Mutability
I.
We are as clouds that veil the midnight moon;
How restlessly they speed and gleam and quiver,
Streaking the darkness radiantly! yet soon
Night closes round, and they are lost for ever:II.
Or like forgotten lyres whose dissonant strings
Give various response to each varying blast,
To whose frail frame no second motion brings
One mood or modulation like the last.III.
We rest—a dream has power to poison sleep;
We rise—one wandering thought pollutes the day;
We feel, conceive or reason, laugh or weep,
Embrace fond woe, or cast our cares away:IV.
It is the same!—For, be it joy or sorrow,
The path of its departure still is free;
Man’s yesterday may ne’er be like his morrow;
Nought may endure but Mutability.
Summary of Mutability
- The Essence of Change: “Mutability” is a concise yet profound exploration of the transient nature of human existence. Shelley does not focus on specific events, but rather on the fundamental truth that everything—feelings, thoughts, circumstances—is in a constant state of flux. It is a poem about accepting impermanence and recognizing the beauty within it.
- Central Idea: The core message of the poem is that change is the only constant. Shelley argues that whether we experience joy or sorrow, our feelings and circumstances are always shifting. There is no enduring state, only the ongoing process of becoming something new.
- Know This: While brief, “Mutability” is often read as a response to personal loss and the challenges Shelley faced in his own life. It isn’t necessarily a pessimistic poem, but a realistic and accepting acknowledgment of life’s ever-changing nature. Its compact form and evocative imagery have made it a widely anthologized and studied piece.
Analysis of Mutability
Exploring the Metaphors of Change
Shelley masterfully employs metaphors to illustrate the idea of mutability. The first stanza introduces the image of clouds veiling the midnight moon. Consider the lines, “We are as clouds that veil the midnight moon; / How restlessly they speed and gleam and quiver.” The clouds are not merely decorative; they represent our fleeting thoughts and emotions. Their restless movement and fleeting beauty highlight the transient nature of our experiences. The fact that they are “lost for ever” emphasizes that these moments, while radiant, are not permanent.
The second stanza expands on this idea with the metaphor of a forgotten lyre. “Or like forgotten lyres whose dissonant strings / Give various response to each varying blast.” Unlike the vastness of the sky, the lyre is a more intimate symbol. The dissonant strings suggest that our emotional responses are often complex and imperfect. Importantly, each blast (or external influence) produces a unique sound. No two experiences are exactly alike, and each moment is distinct. The lyre’s inability to recreate a previous mood or modulation reinforces the poem’s central theme of impermanence.
The Inner Landscape of Change
The third stanza turns inward, focusing on the fluctuations within the human mind. “We rest—a dream has power to poison sleep; / We rise—one wandering thought pollutes the day.” Shelley does not shy away from the darker aspects of human experience. Even in moments of rest, our minds are susceptible to negativity. The phrase “pollutes the day” suggests that even a single troubling thought can disrupt our peace of mind. This stanza acknowledges that change isn’t always positive; it can also bring discomfort and unease.
However, Shelley also recognizes our capacity for joy and resilience. “We feel, conceive or reason, laugh or weep, / Embrace fond woe, or cast our cares away.” This line highlights the full spectrum of human emotions. We are capable of experiencing both sorrow and happiness, and we often move between these states with ease. The phrase “Embrace fond woe” is particularly interesting, suggesting that even in sadness there can be a certain beauty or acceptance.
The Poem’s Powerful Conclusion
The final stanza delivers the poem’s central message with stark clarity. “It is the same!—For, be it joy or sorrow, / The path of its departure still is free.” The exclamation “It is the same!” emphasizes the inevitability of change. Whether we experience joy or sorrow, these feelings are not permanent. The “path of its departure” suggests that all emotions and experiences are destined to fade away.
The lines “Man’s yesterday may ne’er be like his morrow; / Nought may endure but Mutability” are perhaps the most famous in the poem. They encapsulate the idea that change is the only constant in life. Shelley isn’t suggesting that life is meaningless, but rather that we should embrace the fluidity of existence. The concluding word, “Mutability,” serves as a powerful reminder of this fundamental truth.
Literary and Poetic Devices
Analyzing Poetic Techniques
- Imagery: Shelley expertly uses imagery throughout the poem to create vivid mental pictures. The clouds, the lyre, and the descriptions of emotional states all contribute to a rich and evocative reading experience.
- Metaphor: The entire poem relies on extended metaphors. The clouds and the lyre are not merely descriptive elements; they represent the fleeting nature of human experience.
- Alliteration: While subtle, alliteration adds to the poem’s musicality. For instance, the repetition of the “f” sound in “forgotten lyres” or the “m” sound in “midnight moon” creates a pleasing auditory effect.
- Assonance: The repetition of vowel sounds, like the short “e” in “We feel, conceive or reason,” contributes to the poem’s lyrical quality.
- Diction: Shelley’s choice of words is precise and evocative. Words like “radiantly,” “dissonant,” and “Mutability” contribute to the poem’s overall tone and meaning.
- Structure: The poem’s four quatrains (four-line stanzas) provide a sense of order and balance. The consistent ABAB rhyme scheme contributes to the poem’s musicality and memorability.
Using Quotes to Explore Themes
The following lines are particularly useful when discussing the themes of mutability and resilience:
It is the same!—For, be it joy or sorrow,
The path of its departure still is free;
Man’s yesterday may ne’er be like his morrow;
Nought may endure but Mutability.
These lines encapsulate the poem’s central message with clarity and force. They serve as a powerful reminder that change is the only constant in life.