Retrospect
In your arms was still delight,
Quiet as a street at night;
And thoughts of you, I do remember,
Were green leaves in a darkened chamber,
Were dark clouds in a moonless sky.
Love, in you, went passing by,
Penetrative, remote, and rare,
Like a bird in the wide air,
And, as the bird, it left no trace
In the heaven of your face.
In your stupidity I found
The sweet hush after a sweet sound.
All about you was the light
That dims the greying end of night;
Desire was the unrisen sun,
Joy the day not yet begun,
With tree whispering to tree,
Without wind, quietly.
Wisdom slept within your hair,
And Long-Suffering was there,
And, in the flowing of your dress,
Undiscerning Tenderness.
And when you thought, it seemed to me,
Infinitely, and like a sea,
About the slight world you had known
Your vast unconsciousness was thrown. . . .O haven without wave or tide!
Silence, in which all songs have died!
Holy book, where hearts are still!
And home at length under the hill!
O mother quiet, breasts of peace,
Where love itself would faint and cease!
O infinite deep I never knew,
I would come back, come back to you,
Find you, as a pool unstirred,
Kneel down by you, and never a word,
Lay my head, and nothing said,
In your hands, ungarlanded;
And a long watch you would keep;
And I should sleep, and I should sleep!
Unveiling Rupert Brooke’s “Retrospect”: A Comprehensive Analysis
Rupert Brooke’s “Retrospect” is a profoundly moving poem that invites readers into a deeply personal reflection on memory, peace, and the enduring power of a cherished presence. This literary gem, often interpreted as a tribute to the speaker’s mother, offers a serene yet poignant exploration of comfort found in the past. The poem’s title itself, “Retrospect,” signals a looking back, a revisiting of moments and feelings that continue to resonate with profound significance.
“Retrospect” Summary and Central Idea
At its core, “Retrospect” articulates a yearning for the profound peace and unconditional solace associated with a beloved figure, widely understood to be the speaker’s mother. The poem’s first stanza paints a vivid picture of this individual’s calming presence, describing her embrace as “still delight” and her essence as a source of quiet wisdom and unwavering tenderness. The speaker recalls thoughts of her as both “green leaves in a darkened chamber” and “dark clouds in a moonless sky,” suggesting a complex, deeply felt memory that is both nurturing and perhaps tinged with a sense of mystery or distance.
The second stanza shifts from gentle recollection to an intense, almost desperate longing for reunion with this source of comfort. The speaker explicitly addresses the figure as “O mother quiet, breasts of peace,” expressing a desire to return to her, to find her “as a pool unstirred,” and to rest in her presence, finding ultimate stillness and sleep. The central idea revolves around the search for an ultimate haven, a place of complete rest and quietude that only this specific, maternal love can provide.
What Makes “Retrospect” a Notable Poem?
“Retrospect” stands out for its delicate yet powerful imagery, its evocative language, and its ability to capture the complex emotions tied to memory and the longing for peace. Brooke masterfully avoids sentimental clichés, instead employing striking metaphors and similes that convey the depth of the speaker’s feelings with understated beauty. The poem’s quiet intensity and lyrical quality make it a compelling and relatable exploration of universal themes, resonating with anyone who has sought comfort in the embrace of a profound, nurturing love.
In-Depth Analysis of Poetic Devices in “Retrospect”
Rupert Brooke employs a rich tapestry of literary and poetic devices to craft the emotional landscape of “Retrospect,” making it a compelling subject for literary analysis.
Imagery and Figurative Language
The poet’s skillful use of imagery creates a vivid and immersive experience, allowing readers to visualize and feel the speaker’s memories. Figurative language, including similes and metaphors, enriches these images, conveying meaning beyond the literal.
- Simile: A simile directly compares two different things using “like” or “as.” The poem opens with a powerful simile:
In your arms was still delight,
Quiet as a street at night;This comparison immediately establishes a sense of profound peace and tranquility. The “quiet street at night” evokes stillness, safety, and a refuge from the day’s clamor, suggesting the mother’s embrace offers a similar serene sanctuary. Another simile describes love:
Love, in you, went passing by,
Penetrative, remote, and rare,
Like a bird in the wide air,Here, love is compared to a bird, symbolizing freedom, grace, and perhaps a certain elusive quality. The subsequent line, “And, as the bird, it left no trace / In the heaven of your face,” suggests this love was gentle, pervasive, yet not overtly demonstrative, leaving an imprint on the spirit rather than a visible mark.
