Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Aubrey De Vere" is a poem by Edmund William Gosse written in tribute to the life and legacy of Irish poet Aubrey De Vere. De Vere was a member of the Anglo-Irish aristocracy and was renowned for his poetry, which often explored themes of nature, spirituality, and Irish folklore. He was a contemporary of other prominent poets of the Victorian era, including Alfred Lord Tennyson and Robert Browning. The poem was published in 1892 in Gosse's collection "In Russet and Silver.

Content: 

The poem begins by describing the romantic era of the bards, when they lived in "golden weather." The speaker then turns to De Vere, describing him as a poet who "sang of more than nature." The poem explores the themes of De Vere's poetry, including his love of nature and his spiritual beliefs. The speaker also touches on De Vere's aristocratic background and the beauty of his home in Ireland.

Form: 

Aubrey De Vere" is a rhymed and metered poem written in quatrains. It follows a regular ABAB rhyme scheme, with each stanza consisting of four lines.

Poetic Elements:

 Gosse employs a range of poetic techniques in "Aubrey De Vere," including imagery, personification, and allusion. He uses vivid language to describe the beauty of De Vere's home in Ireland and employs personification to imbue nature with human qualities. The poem also makes allusions to De Vere's own poetry and spiritual beliefs, highlighting his contributions to the literary and cultural traditions of Ireland.

Summary: 

"Aubrey De Vere" is a heartfelt tribute to the life and work of a prominent Irish poet. Gosse's admiration for De Vere's poetry and his love of nature are evident throughout the poem. The use of poetic techniques adds to the aesthetic appeal of the work and reinforces the themes explored in De Vere's own poetry. Overall, the poem serves as a fitting tribute to the legacy of a significant figure in Irish literary history.

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