Which mark existence in our little span?
One constant twilight in the heaven appears -
One constant twilight in the mind of man!
Creed, hope, anticipation and despair,
Are but a mingling, as of day and night;
The globe, surrounded by deceptive air,
Is all enveloped in the same half-light.
And voice is deadened by the evening breeze,
The shepherd's song, or maiden's in her bower,
Mix with the rustling of the neighboring trees,
Within whose foliage is lulled the power.
Yet all unites! The winding path that leads
Thro' fields where verdure meets the trav'ller's eye.
The river's margin, blurred with wavy reeds,
The muffled anthem, echoing to the sky!
The ivy smothering the armèd tower;
The dying wind that mocks the pilot's ear;
The lordly equipage at midnight hour,
Draws into danger in a fog the peer;
The votaries of Satan or of Jove;
The wretched mendicant absorbed in woe;
The din of multitudes that onward move;
The voice of conscience in the heart below;
The waves, which Thou, O Lord, alone canst still;
Th' elastic air; the streamlet on its way;
And all that man projects, or sovereigns will;
Or things inanimate might seem to say;
The strain of gondolier slow streaming by;
The lively barks that o'er the waters bound;
The trees that shake their foliage to the sky;
The wailing voice that fills the cots around;
And man, who studies with an aching heart -
For now, when smiles are rarely deemed sincere,
In vain the sceptic bids his doubts depart -
Those doubts at length will arguments appear!
Hence, reader, know the subject of my song -
A mystic age, resembling twilight gloom,
Wherein we smile at birth, or bear along,
With noiseless steps, a victim to the tomb!
Poem Analysis:
Victor Hugo, a literary giant of the Romantic era, invites readers on a contemplative journey through the enigmatic landscape of human existence in "Prelude to The Songs of Twilight." This introspective poem delves into the paradoxical nature of life, embracing a constant twilight that shrouds the line of troubled years. In this analysis, we will explore the profound themes embedded in Hugo's verses, from the interplay of light and shadow to the multifaceted facets of human experience.
- The Symbolic Twilight: The poem opens with a contemplation of life marked by troubled years, comparing it to a constant twilight in both the heavens and the mind of man. The symbolism of twilight, representing the delicate balance between day and night, serves as a metaphor for the perpetual mingling of opposing forces within the human experience – hope and despair, anticipation and resignation.
- The Unifying Thread: Hugo masterfully weaves together diverse elements of existence, drawing parallels between the celestial and the human. The poem asserts that, like the deceptive air surrounding the globe, life is enveloped in a universal half-light. This unifying thread underscores the interconnectedness of all aspects of life, from the grandiosity of creed and anticipation to the most mundane and elemental experiences.
- Harmony in Diversity: The poet employs vivid imagery to evoke the melodic harmony of existence. The rustling of trees blends seamlessly with the shepherd's song and the maiden's melody, symbolizing the unity of nature and human expression. This blending of sounds echoes the underlying power that lulls within the foliage of shared experiences.
- Contrasts and Paradoxes: Hugo introduces a series of contrasts and paradoxes, such as the ivy smothering the armed tower or the dying wind that deceives the pilot. These elements create a tension that mirrors the complexity of human existence, where opposing forces coexist and shape the course of life's journey.
- The Mystical Age: The poem unveils its central theme - a mystic age akin to twilight gloom. This age, characterized by a nuanced interplay of light and shadow, symbolizes the duality inherent in human emotions. Hugo contemplates life's mysteries and portrays it as an age where individuals smile at birth or silently bear the weight of mortality, echoing the notion that life itself is a journey from the cradle to the grave.
Victor Hugo's "Prelude to The Songs of Twilight" emerges as a poetic meditation on the intricacies of human existence. Through rich symbolism, vivid imagery, and a keen awareness of contrasts, Hugo explores the harmonious and discordant notes that compose the symphony of life. The constant twilight becomes a metaphor for the perpetual intermingling of joy and sorrow, light and darkness, creating a contemplative space where readers are invited to reflect on the eternal enigma of the human journey.