Velvet Shoes
By Elinor Wylie
Let us walk in the white snow
In a soundless space
With footsteps quiet and slow,
At a tranquil pace,
Under veils of white lace.I shall go shod in silk,
And you in wool,
White as white cow’s milk,
More beautiful
Than the breast of a gull.We shall walk through the still town
In a windless peace;
We shall step upon white down,
Upon silver fleece,
Upon softer than these.We shall walk in velvet shoes:
Wherever we go
Silence will fall like dews
On white silence below.
We shall walk in the snow.
Unveiling the Serenity of “Velvet Shoes” by Elinor Wylie
Elinor Wylie’s “Velvet Shoes” is a timeless invitation to a world of hushed beauty and profound tranquility. This exquisite poem, first published in 1921, captivates readers with its delicate imagery and gentle rhythm, offering a serene escape into a winter landscape. It is a masterful exploration of peace, intimacy, and the quiet harmony found in nature. For anyone seeking a deeper understanding of this beloved work, this guide provides a comprehensive Velvet Shoes summary and an in-depth Velvet Shoes analysis, exploring its central ideas and the remarkable literary and poetic devices that make it so memorable.
The Essence and Central Idea of “Velvet Shoes”
At its heart, “Velvet Shoes” is a lyrical portrayal of a desired walk through a pristine, snow-covered world, shared between two individuals. The poem’s central idea revolves around a yearning for undisturbed peace, a deep connection with nature, and a gentle intimacy that transcends the ordinary. The speaker invites a companion to join in a journey where every step is deliberate, every sound muted, and every sensation pure. It is a vision of moving through life with grace and reverence, leaving no trace of disruption upon the natural world.
The poem’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to evoke a universal desire for quietude and beauty. It suggests that true connection, whether with a loved one or with nature, flourishes in moments of stillness and simplicity. The winter landscape, far from being harsh, is presented as a sanctuary, a canvas of white purity where peace reigns supreme. This shared journey in “velvet shoes” becomes a metaphor for a way of being, a conscious choice to embrace gentleness and harmony.
In-Depth Analysis of “Velvet Shoes”
Elinor Wylie’s “Velvet Shoes” is a testament to the power of carefully chosen words and meticulously crafted form. A closer look reveals the intricate layers of meaning and artistry woven into its lines.
Structure and Form: The Quintain’s Gentle Embrace
The poem is composed of four quintains, or five-line stanzas, a consistent structure that contributes to its balanced and harmonious feel. This regular form creates a sense of measured movement, mirroring the quiet, slow pace of the walk described. Each stanza builds upon the last, gradually deepening the reader’s immersion into the serene world:
- The first stanza sets the scene, establishing the desire for a peaceful walk in the snow.
- The second focuses on the delicate attire, emphasizing purity and beauty.
- The third describes the luxurious textures of the winter landscape underfoot.
- The final stanza culminates in the symbolic act of walking in “velvet shoes,” reinforcing the theme of profound quietude.
Rhyme Scheme and Musicality
The rhyme scheme of “Velvet Shoes” is not rigidly conventional but consistently employs a pattern that often features paired rhymes or near rhymes, particularly in the latter part of each stanza. For example, the first stanza follows an A B A B B pattern, with “snow” and “slow” rhyming, and “space,” “pace,” and “lace” creating a soft, lulling effect:
Let us walk in the white snow
In a soundless space
With footsteps quiet and slow,
At a tranquil pace,
Under veils of white lace.
This gentle musicality, achieved through both perfect and slant rhymes, enhances the poem’s soothing atmosphere and reinforces the theme of tranquility. The consistent use of end rhymes, though varied in pattern, contributes significantly to the poem’s overall melodic quality.
Imagery and Sensory Details in “Velvet Shoes”
Wylie masterfully employs rich imagery, appealing to multiple senses to create a vivid and immersive experience for the reader. The poem is a feast for the eyes and a balm for the soul:
- Visual Imagery: The repeated motif of “white” is central, appearing in “white snow,” “white cow’s milk,” “white down,” and “white silence.” This emphasizes purity, freshness, and an untouched quality. The “veils of white lace” add a delicate, ethereal visual.
