Analysis of Stevie Smith's "Away Melancholy"
Stevie Smith's "Away Melancholy" is a poignant and complex poem that explores the struggle against depression and the conflicting forces within the speaker's mind. Through a blend of playful language, jarring imagery, and subtle shifts in tone, Smith crafts a powerful and relatable depiction of the human experience of melancholia.
Key Themes:
* The Struggle with Melancholy: The poem's title itself sets the stage for a battle against a pervasive darkness. The speaker is clearly grappling with deep sadness, evident in lines like "I am a thing of sorrow" and "I am a thing of tears."
* Internal Conflict: The poem reveals the speaker's internal conflict between the desire to be happy and the pull of despair. This is seen in the contrasting commands "Away Melancholy" and "Come, sweet Melancholy."
* The Power of Language: Smith uses language in a playful and even humorous way, often juxtaposing lighthearted phrases with heavy themes. This highlights the speaker's attempt to find meaning and control in the face of overwhelming sadness.
* The Search for Meaning: The poem explores the quest for meaning in a seemingly chaotic and absurd world. The speaker's questions about the nature of reality and their own existence reveal a deep longing for understanding and purpose.
Structure and Form:
* Free Verse: The poem's free verse form reflects the chaotic nature of the speaker's thoughts and feelings. It allows for abrupt shifts in tone and imagery, mimicking the unpredictable flow of melancholy.
* Repetition: The repetition of phrases like "Away Melancholy" and "I am a thing of" emphasizes the speaker's desire to overcome their sadness and their struggle to define themselves.
* Juxtaposition: The poem uses sharp juxtapositions to heighten the sense of internal conflict. For example, the lines "I am a thing of tears" and "I am a thing of joy" create a jarring effect that underscores the speaker's inner turmoil.
Imagery and Symbolism:
* The Rain: The rain serves as a powerful symbol for melancholy, representing the speaker's feelings of overwhelming sadness. The line "The rain is falling on the roof" suggests a sense of isolation and a weight pressing down on the speaker.
* The Clock: The clock symbolizes the passage of time and the speaker's awareness of their mortality. The line "The clock is ticking on the wall" implies a sense of urgency and a fear of time running out.
* The "Thing of": The repeated phrase "I am a thing of..." creates a sense of objectification and detachment, highlighting the speaker's feelings of being lost and disconnected from their own identity.
Conclusion:
"Away Melancholy" is a raw and deeply moving poem that captures the universal experience of depression and the search for meaning in the face of hardship. Smith's skillful use of language, imagery, and form creates a powerful and enduring reflection of the human condition. The poem's haunting beauty lies in its honesty and its acknowledgement of the complexities of human emotions, offering solace and understanding to those who have grappled with their own internal struggles.