
The poem begins with a striking image of a man waking up from sleep and being called to the world by the sound of bells. The first line, "The eyes open to a cry of pulleys," sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is full of vivid sensory details that transport the reader to the scene. The use of the word "cry" suggests a sense of urgency and desperation, as if the man is being summoned to a task that cannot wait. The "pulleys" represent the mechanical world of industry and technology, which is juxtaposed with the natural world that the man is about to encounter.
The second stanza introduces the central theme of the poem, which is the tension between the physical and spiritual worlds. The man is described as being "half in love with easeful death," which suggests that he is not fully engaged with the world and is tempted to withdraw from it. However, the sound of the bells reminds him of his duty to the world and calls him to action. The phrase "love calls us to the things of this world" is repeated throughout the poem and serves as a reminder that we are not meant to live in isolation but to engage with the world and fulfill our purpose.
The third stanza introduces the image of the laundry hanging on the line, which is a metaphor for the messiness and imperfection of human life. The laundry is described as "flapping and hanging on the thin top edge of the sky," which suggests that it is suspended between heaven and earth, between the spiritual and physical worlds. The laundry is also described as "a thing that gathers," which suggests that it is a repository of memories and experiences. The use of the word "thing" is significant because it suggests that even the most mundane objects have a deeper meaning and significance.
The fourth stanza introduces the image of the pigeons, which are described as "strutting their stuff" on the roof. The pigeons represent the physical world and are contrasted with the spiritual world of the bells. The phrase "the morning air is all awash with angels" suggests that the spiritual world is present in the physical world but is often hidden from view. The pigeons are also described as "a feathered hope," which suggests that even the most ordinary creatures have the potential for greatness.
The fifth stanza introduces the image of the man looking in the mirror and seeing his own reflection. The mirror represents the human desire for self-reflection and self-knowledge. The man is described as "seeing himself in his entirety," which suggests that he is confronting his own mortality and the impermanence of life. The phrase "the soul shrinks" suggests that the man is experiencing a moment of existential crisis and is questioning the meaning of his life.
The sixth stanza introduces the image of the man walking down the street and encountering the physical world. The street is described as "a tumultuous privacy of storm," which suggests that even the most public spaces can be a source of inner turmoil. The man is described as "a man among men," which suggests that he is part of a larger community and has a responsibility to others. The phrase "the heart reclaims/And the world remade" suggests that the man has found a sense of purpose and meaning in the world.
The seventh stanza introduces the image of the man entering a church and encountering the spiritual world. The church is described as "a place where the mind/ Shakes off the earth," which suggests that it is a place of transcendence and spiritual renewal. The man is described as "a man who stands in his own sovereignty," which suggests that he has found a sense of inner strength and self-awareness. The phrase "the heart reclaims/And the world remade" is repeated, which suggests that the man has found a sense of balance between the physical and spiritual worlds.
The final stanza brings the poem full circle and returns to the image of the man waking up from sleep. The man is described as "a man who has risen again," which suggests that he has undergone a spiritual rebirth and is ready to face the world anew. The phrase "love calls us to the things of this world" is repeated, which serves as a reminder that our purpose in life is to engage with the world and fulfill our duty to others.
In conclusion, Richard Wilbur's "Love Calls Us to the Things of This World" is a masterpiece of poetry that explores the tension between the physical and spiritual worlds. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Wilbur captures the essence of human experience and reminds us of our duty to engage with the world and fulfill our purpose. The poem is a testament to the power of poetry to evoke emotions, inspire ideas, and convey messages that are beyond the reach of ordinary language.
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