Everything
[x] Life
[x] After 20 years
[x] Great Expectations
Stanza Analysis of Life by Charlotte Bronte:
Life, believe, is not a dream
So dark as sages say;
Oft a little morning rain
Foretells a pleasant day.
Sometimes there are clouds of gloom,
But these are transient all;
If the shower will make the roses bloom,
O why lament its fall?
In the first stanza, Brontë reassures the reader that life isn't as grim as it might seem, contrary to what wise or experienced people ("sages") may claim. She uses the metaphor of "morning rain" to symbolize minor troubles, suggesting that these challenges can lead to something positive, like a "pleasant day." The second half of the stanza emphasizes that gloomy periods are temporary ("transient"). Even hardships ("the shower") have a purpose, helping beauty to grow (symbolized by roses blooming), and so, there's no reason to lament or be upset by them.
Rapidly, merrily,
Life’s sunny hours flit by,
Gratefully, cheerily
Enjoy them as they fly!
This stanza has a lighter, joyful tone. It highlights how quickly life’s happy moments ("sunny hours") pass by. The repetition of "rapidly" and "merrily" reflects the fast, joyous pace of these moments. Brontë advises us to enjoy these times with gratitude and cheerfulness, as they are fleeting.
What though Death at times steps in,
And calls our Best away?
What though sorrow seems to win,
O’er hope, a heavy sway?
Yet Hope again elastic springs
Unconquered, though she fell;
Still buoyant are her golden wings,
Still strong to bear us well.
In this stanza, Brontë acknowledges that death and sorrow are inevitable parts of life, sometimes taking away those we hold dear ("calls our Best away") and overwhelming our hope. However, she introduces the resilience of hope, personifying it as something that springs back up, no matter how heavy the burden of sorrow. Hope’s "golden wings" symbolize its ability to lift us up and carry us through difficult times.
Manfully, fearlessly,
The day of trial bear,
For gloriously, victoriously,
Can courage quell despair!
The final stanza is a call to face life's hardships with courage and determination ("manfully, fearlessly"). Brontë encourages the reader to approach challenges bravely, as courage has the power to overcome despair. The repetition of strong, victorious words ("gloriously, victoriously") reinforces the belief that with bravery, we can triumph over adversity.
Emily Brontë's poem reflects an optimistic outlook on life, emphasizing that hardships are a natural part of the journey but are temporary and lead to growth. She uses metaphors like "morning rain" and "roses" to convey that difficulties, much like rain, help foster beauty and positive change in life. The poet reassures that these challenges should not be lamented, as they are necessary for personal development.
The poem acknowledges the presence of sorrow and loss, symbolized by death and clouds of gloom. However, Brontë emphasizes the resilience of hope, which, though it may fall, always rises again. This sense of hope is personified as having "golden wings," symbolizing its ability to uplift and carry us through life’s challenges.
Ultimately, Brontë encourages a fearless and courageous approach to life’s trials. She believes that facing adversity with strength will lead to victory over despair, urging readers to embrace life’s ups and downs with a resilient spirit. The overall message is one of perseverance, hope, and the power of courage to overcome life's difficulties.
Frightened: Displays intense fear when confronted by the convict.
Submissive: Complies with the convict's demands out of fear.
Sympathetic: Shows pity for the convict despite the threat.
Threatening: Uses intimidation to control Pip.
Desperate: Reveals his dire need through harsh demands.
Rough: Appears physically and emotionally battered.
Egotistical: Boasts about his success and achievements.
Naïve: Unaware of the true identity of the man he meets.
Shocked: Shocked to find his friend is actually an officer.
Loyal: Meets Bob after twenty years, honoring their appointment.
Cunning: Uses a clever plan to have Bob arrested without direct confrontation.
Moral: Chooses to uphold the law over personal loyalty.
[x] Life
[x] After 20 years
[x] Great Expectations
Stanza Analysis of Life by Charlotte Bronte:
Life, believe, is not a dream
So dark as sages say;
Oft a little morning rain
Foretells a pleasant day.
Sometimes there are clouds of gloom,
But these are transient all;
If the shower will make the roses bloom,
O why lament its fall?
In the first stanza, Brontë reassures the reader that life isn't as grim as it might seem, contrary to what wise or experienced people ("sages") may claim. She uses the metaphor of "morning rain" to symbolize minor troubles, suggesting that these challenges can lead to something positive, like a "pleasant day." The second half of the stanza emphasizes that gloomy periods are temporary ("transient"). Even hardships ("the shower") have a purpose, helping beauty to grow (symbolized by roses blooming), and so, there's no reason to lament or be upset by them.
Rapidly, merrily,
Life’s sunny hours flit by,
Gratefully, cheerily
Enjoy them as they fly!
This stanza has a lighter, joyful tone. It highlights how quickly life’s happy moments ("sunny hours") pass by. The repetition of "rapidly" and "merrily" reflects the fast, joyous pace of these moments. Brontë advises us to enjoy these times with gratitude and cheerfulness, as they are fleeting.
What though Death at times steps in,
And calls our Best away?
What though sorrow seems to win,
O’er hope, a heavy sway?
Yet Hope again elastic springs
Unconquered, though she fell;
Still buoyant are her golden wings,
Still strong to bear us well.
In this stanza, Brontë acknowledges that death and sorrow are inevitable parts of life, sometimes taking away those we hold dear ("calls our Best away") and overwhelming our hope. However, she introduces the resilience of hope, personifying it as something that springs back up, no matter how heavy the burden of sorrow. Hope’s "golden wings" symbolize its ability to lift us up and carry us through difficult times.
Manfully, fearlessly,
The day of trial bear,
For gloriously, victoriously,
Can courage quell despair!
The final stanza is a call to face life's hardships with courage and determination ("manfully, fearlessly"). Brontë encourages the reader to approach challenges bravely, as courage has the power to overcome despair. The repetition of strong, victorious words ("gloriously, victoriously") reinforces the belief that with bravery, we can triumph over adversity.
Emily Brontë's poem reflects an optimistic outlook on life, emphasizing that hardships are a natural part of the journey but are temporary and lead to growth. She uses metaphors like "morning rain" and "roses" to convey that difficulties, much like rain, help foster beauty and positive change in life. The poet reassures that these challenges should not be lamented, as they are necessary for personal development.
The poem acknowledges the presence of sorrow and loss, symbolized by death and clouds of gloom. However, Brontë emphasizes the resilience of hope, which, though it may fall, always rises again. This sense of hope is personified as having "golden wings," symbolizing its ability to uplift and carry us through life’s challenges.
Ultimately, Brontë encourages a fearless and courageous approach to life’s trials. She believes that facing adversity with strength will lead to victory over despair, urging readers to embrace life’s ups and downs with a resilient spirit. The overall message is one of perseverance, hope, and the power of courage to overcome life's difficulties.
Frightened: Displays intense fear when confronted by the convict.
Submissive: Complies with the convict's demands out of fear.
Sympathetic: Shows pity for the convict despite the threat.
Threatening: Uses intimidation to control Pip.
Desperate: Reveals his dire need through harsh demands.
Rough: Appears physically and emotionally battered.
Egotistical: Boasts about his success and achievements.
Naïve: Unaware of the true identity of the man he meets.
Shocked: Shocked to find his friend is actually an officer.
Loyal: Meets Bob after twenty years, honoring their appointment.
Cunning: Uses a clever plan to have Bob arrested without direct confrontation.
Moral: Chooses to uphold the law over personal loyalty.
