Here are the answers to your questions based on Robert Graves' poem "Symptoms of Love":
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Is the poem in a fixed form or free verse?
- The poem is in free verse.
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If the poem is in a fixed form, what fixed form is it?
- Not applicable, as it is free verse.
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What characteristics tell you about the form?
- The poem does not adhere to a specific meter or rhyme scheme, and it consists of irregular line lengths and stanzas.
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What is the poem about? What is its subject-matter?
- The poem explores the complex and often painful symptoms associated with falling in love—depicting love as a mixture of ecstasy and suffering.
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How is the form of the poem used to structure the presentation of the subject-matter?
- The use of free verse mirrors the chaotic and unpredictable nature of love itself, allowing the poet to express a wide range of emotions without the constraints of fixed form.
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What is the theme, the underlying philosophical idea of the poem?
- The theme suggests that love is both a source of profound joy and immense suffering, highlighting its dual nature.
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What is the dominant mood of the poem?
- The dominant mood is one of longing and pain intermingled with desire.
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Which words convey this mood?
- Words such as "migraine," "jealousy," "pain," "nightmares," and "waiting" evoke a sense of anguish and yearning.
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Does the mood alter in the course of the poem? If so, how and why?
- The mood transitions from one of anguish and suffering to a somewhat resigned acceptance of pain, culminating in the encouragement of the line "Take courage, lover!"
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Explain how and why the diction of the poem is appropriate to the subject-matter and the mood?
- The diction includes medical and visceral terms ("migraine," "pain") juxtaposed with romantic imagery ("touch of her fingers"). This contrast illustrates the intense emotions and physical suffering love can evoke.
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What poetic devices and figurative language does the poet use?
- The poem employs metaphors (e.g., love as a migraine), imagery (e.g., “blotting out reason”), and personification.
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What is the purpose and effect of the figurative language and poetic devices? Explain each one separately.
- Metaphor: Describing love as a migraine captures its intensity and the way it can dominate one’s life.
- Imagery: Vivid descriptions create a tangible sense of longing and unease.
- Personification: Implies that love has active, controlling qualities over the lover's state of mind and emotions.
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Is the rhythm constant or does it vary? How do we know?
- The rhythm varies; the poem flows with uneven line lengths which contribute to the sense of chaos and unpredictability associated with love.
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What is the purpose and effect of this constant or varying rhythm?
- The varying rhythm mirrors the nature of love, suggesting that love, too, is unpredictable and can shift dramatically in emotional intensity.
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Is the rhythm appropriate to the mood/subject-matter of the poem?
- Yes, the varying rhythm enhances the feeling of longing and turmoil, underscoring the complexity of love.
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Is the poet’s attitude subjective (emotional) or objective (rational)?
- The poet’s attitude is subjective, as he expresses deep personal emotions regarding love.
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Which words, if any, convey emotion?
- Words like "migraine," "jealousy," "nightmares," and "waiting" convey strong emotional resonance.
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Which words have sensory appeal? What is the effect of such appeal?
- Words like “bright stain,” “darkened room,” and “touch” have sensory appeal, creating vivid visual and tactile imagery that enhances the emotional impact.
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What feelings does the poem arouse in you? Which words particularly affect you? Explain each one carefully.
- The poem evokes a sense of empathy and shared pain related to love. The word "migraine" emphasizes the physical toll of emotional states, while "waiting for a sign" makes one feel the tension and anxiety inherent in longing for connection.
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Has the poet combined thoughts, feelings, or diction in a new way? Does he/she approach these ideas from a new perspective? Does he/she give you a new depth of understanding of the subject?
- Graves combines the clinical (e.g., migraine) with the emotional, offering a unique perspective on love that highlights its inherent duality. He provides a nuanced understanding of love that acknowledges both its joyful and painful aspects, deepening the reader’s appreciation for the complexities of romantic relationships.
3 answers