Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"On the Snuff of a Candle, the Night Before He Died" is a poem written by Walter Raleigh, an English poet, soldier, courtier, and explorer. Raleigh lived from 1552 to 1618 and was known for his achievements as an adventurer, particularly his exploration of South America and his involvement in the colonization of Virginia. He was also a prominent figure in the court of Queen Elizabeth I and King James I, and a prolific writer and poet. 

Context:

Raleigh lived during the Elizabethan era, a time of great cultural and literary achievement in England. The Elizabethan age was marked by the flourishing of the arts and the expansion of the English language and literature. Raleigh was a part of this literary movement and was influenced by the works of his contemporaries, such as Edmund Spenser and William Shakespeare. The poem "On the Snuff of a Candle, the Night Before He Died" was written during Raleigh's imprisonment in the Tower of London, and it reflects the themes of mortality and the passage of time.

Content:

"On the Snuff of a Candle, the Night Before He Died" is a poem in which the speaker reflects on the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death. The speaker describes the moment when a candle is extinguished by a snuff, and compares it to the end of a person's life. The poem ends with the speaker expressing his hope that he will be remembered and celebrated after his death.

Form:

The poem is structured in six quatrains with an ABAB rhyme scheme. The use of quatrains and a regular rhyme scheme gives the poem a sense of order and balance. The poem's structure mirrors the speaker's reflection on the passage of time and the inevitability of death.

Poetic Elements:

Raleigh uses metaphor and imagery in "On the Snuff of a Candle, the Night Before He Died." For example, he compares the snuffing of a candle to the end of a person's life, suggesting the suddenness and finality of death. The use of metaphor and imagery adds emotional and visual impact to the poem.

Summary:

"On the Snuff of a Candle, the Night Before He Died" is a poignant and reflective poem that reflects the themes of mortality and the passage of time. The poem was written during Raleigh's imprisonment in the Tower of London, and it reflects the uncertainty and reflection that comes with facing one's own mortality. Raleigh's use of metaphor and imagery adds depth and emotional impact to the poem. Overall, the poem is a testament to Raleigh's skill as a poet and his contribution to Elizabethan literature.

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