- Tactile Imagery: The descriptions evoke a sense of softness and luxury. The speaker envisions stepping “Upon white down, / Upon silver fleece, / Upon softer than these.” This tactile language makes the snow feel inviting and gentle underfoot.
- Auditory Imagery: Paradoxically, the poem’s auditory imagery is defined by its absence. Phrases like “soundless space,” “footsteps quiet and slow,” and “windless peace” create a profound sense of quietude, allowing the reader to almost hear the silence.
The cumulative effect of this sensory detail is to transport the reader directly into the poem’s tranquil setting, making the experience palpable.
Literary Devices in “Velvet Shoes”
Elinor Wylie skillfully weaves various literary devices throughout “Velvet Shoes” to deepen its meaning and enhance its aesthetic appeal.
- Alliteration: The repetition of initial consonant sounds adds to the poem’s musicality and emphasizes key phrases. The phrase “soundless space” immediately draws attention to the profound quiet desired, while “we walk in the white winter” (implied through the poem) reinforces the setting.
- Assonance: The repetition of vowel sounds creates a harmonious flow. The long ‘o’ sound in lines like “Let us walk in the white snow / With footsteps quiet and slow” and later “Wherever we go / On white silence below” contributes to the poem’s gentle, lulling rhythm.
- Consonance: The repetition of consonant sounds within or at the end of words further enhances the poem’s texture. The recurring ‘s’ sound in “footsteps quiet and slow,” “soundless space,” and “Silence will fall like dews” underscores the pervasive sense of quiet and stillness.
- Anaphora: The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive lines creates emphasis and a rhythmic effect. The third stanza powerfully uses anaphora to highlight the luxurious textures of the snow:
“Upon white down,
Upon silver fleece,
Upon softer than these.”This repetition builds a sense of wonder and delight in the pristine landscape.
- Enjambment: Wylie uses enjambment, the continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line to the next without a pause, to create a flowing rhythm and maintain the sense of continuous, unbroken peace. Observe how the thought flows seamlessly in the final stanza:
“We shall walk in velvet shoes:
Wherever we go
Silence will fall like dews
On white silence below.
We shall walk in the snow.”This technique prevents the poem from feeling choppy and instead allows the reader to glide through the lines, much like the quiet walk itself.
- Simile: The poem employs simile to create vivid comparisons, making the abstract more concrete. The purity of the wool is beautifully conveyed through a direct comparison:
“White as white cow’s milk,
More beautiful
Than the breast of a gull.”This comparison not only highlights the color but also evokes a sense of natural, pristine beauty.
- Metaphor: The poem uses metaphor to imbue objects and concepts with deeper meaning. The “soundless space” is not merely a literal location but a metaphorical representation of a desired state of mind, a sanctuary of peaceful isolation and tranquility. The “velvet shoes” themselves are a powerful metaphor for a gentle approach to life, a conscious choice to move through the world with grace and without disturbance.
- Symbolism: The poem is rich in symbolism. The “white snow” symbolizes purity, peace, and a fresh, untouched beginning. It represents a clean slate, free from the noise and complexities of the everyday world. The “velvet shoes” are perhaps the most potent symbol, representing a deliberate intention to tread lightly, to preserve the inherent peace of the environment, and to move through life with a quiet dignity and respect for stillness. They embody the very essence of the poem’s message of gentle reverence.
Conclusion: The Enduring Charm of “Velvet Shoes”
Elinor Wylie’s “Velvet Shoes” remains a cherished poem for its delicate beauty and profound message. Through its masterful use of structure, evocative imagery, and a rich tapestry of poetic devices and literary devices, the poem creates an unforgettable experience of peace and intimacy. It invites us to slow down, to appreciate the quiet moments, and to move through the world with a gentle heart. The poem’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to transport us to a serene sanctuary, reminding us of the profound beauty found in stillness and the quiet connection between individuals and the natural world.