The Spanish Lady's Love
By Victor Hugo
To mount the hills or scaffold, we go to-morrow:
Hernani, blame me not for this my boldness.
Art thou mine evil genius or mine angel?
I know not, but I am thy slave. Now hear me:
Go where thou wilt, I follow thee. Remain,
And I remain. Why do I thus? I know not.
I feel that I must see thee — see thee still —
See thee for ever. When thy footstep dies,
It is as if my heart no more would beat;
When thou art gone, I am absent from myself;
But when the footstep which I love and long for
Strikes on mine ear again — then I remember
I live, and feel my soul return to me.
Poem Analysis:
Victor Hugo's poem "The Spanish Lady's Love" encapsulates the intensity and all-consuming nature of passionate love. Through the perspective of a devoted lover, Hugo explores themes of loyalty, dependency, and the almost irrational drive of love. The poem is a monologue that vividly portrays the speaker's unwavering attachment and emotional turmoil.
Theme and Content
The primary theme of "The Spanish Lady's Love" is the overpowering and irrational nature of passionate love. The speaker's devotion to Hernani, despite the danger and uncertainty, highlights the depths of her affection and the extent to which love can dictate one's actions and emotions.
- Unquestioning Devotion: The speaker declares her willingness to follow Hernani anywhere, be it "to mount the hills or scaffold." This readiness to face any peril for the sake of her beloved underscores the theme of absolute loyalty and the sacrificial nature of true love. Her boldness stems not from rational thought but from an overwhelming compulsion to be near Hernani.
- Identity and Existence: The poem delves into the speaker's sense of identity and existence, which are inextricably linked to Hernani. When he is absent, she feels "absent from [herself]," suggesting that her sense of self is incomplete without him. This dependency highlights the consuming power of love, where the lover's existence becomes entwined with the beloved's presence.
- Emotional Turmoil: The speaker's emotions are in constant flux, dictated by Hernani's presence or absence. The absence of his "footstep" leaves her feeling lifeless, while its return revives her spirit, making her "soul return to me." This imagery captures the intensity of her emotional state, reflecting the highs and lows that come with passionate love.
Imagery and Tone
Hugo employs vivid imagery to convey the depth of the speaker's feelings. The recurring motif of the "footstep" symbolizes Hernani's presence and the lifeline it represents for the speaker. The hills and scaffold evoke a sense of impending danger and sacrifice, while the heartbeat imagery underscores the speaker's emotional dependency.
The tone of the poem is one of fervent devotion and urgency. The speaker's declarations are passionate and intense, reflecting her inner turmoil and unwavering commitment. There is a palpable sense of desperation in her words, as she grapples with her uncontrollable feelings and the uncertainty of their future.
Structure and Style
The poem's structure as a monologue allows for a deep and personal insight into the speaker's thoughts and emotions. The free-flowing lines mirror the spontaneous and unrestrained nature of her love. Hugo's use of rhetorical questions, such as "Art thou mine evil genius or mine angel?" reflects the speaker's confusion and the duality of her feelings towards Hernani.
Hugo's style in this poem is characterized by its emotional intensity and lyrical quality. The elevated language and use of metaphors create a dramatic and evocative portrayal of love's power and its impact on the individual's sense of self.
Victor Hugo's "The Spanish Lady's Love" is a poignant exploration of the all-consuming nature of passionate love. Through the speaker's unwavering devotion and emotional dependency, the poem highlights the irrational and overpowering drive of love that transcends rational thought and personal safety. The vivid imagery and fervent tone capture the intensity of the speaker's feelings, making the reader empathize with her plight. Hugo's masterful use of monologue and lyrical style allows for a deeply personal and dramatic portrayal of love's profound impact on the human soul.