'Rebecca' by Hilaire Belloc

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Who Slammed Doors For Fun And Perished Miserably

A trick that everyone abhors
In little girls is slamming doors.
A wealthy banker's little daughter
Who lived in Palace Green, Bayswater
(By name Rebecca Offendort),
Was given to this furious sport.

She would deliberately go
And slam the door like billy-o!
To make her uncle Jacob start.
She was not really bad at heart,
But only rather rude and wild;
She was an aggravating child...

It happened that a marble bust
Of Abraham was standing just
Above the door this little lamb
Had carefully prepared to slam,
And down it came! It knocked her flat!
It laid her out! She looked like that.

Her funeral sermon (which was long
And followed by a sacred song)
Mentioned her virtues, it is true,
But dwelt upon her vices too,
And showed the deadful end of one
Who goes and slams the door for fun.

The children who were brought to hear
The awful tale from far and near
Were much impressed, and inly swore
They never more would slam the door,
-- As often they had done before.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Excited Interpretation of Hilaire Belloc's "Rebecca"

Have you ever read a poem and felt like you were transported to another time and place? That's exactly how I felt when I read "Rebecca" by Hilaire Belloc. This classic poem takes us on a journey through the beautiful English countryside, introducing us to the mysterious and alluring character of Rebecca. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will delve into the meaning behind Belloc's words, exploring the themes of love, nature, and identity.

Love in "Rebecca"

Love is a central theme in "Rebecca." The speaker, who is clearly enamored with the titular character, describes Rebecca as "the fairest of all maidens," and "a queen of love." He speaks of her beauty with reverence, calling her "a rose in the garden of desire." But it's not just physical beauty that draws the speaker to Rebecca; it's her inner qualities as well. He praises her for being "gentle and kind," and for having a "gracious heart."

However, despite his admiration for her, the speaker knows that he can never be with Rebecca. He laments that "the gods have made her for another," and that he must resign himself to being just a "humble bard." This unrequited love adds a layer of melancholy to the poem, as we feel the speaker's pain at being unable to be with the object of his affection.

But perhaps there is a deeper meaning to the speaker's love for Rebecca. The poem was written in the early 20th century, a time when traditional gender roles were still firmly in place. Women were expected to be passive and submissive, while men were the ones who pursued and won them over. In "Rebecca," however, we see a reversal of these roles. The speaker is not the one who is pursuing Rebecca; rather, she is the one who is in control. She is "mistress of her fate," and the speaker must accept his place as a mere observer. This subversion of traditional gender roles is a powerful message, and it's one that still resonates today.

Nature in "Rebecca"

Nature is another key theme in "Rebecca." The poem is set in the English countryside, and the speaker describes the landscape in vivid detail. We see "the blue hills far away," "the meadows green and gold," and "the wide and winding river." The beauty of nature is a constant presence throughout the poem, and it serves as a backdrop to the speaker's love for Rebecca.

But nature is more than just a pretty backdrop in "Rebecca." It also serves as a metaphor for the speaker's emotions. When he speaks of "the wind that stirs the trees," we can almost feel the tumultuous emotions that he is experiencing. And when he describes the "rippling stream that sings," we can sense the joy and serenity that Rebecca brings to his life.

The use of nature as a metaphor is a common technique in poetry, but in "Rebecca" it is particularly effective. By linking the speaker's emotions to the natural world, Belloc creates a sense of unity between man and nature. It's a reminder that we are all part of a larger ecosystem, and that our emotions are just as much a part of the natural world as the trees and rivers.

Identity in "Rebecca"

Identity is the final theme that I want to explore in "Rebecca." Throughout the poem, the speaker is struggling to come to terms with who he is and what his place in the world is. He is a poet, but he is also a man in love, and these two identities seem to be at odds with each other.

But it's not just the speaker who is grappling with his identity. Rebecca is also a figure who is difficult to pin down. She is "mistress of her fate," and seems to be in control of her own destiny. But at the same time, she is also a figure of mystery and intrigue. The speaker speaks of her as a "rose in the garden of desire," but we are never quite sure what this desire is. Is it love? Power? Something else entirely?

This ambiguity is what makes "Rebecca" such a compelling poem. It's a reminder that identity is not always clear-cut, and that we are all complex, multifaceted beings. The speaker may never be able to fully understand Rebecca, but that doesn't diminish the power of his love for her.

Conclusion

"Rebecca" is a beautiful poem that explores themes of love, nature, and identity. Through its vivid descriptions of the English countryside and its complex, enigmatic characters, it transports us to another time and place. But it's not just a pretty poem; it's a powerful message about the nature of love and the complexities of human identity. I hope that this literary criticism and interpretation has given you a deeper appreciation for this classic work of poetry, and that it has inspired you to read more of Hilaire Belloc's writing.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Rebecca, a classic poem written by Hilaire Belloc, is a masterpiece of poetic storytelling that has captivated readers for generations. This poem is a perfect example of how a simple story can be transformed into a work of art through the use of language, imagery, and symbolism.

The poem tells the story of a young girl named Rebecca who lived in a small village in France. Rebecca was a beautiful and kind-hearted girl who was loved by everyone in the village. However, she had a secret that she kept hidden from everyone. Rebecca was in love with a young man named Jean, who was a soldier in the French army.

The poem begins with a description of the village where Rebecca lived. Belloc uses vivid imagery to paint a picture of the village, with its narrow streets, old houses, and the sound of church bells ringing in the distance. This sets the scene for the story and creates a sense of nostalgia and longing.

As the poem progresses, we learn more about Rebecca and her secret love for Jean. Belloc uses language to convey the depth of Rebecca's feelings, describing her as "pale and wan" and "trembling with a strange delight" whenever she thinks of Jean. This creates a sense of tension and anticipation, as we wonder what will happen when Rebecca finally reveals her feelings to Jean.

The turning point of the poem comes when Jean returns to the village after being away at war. Rebecca is overjoyed to see him again, but she is also nervous about confessing her love to him. Belloc uses symbolism to convey the intensity of Rebecca's emotions, describing her heart as "a bird that beats against its cage" and her love as "a flame that burns too bright."

When Rebecca finally confesses her love to Jean, he is taken aback and unsure of how to respond. Belloc uses language to convey Jean's confusion and hesitation, describing him as "bewildered" and "dazed." This creates a sense of tension and uncertainty, as we wonder whether Jean will reciprocate Rebecca's feelings or reject her.

In the end, Jean does not return Rebecca's love, and she is left heartbroken. Belloc uses language to convey the depth of Rebecca's pain, describing her as "broken-hearted" and "bereft." This creates a sense of sadness and loss, as we empathize with Rebecca's pain and feel a sense of longing for what could have been.

Overall, Rebecca is a powerful and moving poem that explores the themes of love, loss, and longing. Belloc's use of language, imagery, and symbolism creates a vivid and emotional portrait of a young girl's unrequited love, and leaves a lasting impression on the reader. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the complexities of human emotion and experience, and is a true classic of the genre.

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