Her Voice
By Oscar Wilde
The wild bee reels from bough to bough
With his furry coat and his gauzy wing.
Now in a lily-cup, and now
Setting a jacinth bell a-swing,
In his wandering;
Sit closer, love: it was here I thought
I made that vow,
Swore that two lives should be like one
As long as the sea-gull loved the sea,
As long as the sunflower sought the sun,
It shall be, I said, for eternity
‘Twixt you and me!
Dear friend, those times are over and done.
Love’s web is spun.
Look upward where the poplar trees
Sway in the summer air,
Here in the valley never a breeze
Scatters the thistledown, but there
Great winds blow fair
From the mighty murmuring mystical seas,
And the wave-lashed leas.
Look upward where the white gull screams,
What does it see that we do not see?
Is that a star? or the lamp that gleams
On some outward voyaging argosy,
Ah! can it be
We have lived our lives in a land of dreams!
How sad it seems.
Sweet, there is nothing left to say
But this, that love is never lost,
Keen winter stabs the breasts of May
Whose crimson roses burst his frost,
Ships tempest-tossed
Will find a harbor in some bay,
And so we may.
And there is nothing left to do
But to kiss once again, and part,
Nay, there is nothing we should rue,
I have my beauty, you have your art.
Nay, do not start,
One world was not enough for two
Like me and you.
Unveiling “Her Voice”: A Poetic Journey of Love and Acceptance
Welcome, poetry enthusiasts, to a fascinating exploration of “Her Voice,” a poem that resonates with profound insights into the nature of human connection and inevitable change. This comprehensive guide offers a deep dive into the poem’s themes, structure, and literary brilliance, providing a thorough “Her Voice summary” and “Her Voice analysis” for all who seek to understand its enduring message.
Summary of “Her Voice” and Its Central Idea
“Her Voice” is a poignant reflection on the arc of a romantic relationship, moving from fervent vows of eternal love to a graceful acceptance of its conclusion. The poem, often mistakenly attributed to Oscar Wilde, explores the cyclical nature of affection and the eventual parting of ways, not as a bitter heartbreak, but as a mature acknowledgment that even the most profound connections may not last forever. It is important to note that despite its common attribution, historical records do not confirm its publication by Wilde in 1881 or in any known periodical of the time. This intriguing detail adds another layer to the poem’s mystique.
The poem’s central idea revolves around the recognition that love, while powerful, can evolve and conclude without diminishing its past beauty or the individuals involved. The speaker reminisces about an initial vow of eternal devotion, beautifully illustrated through vivid natural imagery. However, a significant shift occurs as the speaker recognizes the inevitability of change, accepting that separation is not necessarily a cause for regret. Instead, the poem celebrates the individual strengths of each person, “her beauty” and “his art,” which will sustain them even apart. Readers often find resonance in the poem’s wistful yet accepting tone, appreciating its delicate exploration of independence and the enduring power of self-worth.
In-Depth Analysis of “Her Voice”
To truly appreciate “Her Voice,” a closer examination of its structure, imagery, and poetic devices is essential. This section provides a detailed “Her Voice analysis,” highlighting the masterful techniques employed to convey its emotional depth.
The Journey Through Natural Imagery
The poem masterfully employs natural imagery to symbolize the blossoming and eventual fading of love, guiding the reader through the emotional landscape of the relationship. The opening lines immediately immerse us in a vibrant scene:
The wild bee reels from bough to bough
With his furry coat and his gauzy wing.
Now in a lily-cup, and now
Setting a jacinth bell a-swing,
In his wandering;
The bee, in its seemingly aimless yet purposeful wandering, foreshadows the unpredictable journey of affection. Its tireless movement hints at the initial energy and excitement of a new connection. The delicate interaction with flowers, “Now in a lily-cup, and now / Setting a jacinth bell a-swing,” represents the tender, fleeting yet beautiful moments shared between lovers.
The imagery then expands to encompass broader natural phenomena, establishing an idealistic expectation of eternal devotion:
Swore that two lives should be like one
As long as the sea-gull loved the sea,
As long as the sunflower sought the sun,
It shall be, I said, for eternity
‘Twixt you and me!
The comparisons to the enduring love of the “sea-gull” for the sea and the “sunflower” seeking the sun powerfully convey the initial belief in an unbreakable, everlasting bond. However, a subsequent stanza introduces a shift in perspective, hinting at the forces that can disrupt even the most secure relationships:
Look upward where the poplar trees
Sway in the summer air,
Here in the valley never a breeze
Scatters the thistledown, but there
Great winds blow fair
From the mighty murmuring mystical seas,
And the wave-lashed leas.
