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THE DISCOVERY OF THE MADEIRAS; A RHYME OF HACKLUYT, by             Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography

"The Discovery of the Madeiras; A Rhyme of Hackluyt" by Robert Frost is a narrative poem that intricately weaves themes of love, fate, and historical misrecording through the tale of a stolen lady and her lover. Set against the backdrop of a perilous sea voyage, the poem captures the trials and tribulations faced by the couple as they navigate both physical and emotional storms.

The title of the poem holds significant meaning, drawing on historical and literary references to enrich the poem's narrative and themes. The Madeira Islands, an archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean, were officially discovered by Portuguese explorers in the early 15th century. This historical reference sets the stage for a narrative of exploration and discovery, both geographical and emotional. Richard Hakluyt (c. 1552-1616) was an English writer known for his works promoting the exploration and colonization of the New World. The use of "A Rhyme" in the title suggests a poetic and possibly romanticized retelling of events, in keeping with the style of ballads and traditional narrative poetry.

The poem opens with a mysterious introduction of the stolen lady, hinting at ambiguity regarding her abduction. The phrase, "But whether stolen from her wedded lord / Or from her own self against her will," suggests a complexity in her situation, leaving readers to ponder whether she was taken by force or left willingly. The lady's reluctance to face the ship and her lover's need to physically lift her aboard underscore her hesitation and fear.

Once aboard, the couple embarks on a tumultuous journey. The ship, described as "little stormy," faces numerous challenges, from cracked sails to near disasters. The crew's superstitions and prayers for survival add to the sense of danger. Amidst these trials, the lady's condition deteriorates, and she becomes increasingly isolated, disappearing from view for much of the voyage. This isolation is emphasized by the crew's indifference to her well-being, reflecting the harsh realities of life at sea.

The narrative shifts to the relationship between the lady and her lover, highlighting their emotional connection. Despite their dire circumstances, they share moments of deep, albeit silent, understanding, "darkly drink[ing] each other's eyes." The lover's struggle to interpret her desires and intentions illustrates the complexities of their bond. He questions whether she wants to be overruled in her decisions or if his instincts are misguided, reflecting his internal conflict.

An interlude provided by the captain introduces a grim tale from the ship's past, where a captive couple, infected by a fever, faced a tragic fate. The captain recounts how the man was condemned to be thrown overboard, but the woman's fierce resistance led to a macabre suggestion: to marry them and then cast them both into the sea. This story, replete with vivid and brutal imagery, serves as a dark parallel to the current plight of the stolen lady and her lover. The captain's cruel humor and the lover's subsequent retelling of the tale to the lady further deepen the poem's exploration of suffering and fate.

As the couple's journey continues, the lady's health and spirit decline. The decision to seek refuge on a nameless island offers a glimmer of hope, but it ultimately proves futile. The ship leaves them behind, and the lover witnesses the gradual fading of the lady's life and love. Her detachment and eventual death are poignantly described: "Her spirit faded as far away / As the living ever go yet stay."

In the aftermath of her death, the lover carves their names and a scroll of vines on a stone, creating a lasting, albeit solitary, memorial. His subsequent adventures, including his capture by the Moors and eventual return to his homeland, add a final layer of irony to the narrative. The island where his lady died is named after him instead of her, highlighting the often arbitrary and unjust nature of historical memory.

Frost's poem, with its rich narrative and intricate details, reflects on the themes of love, fate, and the passage of time. The lover's journey, marked by both physical and emotional trials, serves as a metaphor for the broader human experience of navigating life's uncertainties and seeking meaning in the face of loss. The poem's conclusion, which questions the fairness of time's rewards, invites readers to reflect on the ways in which history and memory shape our understanding of the past.

In summary, "The Discovery of the Madeiras; A Rhyme of Hackluyt" by Robert Frost is a deeply layered narrative that explores the complexities of love, fate, and historical memory. Through its vivid imagery and poignant storytelling, the poem captures the enduring struggle to find meaning and connection in a world marked by uncertainty and change.


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