Then, Most, I Smile (Poem by Victor Hugo)

Then, Most, I Smile

By Victor Hugo

Late it is to look so proud,

    Daisy queen! come is the gloom

Of the winter-burdened cloud! — 

    "But, in winter, most I bloom!"

Star of even! sunk the sun!

    Lost for e'er the ruddy line;

And the earth is veiled in dun, — 

    "Nay, in darkness, best I shine!"

O, my soul! art 'bove alarm,

    Quaffing thus the cup of gall — 

Canst thou face the grave with calm? — 

    "Yes, the Christians smile at all."

Poem Analysis:

"Then, Most, I Smile" by Victor Hugo is a concise and contemplative poem that captures the themes of resilience, optimism, and the beauty of enduring adversity. In this analysis, we will explore how the poem conveys its messages through metaphors and contrasts, showcasing the speaker's unwavering spirit in the face of challenges.

Themes:

1. Resilience and Perseverance: The central theme of the poem revolves around the resilience and perseverance of the daisy queen, who thrives even in adverse conditions. This theme serves as an allegory for human resilience in the face of life's challenges.
2. Optimism and Beauty in Adversity: The poem suggests that beauty can be found even in the darkest of times and that maintaining a positive outlook allows one to shine, just as the daisy queen does.

Structure:

"Then, Most, I Smile" is a short poem consisting of three quatrains (four-line stanzas). The rhyme scheme is ABCB, contributing to the poem's musical quality.

Analysis:

1. "Late it is to look so proud, / Daisy queen! come is the gloom / Of the winter-burdened cloud!": The poem opens by addressing the daisy queen, who is about to face the challenges of winter. The daisy queen's pride and resilience are highlighted as she prepares to confront adversity.
2. "But, in winter, most I bloom!": The daisy queen's response to the approaching winter is marked by optimism and resilience. Rather than withering away, she thrives during the winter months, suggesting that her true beauty shines through in adversity.
3. "Star of even! sunk the sun! / Lost for e'er the ruddy line; / And the earth is veiled in dun,": The poem continues to describe the bleakness of the winter evening, with the sun having set and darkness descending. This imagery symbolizes challenging and dark moments in life.
4. "Nay, in darkness, best I shine!": Despite the darkness and adversity, the daisy queen asserts that her beauty shines most brightly in such conditions. This assertion underscores the poem's theme of finding beauty and optimism in adversity.
5. "O, my soul! art 'bove alarm, / Quaffing thus the cup of gall — / Canst thou face the grave with calm?": The poem shifts focus to the speaker's soul, questioning whether it can maintain calm in the face of adversity and even death.
6. "Yes, the Christians smile at all.": The poem concludes with a statement of unwavering faith and optimism. The reference to Christians suggests that their faith enables them to smile in the face of all challenges and adversities.

"Then, Most, I Smile" by Victor Hugo celebrates resilience, optimism, and the beauty found in adversity. Through the allegorical portrayal of the daisy queen, the poem emphasizes that true beauty shines brightest in difficult times. The poem encourages readers to maintain a positive outlook and face life's challenges with a smile, drawing inspiration from the unwavering spirit of the daisy queen. It leaves readers with a powerful message of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.