Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

The poem "WHA is Perfyte" was written by Scottish poet Alexander Scott, who lived during the 16th century. Scott was a contemporary of renowned Scottish poets such as Robert Henryson and William Dunbar. His poems often explored themes of love, devotion, and the complexities of human emotions.

The poem reflects the theme of love and devotion. The speaker contemplates the paradoxical nature of love, acknowledging both its pleasure and pain. The speaker expresses their deep affection for their beloved, declaring loyalty and dedication to her.

The poem conveys the speaker's admiration and adoration for their beloved, referring to her as the epitome of beauty and perfection. They proclaim their commitment to her and describe her as the sole object of their affection. The speaker recognizes the intimate connection they share with their beloved, stating that their hearts are intertwined in the chain of love.

The poem evokes a sense of profound devotion and surrender, as the speaker pledges their love and devotion to their beloved. They express a willingness to give themselves entirely, body and soul, to please their beloved.

Poetic Devices:

Rhyme Scheme: The poem follows a consistent rhyme scheme of ABABCC, where each letter represents a corresponding rhyme sound. This structure contributes to the poem's musicality and rhythm.

Alliteration: The poem includes instances of alliteration, such as "pleasure and painis" and "lusty luvis observance." Alliteration adds emphasis to certain words and creates a pleasing sound effect.

Repetition: The phrase "WHA is perfyte" is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the central question and theme of the poem. Repetition adds emphasis and creates a memorable refrain.

Imagery: The poem utilizes vivid imagery to convey the speaker's emotions. Examples include "the great delight of lusty luvis observance" and "That bird of bliss in beauty is." These images evoke strong visual and emotional responses in the reader.

Personification: The poem personifies Fortune, attributing agency to it by saying "For it may Fortune raith to do her body skaith." This personification enhances the poem's exploration of fate and the speaker's understanding of their circumstances.

Parallelism: The poem employs parallelism in the lines "She wat my woe that is ago / She wat my welfare and remead." This repetition of structure creates a balanced and rhythmic effect while emphasizing the contrasting aspects of the speaker's relationship.

Overall, "WHA IS PERFYTE" portrays the speaker's unwavering love and loyalty to their beloved. It explores the complex emotions associated with love, acknowledging both the joy and sorrow it can bring. Through its heartfelt expression of devotion, the poem captures the essence of romantic love and the depths of the speaker's feelings for their beloved.

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