Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Solitariness" is a poem by Philip Sidney, a prominent Elizabethan poet, courtier, and soldier who lived from 1554 to 1586. Sidney is best known for his literary achievements, including his influential prose work, "The Defense of Poesy," and his pastoral romance, "Arcadia." "Solitariness" is a section of "Arcadia," written in prose form but containing poetic elements.

Context:

"Arcadia" was written in the late 1570s or early 1580s, during the Elizabethan era, a time of great cultural, political, and social change in England. The Elizabethan era was marked by a flowering of English literature and drama, including the works of Shakespeare, Marlowe, and Jonson, as well as the development of the pastoral romance genre, which idealized rural life and romantic love. "Solitariness" is a section of "Arcadia" in which the character Pyrocles reflects on his own loneliness and isolation.

Content:

"Solitariness" is a poem that explores the theme of loneliness and isolation. The speaker, Pyrocles, reflects on his own feelings of solitude and the emptiness that he experiences in the absence of human companionship. The poem explores the idea that human beings are social creatures and that true happiness and fulfillment can only be found in the company of others.

Form:

"Solitariness" is written in prose form, but contains several poetic elements, including metaphor, allusion, and repetition. The poem is divided into several short sections, each exploring a different aspect of the theme of solitariness.

Poetic Elements:

"Solitariness" makes use of several poetic techniques and devices, including metaphor, allusion, and repetition. The metaphor of the "desolate country" and the "desert island" conveys the speaker's feelings of isolation and emptiness. The allusion to the myth of Narcissus adds to the poem's mythic and literary qualities. The repetition of the phrase "what company can have" emphasizes the speaker's belief that true happiness and fulfillment can only be found in the company of others.

Summary:

"Solitariness" is a powerful exploration of the theme of loneliness and isolation, and a significant section of "Arcadia." The poem's use of metaphor, allusion, and repetition is particularly effective in conveying the speaker's emotions and the cultural context of the poem. However, some may criticize the poem for its somewhat idealized and romanticized portrayal of human relationships. Overall, "Solitariness" is a notable example of Sidney's poetic skill and his engagement with themes of love, companionship, and human nature.

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