Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Candle and the Flame" is a poem written by George Sylvester Viereck. Viereck was an American poet and journalist, known for his early involvement with German fascism and his controversial political views.

Context: 

"The Candle and the Flame" was written in the early 20th century, a time of social, political, and cultural change in America. The poem reflects on the themes of love, desire, and loss, and explores the relationship between the physical and spiritual worlds.

Content: 

"The Candle and the Flame" is a poem that explores the nature of love and desire, using the metaphor of a candle and its flame. The poem reflects on the transience of human relationships and the inevitability of loss and separation. The poem also explores the tension between the physical and spiritual aspects of love, and the way that the physical world can both hinder and enhance our spiritual lives.

Form: 

"The Candle and the Flame" is written in free verse, with no consistent meter or rhyme scheme. The poem is divided into three stanzas of varying length, with each stanza contributing to the overall story and atmosphere of the poem.

Poetic Elements: 

"The Candle and the Flame" makes use of a variety of poetic techniques and devices, including metaphor, imagery, and repetition. The poem uses the image of a candle and its flame as a symbol of the transience and fragility of human relationships, and explores the way that physical desire can both illuminate and obscure our spiritual lives.

Summary: 

"The Candle and the Flame" is a powerful and introspective poem that explores the nature of love and desire. The poem's use of metaphor and imagery creates a sense of intimacy and vulnerability, and emphasizes the emotional complexities of human relationships. While Viereck's political views and controversial reputation have overshadowed his literary legacy, "The Candle and the Flame" is an important example of his early poetry and a reflection of the cultural and social changes of his time.

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...