Poetry Analysis Paper
Emily Brontë, born in Yorkshire, was the fifth child out of a total of six children. Throughout her upbringing, Brontë continuously displayed a deep passion for writing poetry. One of her notable poetic compositions is “At Castle Wood.” In this particular poem, Brontë effectively conveys a sense of sadness through her skillful employment of imagery, as well as the consistent somber tone that resonates within the verses. Furthermore, Brontë’s utilization of end rhyme serves to enhance the overall impact of the poem, resulting in a concise yet profoundly sorrowful message.
Brontë’s poem, “At Castle Wood,” utilizes imagery to establish a desolate atmosphere, giving the reader the impression that the place is cold and vacant. In line 1-2, Brontë writes, “The day is done, the winter sun, is setting in its sullen sky.” This implies the end of a day and a cold winter sun setting, providing a small source of warmth amidst the frigid winter days. Typically, a winter sun evokes a pleasant setting. However, as the reader continues, Brontë expands on the nature of this warm winter day. For someone unfamiliar with the poem, this may be what they expect and conclude; however, the reader soon realizes what Emily is trying to convey. The mention of the “sullen sky” further paints a picture of a gloomy and worrisome winter sky rather than one that is delightful. With just the first two stanzas of “At Castle Wood,” Brontë establishes the context of a relatively bleak day. In lines 5-6, Brontë also expresses that no source of light, such as a star, can improve her situation. Whether it pertains to her life or a specific predicament she may be facing, nothing can alleviate her pessimism, and no kind of light can make her feelings towards this situation any less profound.In the second stanza, Brontë laments the absence of any form of hope or light that could alleviate her feelings in this “situation.” It is truly sorrowful to consider an individual unable to find the source of “light” necessary for finding joy. In my interpretation, Brontë employs this imagery to emphasize her belief in an afterlife. She maintains that death serves as the gateway to eternal rest, freeing one from life’s burdens and trials. Therefore, while we may mourn her absence on Earth, we should also be glad that she has passed, as it signifies the end of her suffering and the beginning of her reward.
Brontë’s “At Castle Wood” carries a somber tone and expresses her sorrowful thoughts on death. It seems that she may have been depressed and is welcoming death due to her discontent with life and the lack of success she has experienced. Regardless, she embraces death openly and wants others to understand that she does not leave anything significant behind. The poem’s entire mood is set by the line “the grief that pressed my aching breast was far heavier than earth can be” (l 13-14), where the reference to the heart being in the breast signifies that the overwhelming grief she experienced consumed her heart and caused physical pain. By stating that her grief is “far heavier than earth can be” (l 14), Brontë implies that her suffering is more intense compared to others. Rather than using a more eloquent expression like “I carry the weight of the world on my shoulders,” which primarily refers to emotional distress, Brontë chooses to convey her pain as a heaviness in her heart. This choice emphasizes her belief that she is enduring greater suffering than most people. She reinforces this concept by converting her pain into a physical measure and claiming that her grief is “far heavier than the earth can be,” while others are only burdened by the “weight of the world.”
Brontë’s use of end rhyme in the poem creates the mood and tone, adding a wistful rhythm and emphasizing sadness. In the lines, “No sighs for me, no sympathy, no wish to keep my soul below; The heart is dead in infancy, unwept-for let the body go,” she expresses her desire for no sympathy or dwelling on her departure. Instead, she wants her loved ones to be happy and see that she will be fine and make the best out of her situation. The consistent use of end rhyme throughout the poem captures attention and adds depth to its meaning. Overall, the poem has a significant impact that goes beyond its surface interpretation.
Emily Brontë’s collection of beautiful poems, including “At Castle Wood,” evokes a wide range of emotions. This particular poem stands out due to its ability to convey more depth than initially apparent. The reader can empathize with Brontë’s anguish and the burden she carries. Captivating not just through imagery, tone, and end rhyme, Brontë delivers a powerful message in this heartfelt poem. It feels tailor-made for those familiar with depression, unafraid of death but concerned about their loved ones experiencing the pain they endure. Brontë intensely captures this emotion, creating a graceful yet melancholic execution.
