Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Hamilton Fish Armstrong (1893-1973) was an American journalist, editor, and author. He was the editor-in-chief of Foreign Affairs magazine from 1927 to 1972 and a prominent commentator on international affairs. "After the Play" is a poem that explores the theme of love and longing.

Content:

"After the Play" is a short, lyrical poem that captures the sense of longing and desire that often follows a romantic encounter. The poem is structured as a series of reflections from the perspective of the narrator, who is deeply enamored with the person he has just seen in a play.

The poem opens with the narrator reflecting on the beauty and grace of the object of his desire, describing her as "lithe and lovely, wise and sweet." He marvels at the way she moves, the way she speaks, and the way she captures his heart.

As the poem unfolds, the narrator begins to express his longing for the object of his desire. He wonders if she will ever feel the same way about him, and he imagines what it would be like to hold her in his arms and feel her love.

The final lines of the poem express a sense of wistful resignation, as the narrator realizes that his love may be unrequited. He acknowledges that he may never have the chance to be with the object of his desire, but he is still grateful for the experience of seeing her in the play and being inspired by her beauty and grace.

Form and Poetic Devices:

"After the Play" is a sonnet, a 14-line poem that follows a strict rhyme scheme and meter. The poem is written in iambic pentameter, with each line consisting of five iambs, or metrical feet, that alternate between unstressed and stressed syllables.

The poem also makes use of several poetic devices, including alliteration, repetition, and enjambment. The repetition of the phrase "lithe and lovely" emphasizes the beauty and grace of the object of the narrator's desire, while the use of enjambment creates a sense of fluidity and movement that reflects the way the narrator is swept away by his emotions.

Summary:

"After the Play" is a simple yet powerful poem that captures the essence of romantic longing and desire. The sonnet form and poetic devices contribute to the poem's elegance and beauty, while the narrator's reflections on love and loss are universal and timeless.

Overall, "After the Play" is a beautiful and heartfelt expression of the human experience, and it is a testament to Armstrong's skill as a poet and writer.

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