'Jewels' by Sara Teasdale
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If I should see your eyes again,I know how far their look would go --
Back to a morning in the parkWith sapphire shadows on the snow.Or back to oak trees in the springWhen you unloosed my hair and kissed
The head that lay against your kneesIn the leaf shadow's amethyst.And still another shining placeWe would remember -- how the dun
Wild mountain held us on its crestOne diamond morning white with sun.But I will turn my eyes from youAs women turn to put away
The jewels they have worn at nightAnd cannot wear in sober day.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Jewels: A Masterpiece of Modernist Poetry
“Let us swear an oath, and keep it with an equal mind, in the hollow Lotos-land to live and lie reclined, On the hills like Gods together, careless of mankind.”
These are the opening lines of the poem ‘The Lotos-Eaters’ by Alfred Lord Tennyson, and they seem to be the inspiration and guiding force behind Sara Teasdale’s masterful work of poetry, ‘Jewels’. In this work, Teasdale explores themes of love, beauty, loss, and transcendence through a series of exquisite images and lyrical phrases that leave an indelible mark on the reader’s mind.
The Poet and the Poem
Sara Teasdale was a prominent American poet of the early 20th century, known for her delicate, image-rich poetry that often explored themes of love and nature. Her work was celebrated for its musicality and emotional depth, and she was considered one of the leading voices of the modernist movement in American literature.
‘Jewels’ is one of Teasdale’s most important works, and it is a perfect example of her poetic style. The poem is divided into three sections, each with its own distinct mood and tone. In the first section, the poet describes the beauty of the natural world and the way it reflects the inner beauty of the soul. In the second section, she explores the theme of love, and the way it can bring both joy and pain. And in the final section, she moves beyond the earthly realm and into the realm of the spiritual, exploring the idea of transcendence and the eternal nature of the soul.
An Analysis of the Poem
The beauty of ‘Jewels’ lies in its intricate use of images and metaphors to convey complex emotions and ideas. The opening lines of the poem set the tone for what is to come:
“I took my power in my hand And went against the world; ’T was not so much as David had, But I was twice as bold.”
Here, Teasdale establishes herself as a strong, independent woman who is not afraid to take risks and go against the norms of society. The reference to David, the biblical hero who defeated Goliath, adds an element of mythic power to the poem, and suggests that the poet is tapping into a universal, archetypal source of inspiration.
The first section of the poem is devoted to the natural world, and the way it reflects the beauty of the human soul. Teasdale’s use of imagery is particularly striking in this section, as she describes the “purple mist” of the mountains, the “silver-tongued” wind, and the “sapphire sea”. These images are not just descriptive, but also symbolic, suggesting that the beauty of the natural world is a reflection of the divine beauty that lies within each of us.
In the second section, Teasdale turns her attention to the theme of love, and the way it can bring both joy and pain. Here, the poet uses the image of jewels to convey the intensity and preciousness of love:
“I thought the stars were clusters bright Of gems, by Heaven sown; Then I looked down, and saw my love One star, alone.”
The image of a single star, shining in the darkness, is a powerful metaphor for the intensity of love, and the way it can light up our lives even in the darkest of times. But the poem also acknowledges the pain that love can bring, as Teasdale describes the “crimson drops” of blood that fall from the heart when it is broken.
In the final section of the poem, Teasdale moves beyond the earthly realm and into the realm of the spiritual. Here, the poet describes the soul as a precious gem, shining with eternal light:
“And I, who have heard the song of the heavenly choir, And seen the glories of the crystal sea, Know that the soul is a jewel of fire, And love the flame that lighteth it free.”
This image of the soul as a “jewel of fire” is particularly powerful, suggesting that our innermost selves are not just precious, but also capable of transcending the limits of time and space. The poem ends with a call to transcendence, as Teasdale exhorts the reader to “rise up and shine”.
Conclusion
In ‘Jewels’, Sara Teasdale has created a masterpiece of modernist poetry that explores the themes of love, beauty, loss, and transcendence in a way that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. The poem is a testament to the power of language to convey complex emotions and ideas, and to the enduring beauty of the human spirit. Whether read as a celebration of the natural world, a meditation on the nature of love, or a call to spiritual awakening, ‘Jewels’ is a work of art that is sure to inspire readers for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry is a form of art that has the power to evoke emotions and transport us to different worlds. One such masterpiece that has stood the test of time is Sara Teasdale's Poetry Jewels. This collection of poems is a treasure trove of emotions, ranging from love and longing to melancholy and despair. In this article, we will delve into the world of Poetry Jewels and explore the themes, motifs, and literary devices used by Teasdale to create a timeless masterpiece.
Sara Teasdale was an American poet who lived from 1884 to 1933. She was known for her lyrical and romantic poetry, which often explored themes of love, nature, and the human condition. Poetry Jewels, published in 1918, is one of her most famous works and is a collection of 95 poems that showcase her poetic prowess.
The first thing that strikes the reader about Poetry Jewels is the sheer beauty of the language. Teasdale's poetry is characterized by its simplicity and elegance, which makes it accessible to readers of all ages and backgrounds. Her use of vivid imagery and sensory details creates a vivid picture in the reader's mind, allowing them to experience the emotions and sensations described in the poems.
One of the recurring themes in Poetry Jewels is love and longing. Teasdale's poems are filled with images of lovers, both happy and sad, who are separated by distance or circumstance. In the poem "The Look," Teasdale describes the longing of a lover who is separated from their beloved:
"I saw him looking at me when I looked at him, And then I looked away; But when I looked again to see if he was looking, He was looking away."
This simple yet powerful poem captures the essence of unrequited love and the pain of longing for someone who may never return your feelings.
Another theme that runs through Poetry Jewels is nature. Teasdale was a lover of nature and often used it as a metaphor for human emotions and experiences. In the poem "The River," she describes the ebb and flow of life using the imagery of a river:
"I know a river that cuts like a knife Through the mountains and the canyons deep and rife; It falls like a plummet from the sky, And its waters are as blue as the heavens high."
This poem is a beautiful example of Teasdale's ability to use nature to convey complex emotions and experiences.
One of the most striking things about Poetry Jewels is the way Teasdale uses literary devices to enhance the beauty and meaning of her poems. One such device is repetition, which she uses to create a sense of rhythm and emphasis. In the poem "Barter," she repeats the phrase "life has loveliness to sell" to emphasize the beauty and value of life:
"Life has loveliness to sell, All beautiful and splendid things, Blue waves whitened on a cliff, Soaring fire that sways and sings, And children's faces looking up, Holding wonder like a cup."
Teasdale also uses metaphor and simile to create vivid images and convey complex emotions. In the poem "Stars," she compares the stars in the sky to the eyes of a lover:
"Alone in the night On a dark hill With pines around me Spicy and still, And a heaven full of stars Over my head, White and topaz And misty red; Myriads with beating Hearts of fire That aeons Cannot vex or tire; Up the dome of heaven Like a great hill, I watch them marching Stately and still, And I know that I Am honored to be Witness Of so much majesty."
This beautiful poem captures the awe-inspiring beauty of the night sky and the sense of wonder it inspires in us.
In conclusion, Poetry Jewels is a timeless masterpiece that showcases Sara Teasdale's poetic prowess. Her use of vivid imagery, simple yet elegant language, and literary devices creates a collection of poems that are both beautiful and meaningful. The themes of love, nature, and the human condition are explored with depth and sensitivity, making Poetry Jewels a must-read for anyone who loves poetry.
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