|
|
Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained | |||
The poem "Craven-Heart" by Ada Cambridge is a reflection on the fear and cowardice that can hold a person back from living their life to the fullest. Ada Cambridge (1844-1926) was an English-born Australian writer who is best known for her novels and poetry and was also a prominent suffragist and advocate for women's rights. The poem is a part of her collection of poems called "Fidelis" which was published in 1910.The speaker hears "anguished voices in the air," suggesting a sense of foreboding or warning, and wonders if they will have the courage to face the challenges and risks that come with pursuing their dreams. The themes of "Craven-Heart" include fear, despair, and the struggle to find courage in difficult situations. The poem explores the idea of being paralyzed by fear and unable to take action, even when one knows that action is necessary. It also touches on the consequences of succumbing to fear and failing to take action, as well as the importance of finding strength and courage within oneself to overcome obstacles The poem is structured in four quatrains, with a consistent rhyme scheme of ABAB. The repetition of the phrase "And shall I" at the beginning of the second and third stanzas reinforces the speaker's sense of doubt and hesitation, as they question whether they have what it takes to be brave in the face of adversity. Throughout the poem, there is a sense of urgency and a recognition that time is fleeting. The phrase "the world is wide, the days are few" emphasizes the need to make the most of every moment, while the image of the "baffled soul" suggests a frustration with one's own inability to take action. The final line, "And waste my brief and precious day?" serves as a poignant reminder that life is short and that fear and inaction can lead to regret. The poem ultimately challenges the reader to find the courage to pursue their dreams, even in the face of uncertainty and doubt.
| Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE DAY THAT WAS THAT DAY by AMY LOWELL MAN IN THE STREET OR HAND OVER MOUTH by HEATHER MCHUGH BURIAL RITES by HAYDEN CARRUTH THE CAMPS; FOR MARILYN HACKER by HAYDEN CARRUTH |
| |