Since I my pallid face between your hands have laid,
Since I have known your soul, and all the bloom of it,
And all the perfume rare, now buried in the shade;
Since it was given to me to hear one happy while,
The words wherein your heart spoke all its mysteries,
Since I have seen you weep, and since I have seen you smile,
Your lips upon my lips, and your gaze upon my eyes;
Since I have known upon my forehead glance and gleam,
A ray, a single ray, of your star, veiled always,
Since I have felt the fall upon my lifetime's stream,
Of one rose-petal plucked from the roses of your days;
I now am bold to say to the swift-changing hours,
Pass—pass upon your way, for I grow never old.
Flee to the dark abysm with all your fading flowers,
One rose that none may pluck, within my heart I hold.
Your flying wings may smite, but they can never spill
The cup fulfilled of love, from which my lips are wet.
My heart has far more fire than you have frost to chill,
My soul more love than you can make my love forget.
Poem Analysis:
Victor Hugo's poem "More Strong Than Time" is a profound exploration of enduring love and its ability to transcend the passage of time. The poem delves into the theme of eternal love, emphasizing its permanence and resilience. Through rich imagery and emotional depth, Hugo crafts a timeless ode to love's unwavering strength. In this analysis, we will delve into the themes, structure, and literary devices used in the poem.
Themes:
- Enduring Love: The central theme of the poem is the idea that true love is immortal and transcends the limitations of time. The poet celebrates the constancy of love, which remains unchanged and undiminished even as years pass.
- Love's Impact: Hugo explores the profound impact of love on the human soul. He portrays love as a force that enriches and enlivens life, filling it with meaning and purpose.
- Resilience: The poem emphasizes the resilience of love, highlighting its ability to withstand challenges, obstacles, and the ravages of time. Love is depicted as an enduring force that cannot be extinguished.
Structure:
"More Strong Than Time" consists of 5 quatrains (four-line stanzas) with a consistent rhyme scheme (ABAB). This structured form provides a sense of symmetry and balance to the poem, echoing the stability and permanence of love.
Analysis:
- "Since I have set my lips to your full cup, my sweet...": The poem begins with the speaker's reflection on their intimate connection with their beloved. The imagery of sharing a cup and touching lips conveys a sense of closeness and unity.
- "Since it was given to me to hear one happy while...": The poet reminisces about moments of happiness and emotional intimacy shared with the beloved. These moments serve as precious memories that sustain the speaker.
- "I now am bold to say to the swift-changing hours...": In this stanza, Hugo boldly proclaims that love is more enduring than time itself. The imagery of a single rose, preserved within the heart, symbolizes the eternal nature of love.
- "Your flying wings may smite, but they can never spill...": The poet asserts that love is stronger than the fleeting nature of life and its challenges. Love remains steadfast and unyielding, even in the face of adversity.
- "My heart has far more fire than you have frost to chill...": The poem concludes by highlighting the unmatched intensity of love. Love's fire burns brighter and hotter than any force that may attempt to extinguish it.
"More Strong Than Time" by Victor Hugo is a profound exploration of the enduring power of love. Through its structured form and vivid imagery, the poem conveys the idea that love transcends the constraints of time and remains an unyielding force in the face of life's changes and challenges. It celebrates the resilience of love and its eternal nature, making it a timeless ode to the enduring strength of human affection.