Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Full Moon" is a poem written by Elinor Wylie, an American poet and novelist. The poem was published in 1921 as part of Wylie's third poetry collection, "Trivial Breath."

Explanation:

"Full Moon" is a short, lyrical poem that describes the beauty of the moon and the feelings it evokes in the speaker. The poem is divided into two stanzas, each consisting of four lines.

In the first stanza, the speaker describes the moon as "a white strange face," emphasizing its otherworldly and mysterious qualities. The speaker notes that the moon is "worshipping" the earth, perhaps suggesting a sense of reverence or awe for the natural world.

In the second stanza, the speaker expresses a desire to be "swept away" by the moon's beauty, and to be "lost in its possession." The speaker seems to suggest that the moon has a transformative power, capable of transporting one beyond the constraints of everyday life.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: "Full Moon" is a two-stanza poem, with each stanza consisting of four lines. The poem has a regular meter, with each line containing six syllables.
• Imagery: Wylie uses vivid imagery to convey the beauty and mystery of the moon. The moon is described as a "white strange face," and its light is described as "pale fires."
• Figurative Language: The poem contains several examples of figurative language, including personification ("the moon...worshiping earth"), metaphor ("pale fires"), and hyperbole ("I am possessed").

Conclusion:

"Full Moon" is a short but powerful poem that captures the beauty and mystery of the natural world. Through vivid imagery and figurative language, Wylie suggests the transformative power of the moon, and the potential for awe and wonder in the face of nature.

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