Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Other Side of a Mirror" is a poem written by Mary Elizabeth Coleridge in 1893. Coleridge was a British poet and novelist who was associated with the Decadent movement.

Context: "The Other Side of a Mirror" was written during the Decadent movement, a literary and cultural movement that emerged in the late 19th century. The movement was characterized by a focus on themes of hedonism, excess, and aestheticism, and was often seen as a reaction to the strict moral and social conventions of Victorian society.

Content: "The Other Side of a Mirror" is a poem that explores the theme of identity and the duality of self. The poem is structured around a series of contrasts between the speaker and their reflection in a mirror, and reflects the Decadent interest in psychological and philosophical themes. The poem uses vivid and evocative language to create a dreamlike and ethereal atmosphere.

Form: "The Other Side of a Mirror" is written in free verse, with no consistent meter or rhyme scheme. The poem is divided into four stanzas of varying length, with each stanza contributing to the overall theme and atmosphere of the poem.

Poetic Elements: "The Other Side of a Mirror" makes use of a variety of poetic techniques and devices, including metaphor, imagery, and repetition. The poem uses the mirror as a symbol of the duality of self, and the speaker's reflections are contrasted with their thoughts and feelings. The use of vivid and evocative language creates a dreamlike and ethereal atmosphere that adds to the poem's sense of mystery and ambiguity.

Summary: "The Other Side of a Mirror" is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the theme of identity and the duality of self. The poem's use of vivid and evocative language creates a dreamlike and ethereal atmosphere that adds to its sense of mystery and ambiguity. While the poem may not be considered a masterpiece of literature, it is an important example of Decadent poetry, and a reflection of the cultural and literary trends of the late 19th century.

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