Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Julia Ward Howe, an American poet and women's rights activist, was born in 1819 in New York City. She is best known for writing the lyrics to "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" during the Civil War. Her poetry often reflects her social and political beliefs, as well as her personal experiences.

Context: 

"Lost Jewel" was likely written in the mid-19th century, a time when women's rights were a major social and political issue in the United States. This poem can be seen as a reflection of Howe's personal experience with lost love or disappointment in a relationship.

Content: 

"Lost Jewel" is a poem about a broken heart and lost love. The speaker compares her heart to a little bird that used to sing for one person, but now sings in vain for another. She laments the fact that her heart cannot reach the one who hurt her and wishes to protect it from further harm. The poem ends on a note of hope, with the speaker imagining a future where the bird is safe from pain and sorrow.

Form: 

"Lost Jewel" is a lyrical poem consisting of four stanzas of four lines each. It has a regular rhyme scheme (ABCB) and meter, which adds to its musicality.

Poetic Elements: Howe uses metaphor and personification to give her heart the qualities of a little bird that can sing and feel pain. The imagery of a lost jewel adds to the sense of loss and regret in the poem. The repetition of the phrase "in vain" emphasizes the futility of the bird's singing and the speaker's hopelessness in the face of lost love.

Summary:

 "Lost Jewel" is a poignant and beautifully crafted poem that captures the pain of lost love and the longing for a brighter future. Howe's use of metaphor and imagery adds depth and emotional resonance to the poem, while its regular structure and musicality make it a pleasure to read aloud. The poem speaks to universal themes of heartbreak and resilience, and is a testament to Howe's skill as a poet.

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