Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Rococo" by Thomas Bailey Aldrich is an engaging and somewhat whimsical poem that explores a narrator's relationship with a lady through the metaphor of sending flowers. Through a playful tone and clever characterization, the poem examines themes of love, vanity, and the ephemeral nature of affection.

Theme

Love and Vanity: The central theme of the poem is the fickleness of love and the Machiavellian tactics that sometimes accompany romantic endeavors. This theme is humorously portrayed through the narrator's dialogue with the flowers he sends to the lady.

Structure

The poem is divided into three quatrains, each with a distinct function: Introduction: The narrator sets up his Machiavellian approach to love.; Address to the Flowers: He instructs various flowers before sending them; Warning to the Flowers: A warning to the flowers not to become too triumphant in their moment.

The rhyme scheme of ABAB adds a lyrical quality and lends a playful tone to the poem.

Style

The choice of language, metaphor, and characterization is key in this poem:

Characterization of the Lady: The lady's eyes are a source of intrigue for the narrator, implying a certain inscrutability or complexity in her nature. Her heart is described as "haughty," suggesting pride or aloofness.

Characterization of the Narrator: The narrator presents himself as "Machiavelian," reflecting a calculating and perhaps cynical view of love.

Metaphor of the Flowers: Different flowers (geranium, pink, tuberose, syringa, forget-me-not, violet) are sent to the lady, each potentially symbolizing different emotions or aspects of love. The flowers' fleeting triumph on her heart symbolizes the transitory nature of affection.

Tone: The tone is light and whimsical, reflecting the playful manipulation and game-like nature of the romantic pursuit.

Historical and Cultural Context

The title "Rococo" refers to the Rococo artistic movement of the 18th century, known for its ornate and whimsical style. This could reflect the elaborate game the narrator is playing with love, as well as the intricate dance between desire, vanity, and disillusionment.

Conclusion

Thomas Bailey Aldrich's "Rococo" is a delightful and thoughtful exploration of the complex dance of love, vanity, and disillusionment. Through playful language and metaphor, the poem reveals a Machiavellian approach to romance, where flowers become pawns in a game, and love is seen as a fleeting triumph. The use of flowers as metaphors adds a layer of richness, enabling the poet to comment on the transient nature of affection and the delicate balance between desire and detachment. The historical allusion to the Rococo movement further enhances the intricacy and artfulness of the poem, offering a nuanced perspective on the eternal human quest for connection and validation.

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