Still be a Child (Poem by Victor Hugo)

Still be a Child

By Victor Hugo

In youthful spirits wild,

    Smile, for all beams on thee;

Sport, sing, be still the child,

    The flower, the honey-bee.

Bring not the future near,

    For Joy too soon declines — 

What is man's mission here?

    Toil, where no sunlight shines!

Our lot is hard, we know;

    From eyes so gayly beaming,

Whence rays of beauty flow,

    Salt tears most oft are streaming.

Free from emotions past,

    All joy and hope possessing,

With mind in pureness cast,

    Sweet ignorance confessing.

Plant, safe from winds and showers,

    Heart with soft visions glowing,

In childhood's happy hours

    A mother's rapture showing.

Loved by each anxious friend,

    No carking care within — 

When summer gambols end,

    My winter sports begin.

Sweet poesy from heaven

    Around thy form is placed,

A mother's beauty given,

    By father's thought is graced!

Seize, then, each blissful second,

    Live, for joy sinks in night,

And those whose tale is reckoned,

    Have had their days of light.

Then, oh! before we part,

    The poet's blessing take,

Ere bleeds that aged heart,

    Or child the woman make.

Poem Analysis:

"Still Be a Child" by Victor Hugo is a poem that captures the essence of youth, innocence, and the fleeting nature of joy. Through eloquent verses, Hugo encourages the reader to cherish the present moment, maintain the spirit of childhood, and appreciate the simple pleasures of life. The poem serves as a reflection on the passage of time, the inevitability of growing up, and the enduring power of youthful exuberance.

Themes:

1. Youth and Innocence: The central theme of the poem revolves around the virtues of youth and innocence. Hugo celebrates the unspoiled, carefree nature of childhood and encourages the reader to maintain these qualities throughout life.
2. Embracing the Present: The poem emphasizes the importance of living in the present and savoring the joys of the moment. It cautions against dwelling on the future or succumbing to the burdens of adulthood.
3. Transience of Joy: "Still Be a Child" conveys the idea that joy is fleeting and that life's pleasures should be embraced while they last. It encourages a childlike sense of wonder and happiness that can endure even as one grows older.

Structure and Language:

1. Stanza Structure: The poem is composed of 9 quatrains, each with a consistent rhyme scheme (ABAB). This structured format adds to the poem's sense of rhythm and flow.
2. Imagery: Hugo employs vivid imagery to evoke the beauty and simplicity of childhood. He uses metaphors like "flower" and "honey-bee" to describe the child's nature and likens the child to a "honey-bee" that gathers sweetness from life.
3. Contrasts: The poem contrasts the carefree nature of childhood with the responsibilities and sorrows of adulthood. It also contrasts the idea of living in the moment with the tendency to worry about the future.

Analysis:

1. Youthful Innocence: Hugo extols the virtues of youth and its capacity for unbridled joy, emphasizing the importance of maintaining childlike qualities even in adulthood. The child in the poem symbolizes purity, simplicity, and a sense of wonder.
2. Embracing the Present: The poem encourages readers to appreciate the beauty of the present moment, free from the worries and burdens of the future. It underscores the idea that the simple pleasures of life can be a source of profound happiness.
3. Transience of Joy: By acknowledging the fleeting nature of joy and the inevitable arrival of life's challenges, the poem serves as a reminder to seize the day and relish the happiness that exists in the here and now.

"Still Be a Child" by Victor Hugo is a lyrical exploration of the beauty and significance of youth, innocence, and the present moment. Through its vivid imagery and heartfelt verses, the poem encourages readers to embrace the child within, savor the joys of life, and find solace in the simplicity of existence. Hugo's message reminds us to cherish the fleeting moments of happiness that life offers, for they are the essence of our shared human experience.