There are some qualities- some incorporate things,
That have a double life, which thus is made
A type of that twin entity which springs
From matter and light, evinced in solid and shade.
There is a two-fold Silence- sea and shore-
Body and soul. One dwells in lonely places,
Newly with grass o'ergrown; some solemn graces,
Some human memories and tearful lore,
Render him terrorless: his name's "No More."
He is the corporate Silence: dread him not!
No power hath he of evil in himself;
But should some urgent fate (untimely lot!)
Bring thee to meet his shadow (nameless elf,
That haunteth the lone regions where hath trod
No foot of man,) commend thyself to God!
Edgar Allen Poe
-Personal Response-
I find this poem to be very interesting and I feel as if I can easily relate to it. This poem, written by Edgar Allen Poe is probably one of the prettiest poems has ever written, and it is very cool to interpret. I believe this poem, entitled Silence, is about silence itself and calming people's fear of it, but it is also about how it is a a type of "twin entity" refrenced multiple times to sea and shore as well as body and soul, both of which have a noisy or literal side which silence might also have. The "Corporate Silence" that Poe also mentions, I believe, references death and discusses how silence is indeed the final state in life, or rather, at the end of one's life, but it should not be feared.
This poem is very interesting and something very different from most of the other poems written by Edgar Allen Poe. I chose this poem because of this very fact indeed, that it is in great contrast to most of the other dark poems written by him. I chose this poem also due to the fact that it is written about something that confuses nearly everyone. To many people, silences are considered "awkward" and are something of a mystery. When silence is present, people want to break it, but sometimes silence is something people crave. It's also cool how he explained death as the ultimate silence and put a new perspective on things in this way.
2 comments:
Shelby --
Just a reminder that there is a third poetry task as part of this week's blogging.
Shelby,
I think this poem describes a little bit of all of us at some point in time. I like your analysis of the poem and the facts you state in your personal reflection. I noticed that it is a little different than the regualr Poe as well. It is more lighter and flowing, but still a mysterious and flavorful poem, too. I also agree that some people crave silence. I crave it sometimes as well, when I am in a sad or gloomy mood. Good personal reflection!
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