Sunday, January 12, 2014

Poetry Analysis: “Apologia” by Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde, A brilliant poet and man of his time. He writes with emotion and such ease and truthfulness. The title in this poem, “Apologia” means to defend one’s action or opinion. In this poem, Mr. Wilde writes how he defends himself of how he mourns. He asks if shall sell his clothes so he can wear something duller in color or should he not have any fun simply because of his loss. He thus, decides to be happy that he had the chance to love, rather than be sad about losing his love. He thinks of the happy times and positive moments, rather than the loss of the love. As in the second and third stanza losing a love, he will prevail, and it is better to have loved, rather than not at all. He will not sit around and be sad, feeling sorry for himself; as in the line “…and let sorrow dig its grave within my heart.” The fourth stanza, first line, “Perchance it may be better so- at least I have not made my heart a heart of stone…” He is not letting the sorrow win and weighing his heart down or turning it to stone, so he will not feel love again. Instead, he is grateful for the love he had while it last. Wilde reserves his right to mourn whatever way feels right, and he defends his actions and opinions with all his heart and soul. “Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken.” ~Oscar Wilde This poem could be a lesson many of us to whom have difficulty moving on and letting go of lost loves. Be happy that you have loved than not at all. Let go and continue with your journey.

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