To Marguriet

By Matthew Arnold

Lyric Poem
Yes! in the sea of life enisled, With echoing straits between us thrown, Dotting the shoreless watery wild, We mortal millions live alone. The islands feel the enclasping flow, And then their endless bounds they know. But when the moon their hollows lights, And they are swept by balms of spring, And in their glens, on starry nights, The nightingales divinely sing; And lovely notes, from shore to shore, Across the sounds and channels pour Oh! then a longing like despair Is to their farthest caverns sent; For surely once, they feel, we were Parts of a single continent! Now round us spreads the watery plain Oh might our marges meet again! Who order'd, that their longing's fire Should be, as soon as kindled, cool'd? Who renters vain their deep desire? A God, a God their severance ruled! And bade betwixt their shores to be The unplumb'd, salt, estranging sea.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem explores themes of isolation, longing, and divine intervention, using the metaphor of islands in a sea to represent individual human beings in the vast expanse of life. The speaker reflects on the paradox of collective loneliness, suggesting that despite being surrounded by millions of other individuals, each person lives alone, separated by the "echoing straits" of individual experience.

The tone of the poem is melancholic, underscored by a yearning for connection and unity. This yearning is made more poignant by the fleeting moments of connection the islands experience, such as when "the nightingales divinely sing," only to return to their state of solitude.

The poem’s structure, consisting of regular quatrains and a consistent rhyme scheme, offers a sense of stability that contrasts with the emotional turbulence of the content. The use of exclamation points throughout the poem emphasizes the intensity of the speaker's feelings.

The poem is rich in imagery and metaphor, with the sea and islands serving as powerful symbols for life's challenges and human isolation. The "unplumb'd, salt, estranging sea" is a striking image that encapsulates the poem's core themes. The final lines suggest that this state of separation is not accidental but a divine decree, adding an element of existential angst to the poem.

Overall, the poem presents a poignant exploration of human loneliness, longing, and the divine forces that seemingly dictate our lives, offering a profound reflection on the human condition.

Exploring Lyric Poetry

Lyric poetry is a powerful and intimate form of expression, characterized by its focus on the personal emotions and thoughts of the poet. Often musical in nature, lyric poems resonate with readers through their vivid language and rhythmic flow, capturing moments of intense feeling.

Here are some key characteristics that define lyric poetry:

  • Expressive Language: Lyric poems use rich and evocative language to convey deep emotions, often painting a vivid picture of the poet's inner world.
  • Personal Perspective: Typically written in the first person, these poems offer a window into the poet's personal experiences, thoughts, and reflections.
  • Musicality: Lyric poems often feature a rhythmic structure, with meter and rhyme that give them a song-like quality, enhancing the emotional impact.

From ancient odes to contemporary free verse, lyric poetry remains a beloved and enduring form, celebrated for its ability to articulate the nuances of human emotion in a way that resonates deeply with readers.