Away, Melancholy - Stevie Smith Flashcards
What is the tone of the poem?
The tone of the poem is reflective and melancholic, with a sense of hope and a desire to rid oneself of sadness.
What is the significance of the phrase “Away, melancholy”?
This phrase is repeated throughout the poem, signifying the speaker’s desire to rid themselves of melancholy and embrace positivity.
How does the speaker use nature in the poem?
The speaker references nature—trees, wind, fire, rivers—to remind the reader of the constant and unchanging forces in life, offering a sense of normality amid despair.
What is the metaphor of the ant in the poem?
The ant is a metaphor for the busy, repetitive nature of life. It symbolizes the continuous cycle of work, eating, and survival, which the speaker suggests humans are also part of.
How does the speaker compare man to an animal?
The speaker compares man to an animal, emphasizing that humans, like animals, follow a basic, repetitive cycle of life, but with more sorrow.
What does the speaker mean by “Man of all creatures is superlative”?
The speaker contrasts earlier depictions of man as insignificant (compared to ants) by suggesting that man, unlike other creatures, is capable of greatness.
What is the metaphorical significance of “the stone” in the poem?
“The stone” symbolizes the potential for creation and meaning in human life. It also represents the spiritual connection to God, as the “god” pours goodness into it.
How does the poem explore the relationship between man and God?
The poem suggests that man, unlike other creatures, is capable of creating and understanding good, with God being the source of this goodness. The speaker expresses a belief in God’s benevolence despite the world’s suffering.
What does the speaker mean by “speak not to me of tears, tyranny, pox, wars”?
The speaker rejects any negativity or suffering as arguments against the goodness of God, reinforcing her belief that God is good despite life’s hardships.
How does the speaker address the idea of human goodness?
The speaker believes that humans are inherently good, aspiring for love and goodness even in the face of corruption, pain, and death.
What role does hope play in the poem?
Despite the references to suffering and negativity, the poem ends with a message of hope, emphasizing that humanity continues to aspire for love and goodness despite its flaws.
How does the speaker’s view of man evolve throughout the poem?
Initially, man is depicted as insignificant, like an ant. However, the speaker later acknowledges that man has the potential for greatness, creation, and goodness, emphasizing human superiority over other creatures.
What is the significance of the line “Man aspires to good, to love”?
This line suggests that despite the challenges and flaws of human nature, humanity’s ultimate goal is to achieve goodness and love, indicating a hopeful view of mankind.
How does the speaker reconcile the darkness of life with the hope of goodness?
The speaker juxtaposes the darkness of human suffering (beaten, corrupted, dying) with the enduring cry for love, symbolizing humanity’s resilience and inherent goodness.
What is the structure of the poem?
The poem consists of 9 stanzas with 48 lines, and it does not follow a fixed rhyme scheme, reflecting the speaker’s fluctuating emotions and thoughts.
How does the repetition of “Away, melancholy” contribute to the poem’s meaning?
The repetition of this line emphasizes the speaker’s struggle to push away sadness and despair, reinforcing the poem’s focus on overcoming negative emotions and embracing hope.
What is the significance of the religious references in the poem?
The poem introduces religious imagery, especially through the metaphor of the “stone” and the concept of God, to suggest that faith in goodness and God is key to transcending melancholy.
What is the message of the poem regarding life and death?
The poem suggests that life is filled with suffering and challenges, but it also conveys that humanity’s pursuit of love and goodness transcends these hardships, offering hope even in the face of death.
How does the poem balance despair with optimism?
While the poem acknowledges human suffering and negativity, it ultimately asserts that humanity’s inherent goodness and ability to aspire to love and goodness bring hope and redemption.
What does the speaker mean by “It is his virtue needs explaining, not his failing”?
This line suggests that humanity’s virtues—its capacity for love, goodness, and resilience—deserve more attention than its flaws or failures.
