Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

The poem "Pygmalion the Sculptor" was written by Robert Williams Buchanan and was first published in 1871. It tells the story of Pygmalion, a sculptor from Greek mythology, who falls in love with a statue he created named Galatea. The poem is divided into five sections, each exploring different aspects of Pygmalion's journey.

In the first section, "Shadow," Pygmalion mourns the death of his beloved and is filled with grief and hatred for the world. He kisses her lifeless statue and prays for solace. He then receives a message from a voice that tells him to put men behind him, take his tools, and carve a new statue from a block of marble. The voice promises that his life will be purified and healed through the labor of love.

In the second section, "The Marble Life," Pygmalion begins sculpting a new statue, pouring his grief and emotions into his work. The stone takes shape, and he becomes increasingly absorbed in his creation. He finds comfort and new purpose in his toil, and the statue starts to come alive in his mind's eye.

In the third section, "The Sin," Pygmalion's desires begin to cloud his judgment. He becomes infatuated with the statue and longs for it to come to life. He is tempted by lustful thoughts and feels both love and shame for his creation. He prays for the statue to become human, and a subtle change occurs, awakening a sense of terror within him.

In the fourth section, "Death in Life," the statue finally comes to life, but Pygmalion's joy is overshadowed by a feeling of horror. The statue's beauty is marred by its lack of a soul and its inability to reciprocate his love. He realizes the emptiness of his creation and the limitations of his own desires.

In the final section, "Shadow," Pygmalion flees from his creation, haunted by the consequences of his actions. He becomes a wandering and prophetic figure, warning others of the dangers of unchecked desires and the pursuit of empty ideals.

The poem explores themes of art, love, desire, and the consequences of playing God. It delves into the complexities of human emotions and the limitations of artistic creation, ultimately conveying a cautionary message about the dangers of pursuing perfection at the expense of genuine human connection and love.

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