Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Blue Symphony" is a poem by John Gould Fletcher, an American poet who lived from 1886 to 1950. The poem is a reflection on the beauty of the natural world, particularly the blue hues that can be found in the sky and sea.

Context:

"The Blue Symphony" was published in Fletcher's collection of poetry, "Selected Poems," in 1938. The poem reflects the broader cultural interest in the natural world during the early 20th century, and the ways in which art and literature can capture the beauty of the world around us.

Content:

"The Blue Symphony" is a poem that reflects on the beauty of the natural world, particularly the blue hues that can be found in the sky and sea. The poem describes the interplay of light and color in the natural world, and reflects on the ways in which this beauty can inspire a sense of awe and wonder in the human heart.

Form:

"The Blue Symphony" is written in free verse, with a flowing and lyrical style that reflects the speaker's sense of awe and reverence for the natural world. The poem is divided into several stanzas, each containing a different aspect of the speaker's reflection on the beauty of the world around us.

Poetic Elements:

"The Blue Symphony" makes use of several poetic techniques and devices, including metaphor, imagery, and personification. The use of metaphor, such as the comparison of the blue of the sky to "the light of eternity," adds to the poem's emotional impact, while the imagery of the sea and sky emphasizes their beauty and power. The personification of the sky and sea as musical instruments, such as "a great organ" and "a vast cymbal," reinforces the poem's theme of the natural world as a symphony.

Summary:

"The Blue Symphony" is a significant work of nature poetry that celebrates the beauty of the natural world and its ability to inspire a sense of awe and wonder in the human heart. The poem's use of metaphor, imagery, and personification adds to its emotional and poetic impact, while also conveying a sense of reverence for the natural world. Overall, "The Blue Symphony" is a noteworthy example of John Gould Fletcher's ability to capture the essence of the natural world in a poetic form.

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