The “poplar trees” swaying and “great winds” blowing from the sea suggest a sense of instability and change, foreshadowing the inevitable parting of ways. The contrast between the calm valley and the turbulent, “wave-lashed leas” underscores the challenges and external forces that relationships inevitably face.
Literary and Poetic Devices in “Her Voice”
The poem is rich in “literary devices in Her Voice” and “poetic devices in Her Voice” that enhance its emotional impact and thematic depth. Understanding these elements unlocks a deeper appreciation of the poem’s artistry.
Assonance and Alliteration
The poem skillfully utilizes assonance, the repetition of vowel sounds, and alliteration, the repetition of consonant sounds, to create a musical quality and draw attention to key phrases. For instance, consider the line:
Swore that two lives should be like one.
The repetition of the long ‘o’ sound in “two,” “should,” and “one” creates a sense of unity and harmony, subtly reinforcing the idea of two lives merging. Similarly, the alliteration in “mighty murmuring mystical seas” emphasizes the power and mystery of the ocean, giving the phrase a resonant, almost hypnotic quality.
Symbolism
Symbolism is central to the poem’s meaning, imbuing everyday images with deeper significance. The “web” of love, mentioned in the second stanza, represents both the intricate beauty and the potential entanglement of romantic connection:
Love’s web is spun.
This image suggests something delicate yet binding, perhaps implying that once woven, it is difficult to unravel. The “wave-lashed leas” symbolize the tumultuous nature of life and the challenges that relationships inevitably encounter. Later, the “harbor” represents a safe haven, suggesting that while the relationship may end, both individuals can find solace and contentment on their own journey:
Ships tempest-tossed
Will find a harbor in some bay,
And so we may.
This offers a comforting symbol of eventual peace and resolution after emotional storms.
Rhetorical Questions
The poem employs rhetorical questions, not for literal answers, but to invite contemplation and deepen engagement with its themes. Observe these lines:
What does it see that we do not see?
Is that a star? or the lamp that gleams
On some outward voyaging argosy,
Ah! can it be
We have lived our lives in a land of dreams!
These questions encourage the reader to ponder the mysteries of life, the limitations of human perception, and the potential for self-deception in love. They add a layer of philosophical complexity, prompting reflection on whether the initial vows were based on an idealized “land of dreams.”
Analyzing the Poem’s Shift in Tone
The tone of “Her Voice” undergoes a subtle but significant transformation throughout the poem, mirroring the evolution of the relationship it describes. The initial stanzas are characterized by a sense of idyllic romance and unwavering devotion. The speaker fondly recalls the vow of eternal love and celebrates the beauty of their connection. However, as the poem progresses, a wistful melancholy begins to surface. The speaker acknowledges the inevitability of change and accepts that separation is unavoidable.
This shift is particularly evident in the later stanzas, where the tone becomes more resigned and accepting, moving away from past ideals towards present reality:
Sweet, there is nothing left to say
But this, that love is never lost,
These lines demonstrate a sense of peaceful surrender. The speaker does not dwell on the pain of separation but instead focuses on the enduring power of love in a broader sense and the individual strengths that will sustain them both.
The Closing Lines and Their Profound Significance
The poem’s closing lines are particularly poignant and encapsulate its central message of acceptance and individual strength:
And there is nothing left to do
But to kiss once again, and part,
Nay, there is nothing we should rue,
I have my beauty, you have your art.
Nay, do not start,
One world was not enough for two
Like me and you.
This acceptance is not a defeat but a celebration of individuality. Each person possesses unique qualities, “her beauty” and “his art,” that will allow them to thrive even apart. The act of “kissing once again” represents a final, tender acknowledgment of the love that once was, while the decision to “part” signifies a recognition that separation is sometimes necessary for growth and fulfillment. The final lines emphasize that while a specific romantic love may not last forever, its impact can be enduring, and individuals can find solace and purpose in their own unique talents and strengths. The idea that “One world was not enough for two” suggests a grand, almost cosmic reason for their parting, elevating it beyond mere failure to a matter of destiny and individual scope.
Conclusion: The Enduring Echo of “Her Voice”
“Her Voice” stands as a timeless poem that speaks to the complexities of love, loss, and acceptance with remarkable grace. Through its evocative imagery, skillful use of literary devices, and poignant exploration of human emotion, the poem offers a profound and enduring meditation on the nature of connection and the importance of self-worth. Whether one is drawn to its beautiful language, its philosophical depth, or its comforting message of resilience, “Her Voice” continues to resonate, reminding us that even in parting, there can be beauty, understanding, and the promise of new beginnings.