Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Somewhere i have never travelled,gladly beyond" is a poem by E.E. Cummings, first published in his 1931 collection "ViVa". The poem is known for its complex syntax and unconventional use of punctuation, as well as its themes of love, desire, and the mysteries of the human heart.

Explanation:

The poem is a love poem in which the speaker expresses his feelings of awe and wonder towards his beloved. The opening lines of the poem create a sense of unknown territory and mystery, as the speaker describes "somewhere i have never travelled,gladly beyond". This suggests a sense of exploration and adventure, and a willingness to venture into the unknown.

As the poem progresses, the speaker's focus shifts to his beloved, whom he describes as having a profound and mysterious influence over him. He describes the way in which his beloved's presence can "silently moult" his feelings, and how he is "never without you".

The poem's themes of love and desire are conveyed through a series of vivid and imaginative images, such as the speaker's reference to his beloved's "gesture which tries to enclose a ghost" and the way in which her "eyes close as if he were afraid of me and everything is shut which can be".

Poetic Elements:

• Form: The poem is written in free verse, with irregular line lengths and stanzas.
• Theme: The poem explores themes of love, desire, and the mysteries of the human heart.
• Imagery: The poem is filled with vivid and imaginative imagery, such as the reference to the beloved's "gesture which tries to enclose a ghost".
• Tone: The tone of the poem is one of awe and wonder, as the speaker marvels at the mysteries of his beloved's influence over him.
• Sound: The poem makes use of internal rhyme, as well as repetition of certain phrases and sounds.
• Language: The poem's language is highly metaphorical and symbolic, with many of the images and phrases carrying deeper meanings.
• Figurative Language: The poem makes use of a variety of figurative language devices, such as metaphors, personification, and hyperbole.
• Structure: The poem's irregular structure reflects the sense of exploration and adventure conveyed by its themes.
• Symbolism: The poem makes use of symbolic imagery to convey its themes, such as the reference to the beloved's "gesture which tries to enclose a ghost".
• Emotion: The poem conveys a sense of deep emotion, as the speaker grapples with the mysteries of love and desire.

Conclusion:

"Somewhere i have never travelled,gladly beyond" is a beautiful and complex poem that explores the mysteries of love and desire. Through its vivid imagery and unconventional use of language and punctuation, the poem conveys a sense of awe and wonder at the power of the human heart.

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