- Metaphor: A metaphor implies a comparison by stating that one thing *is* another, without using “like” or “as.” Brooke uses striking metaphors to convey the nature of memory and emotion:
And thoughts of you, I do remember,
Were green leaves in a darkened chamber,
Were dark clouds in a moonless sky.These lines present a complex metaphorical landscape. “Green leaves” might suggest life, growth, or freshness, even within a “darkened chamber” which could represent the recesses of memory or a sense of pastness. The “dark clouds in a moonless sky” introduce a hint of mystery, depth, or perhaps a subtle melancholy, indicating that these cherished memories are not simplistic but hold profound, sometimes somber, layers. Further metaphors personify abstract concepts:
Desire was the unrisen sun,
Joy the day not yet begun,Here, desire and joy are not just feelings but tangible entities, like the sun waiting to rise or a day on the cusp of beginning. This imbues them with a sense of potential, anticipation, and a quiet, nascent power.
Personification
Personification, the attribution of human qualities or actions to inanimate objects or abstract ideas, deepens the poem’s emotional resonance. Beyond the personification of “Desire” and “Joy” mentioned above, the poem also presents:
Wisdom slept within your hair,
And Long-Suffering was there,
And, in the flowing of your dress,
Undiscerning Tenderness.
Abstract qualities like “Wisdom,” “Long-Suffering,” and “Tenderness” are given physical locations within the mother’s being, suggesting they are inherent parts of her very presence and demeanor. This makes these virtues feel tangible and ever-present, rather than mere characteristics.
Sound Devices: Rhyme, Meter, and Alliteration
Brooke meticulously crafts the poem’s sound to enhance its lyrical quality and emotional impact.
- Rhyme Scheme: “Retrospect” is not written in free verse, but rather employs a consistent AABB rhyme scheme throughout both stanzas. For example, in the first stanza:
In your arms was still delight, (A)
Quiet as a street at night; (A)
And thoughts of you, I do remember, (B)
Were green leaves in a darkened chamber, (B)This regular, comforting rhyme contributes to the poem’s gentle, almost lullaby-like quality, reinforcing the theme of peace and solace.
- Meter: The poem largely adheres to an iambic tetrameter, meaning each line typically consists of four iambs (an iamb is an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable, da-DUM). While there are variations, this consistent rhythm provides a steady, flowing pace, mirroring the quiet, reflective nature of the speaker’s thoughts. Consider:
In YOUR | arms WAS | still DE | light
This rhythmic consistency creates a sense of order and calm, further contributing to the poem’s soothing atmosphere.
- Alliteration: The repetition of initial consonant sounds, known as alliteration, adds musicality and emphasis. Notice the gentle “w” sound in:
With tree whispering to tree,
Without wind, quietly.This alliteration creates a soft, hushed effect, perfectly aligning with the image of a serene, windless environment and the quiet intimacy of the memory.
Structure and Form
The poem is divided into two distinct stanzas, each serving a different but interconnected purpose. The first stanza, longer and more descriptive, focuses on recalling the specific qualities and comforting presence of the mother figure through a series of rich images and metaphors. It builds a detailed portrait of her essence. The second stanza, shorter and more direct, shifts in tone to an urgent, heartfelt plea for return and rest. This structural division effectively mirrors the emotional arc, moving from reflective memory to an intense longing for solace. The consistent rhyme and meter provide a formal framework that contains and elevates the profound emotional content.
The Poem’s Emotional Arc
The emotional journey of “Retrospect” begins with a sense of profound peace and contentment derived from memory. The initial lines are filled with gentle, almost ethereal images of the mother’s quiet strength and unconditional love. As the poem progresses, particularly into the second stanza, this gentle reminiscence transforms into a deep, almost desperate yearning. The speaker’s longing for the comfort and security of her embrace becomes palpable, culminating in a desire for ultimate stillness and rest. The final lines, “And I should sleep, and I should sleep!” express a profound desire for an end to life’s turmoil, finding ultimate peace only in her presence. This progression from serene memory to intense longing makes the poem deeply poignant and universally relatable.
“Retrospect”: A Timeless Exploration of Love and Memory
“Retrospect” by Rupert Brooke is a beautiful and enduring poem that delves into universal themes of love, loss, and the profound impact of memory. It stands as a testament to the lasting power of a nurturing presence, often interpreted as a mother’s love, and the deep human need for a haven of peace. For anyone seeking to understand the craft of poetry or simply appreciate evocative language, “Retrospect” offers invaluable insights into creating meaningful and emotionally resonant verse. Its delicate imagery, carefully constructed rhythms, and heartfelt emotions ensure its place as a truly unforgettable work of art.