Safe upon the solid rock the ugly houses stand
Come and see my shining palace built upon the sand!
Edna St. Vincent Millay’s “Second Fig” is a remarkably concise poem, yet it delivers a powerful message that continues to resonate with readers. This short, two-line masterpiece invites contemplation on contrasting values, challenging conventional notions of security and beauty. It is a poem that celebrates individuality and the profound allure of the ephemeral, making it a fascinating subject for anyone exploring the depths of poetic expression.
Second Fig Summary: A Glimpse into its Core Idea
“Second Fig” presents a striking contrast between two ways of living and building. The poem’s speaker observes “ugly houses” that stand “safe upon the solid rock.” These structures represent a life built on stability, security, and perhaps, a lack of imaginative flair. In direct opposition, the speaker proudly declares, “Come and see my shining palace built upon the sand!” This declaration is not one of foolishness, but rather a confident invitation to witness a creation that prioritizes beauty and brilliance over enduring strength.
The central idea of “Second Fig” revolves around the tension between permanence and transience, and between conventional safety and aesthetic joy. The poem suggests that a life solely focused on unwavering security might miss out on moments of radiant beauty and creative expression. It is a bold statement about embracing the present moment and valuing the splendor of something that might not last forever, yet offers immense delight and wonder. This poem encourages a reevaluation of what truly holds value in life, prompting readers to consider whether absolute stability always equates to a richer existence.
Second Fig Analysis: Unpacking the Poetic Brilliance
The Bold Invitation and Immediate Contrast
The poem immediately establishes a clear division with its opening line:
Safe upon the solid rock the ugly houses stand
The phrase “solid rock” immediately conjures images of unyielding strength, permanence, and reliability. These are qualities often associated with wisdom and practicality. However, the speaker introduces a surprising twist with the adjective “ugly” to describe the houses built upon this seemingly ideal foundation. This word is crucial; it suggests that while these houses possess undeniable security, they lack aesthetic appeal, joy, or perhaps, soul. Their safety comes at a cost, implying a life devoid of beauty or inspiration. This sets the stage for the speaker’s own contrasting philosophy.
The “Shining Palace” and Deliberate Impermanence
The second line of “Second Fig” offers a direct challenge to the conventional wisdom presented in the first:
Come and see my shining palace built upon the sand!
Here, the speaker invites others to witness her creation, a “shining palace.” The word “shining” evokes brilliance, luxury, and a captivating allure. This palace is not merely functional; it is a work of art, designed to dazzle and inspire. The foundation, however, is “sand.” Sand is inherently unstable, shifting, and impermanent. It symbolizes the fleeting nature of time, experience, and even life itself. The speaker’s choice to build on sand is not an act of ignorance, but a conscious, deliberate decision. It signifies a profound acceptance of transience and a prioritization of vibrant, albeit temporary, beauty over dull, enduring stability.
The exclamation point at the end of the line further emphasizes the speaker’s confidence and enthusiasm. It is a triumphant declaration, not a hesitant admission. The speaker is proud of her choice, inviting others to share in the wonder of her creation, even knowing its eventual fate.
A Philosophy of Living and Valuing the Present
The core message of “Second Fig” extends beyond architectural choices; it delves into a philosophy of life. The “ugly houses” on “solid rock” can symbolize a life lived strictly by convention, prioritizing security and practicality above all else, potentially leading to a lack of joy or creative fulfillment. Conversely, the “shining palace” on “sand” represents a life lived with passion, embracing beauty, creativity, and the present moment, even with the full awareness of its impermanence.
The poem does not necessarily advocate for recklessness, but rather for a conscious choice to find value in experiences that may not last. It suggests that true richness might lie in savoring the brilliance of a moment, a creation, or an emotion, rather than solely striving for something that will endure forever. This perspective encourages readers to appreciate the fleeting wonders of existence.
Literary Devices in Second Fig: Crafting Meaning and Impact
Edna St. Vincent Millay masterfully employs several literary and poetic devices within these two lines, enhancing the poem’s impact and depth.
Rhyme and Rhythm: The Heroic Couplet
“Second Fig” is structured as a single rhyming couplet, specifically a heroic couplet. This form consists of two lines that rhyme (AABB) and are typically written in iambic pentameter, though Millay takes some liberties with the meter here for emphasis. The rhyme between “stand” and “sand” creates a sense of closure and reinforces the direct contrast presented. The concise nature of the couplet makes the poem memorable and impactful, delivering its profound message in a concentrated burst. The rhythm, while not strictly iambic pentameter, maintains a strong, declarative cadence that suits the speaker’s confident tone.
Sound Devices: Assonance and Consonance
Millay skillfully uses sound devices to add musicality and subtle connections within the poem:
- Assonance, the repetition of vowel sounds, can be observed in the short ‘a’ sound in “stand” and “sand.” This repetition subtly links the two contrasting foundations, highlighting their opposition.
- Consonance, the repetition of consonant sounds, is evident in the ‘s’ sounds in “Safe,” “solid,” “houses,” “stand,” “see,” “shining,” and “sand.” These recurring ‘s’ sounds create a soft, almost whispering quality, drawing the reader into the speaker’s invitation.
Vivid Imagery and Sensory Detail
The poem relies heavily on imagery to create clear mental pictures for the reader. We can easily visualize the “solid rock” and the “ugly houses” standing firmly upon it. In contrast, the “shining palace” immediately evokes a sense of grandeur, light, and beauty, while “sand” brings to mind shifting, golden grains. This visual imagery is crucial for understanding the poem’s central conflict and the speaker’s aesthetic preference.
Powerful Diction and Tone
The precise choice of words, or diction, is vital to the poem’s meaning and tone. Words like “ugly” and “shining” carry strong connotations. “Ugly” immediately conveys a negative judgment, suggesting a lack of appeal despite security. “Shining,” on the other hand, evokes brilliance, allure, and desirability. The speaker’s tone is confident, almost defiant, as conveyed by the imperative “Come and see” and the exclamation point. This tone underscores the speaker’s pride in her unconventional choice and her invitation for others to appreciate her perspective.
Symbolism: Rock vs. Sand, Houses vs. Palace
The entire poem functions on a symbolic level:
- The “solid rock” and “ugly houses” symbolize conventional values, security, practicality, and perhaps a life that prioritizes safety over beauty or joy. They represent what is expected and enduring, but potentially uninspired.
- The “sand” and “shining palace” symbolize a more artistic, individualistic, and perhaps “feminine” aesthetic. They represent beauty, creativity, a willingness to embrace impermanence, and a life lived fully in the present moment, valuing experience and splendor above all else.
This rich symbolism allows the poem to explore deeper philosophical questions about how one chooses to live and what one chooses to value.
The Enduring Message of Second Fig
“Second Fig” by Edna St. Vincent Millay is a testament to the power of brevity in poetry. Through just two lines, it challenges readers to reconsider their priorities, inviting them to appreciate the beauty that can be found in transient moments and creations. The poem’s confident speaker, with her “shining palace built upon the sand,” offers a compelling argument for valuing aesthetic experience and personal joy, even in the face of inevitable change. It is a poem that celebrates individuality, artistic freedom, and the profound allure of living vibrantly in the present, making it a timeless piece for reflection and discussion.