EMMA ROBERTS' "Song"

[jthao83]

Can anyone tell me what this poem is about? Or how she's feeling when she's writing this poem? I need help with this 'cuz I'm writing an argument paper on this poem and need to prove that this poem is GOOD. THANKS!!! I added in my very last post saying the reasons why I think that this author and her poem/work is good too... I need to expand on it more and need some help and suggestions. Thanks again. =)

here's the poem:

SONG
Upon the Ganges' regal stream,
The sun's bright splendours rest;
And gorgeously the noon-ide beam
Reposes on its breast:
But in a small secluded nook,
Beyond the western sea,
There rippling glides a narrow brook,
That's dearer far to me.

The lory perches on my hand,
Caressing to be fed,
And spreads its plumes at my command,
And stoops its purple head;
But where the robin, humble guest,
Comes flying from the tree,
Which bears its unpretending nest,
Alas! I'd rather be.

The fire-fly flashes through the sky,
A meteor swift and bright;
And the wide space around, on high,
Gleams with its emerald light;
Though glory tracks that shooting star,
And bright its splendours shine,
The glow-worm's lamp is dearer far
To this sad heart of mine.

Throughout the summer year, the flowers
In all the flush of bloom,
Clustering around the forest bowers,
Exhale their rich purfume.
The daisy, and the primrose pale,
Though scentless they may be,
That gem far, far distant vale,
Are much more prized by me.

The lotus open its chalices,
Upon the tank's broad lake,
Where India's stately palaces
Their ample mirriors make:
But reckless of each tower and dome,
The splendid and the grand,
I languish for a cottage home,
Within my native land.
Benares, 1828 (1830)

[chmpman]

Try posting the poem to get more responses. Even lit. net. people are lazy sometimes.

[Xamonas Chegwe]

And while you're at it, try telling us the views that you've already formed about the poem. No-one here is going to do all the work for you, but we may suggest directions of enquiry, if you ask nicely. ;)

[chmpman]

Well put. Also, are you writing that it is 'good' because you were told that it is good, or because you honestly feel that there is value in the poem? If you see any value in the poem you may already have a start. If not, don't bother.

[crazymonkey]

I'm also writing a paper on this Emma Roberts' poem. Before she wrote the poem, she went to India with her older (and married) sister and her sister's husband. She wrote in that "There cannot be a more wretched situation than that of a young woman in India who has been induced to follow the fortunes of her married sister under the delusive expectation that she will exchange the privations attached to limited means in England for the far-famed luxuries of the East."

I'm pretty sure that even though she's in this new exotic land, she'd much rather be home in England living her own life.

[jthao83]

Sorry, here's the poem:

SONG
Upon the Ganges' regal stream,
The sun's bright splendours rest;
And gorgeously the noon-ide beam
Reposes on its breast:
But in a small secluded nook,
Beyond the western sea,
There rippling glides a narrow brook,
That's dearer far to me.

The lory perches on my hand,
Caressing to be fed,
And spreads its plumes at my command,
And stoops its purple head;
But where the robin, humble guest,
Comes flying from the tree,
Which bears its unpretending nest,
Alas! I'd rather be.

The fire-fly flashes through the sky,
A meteor swift and bright;
And the wide space around, on high,
Gleams with its emerald light;
Though glory tracks that shooting star,
And bright its splendours shine,
The glow-worm's lamp is dearer far
To this sad heart of mine.

Throughout the summer year, the flowers
In all the flush of bloom,
Clustering around the forest bowers,
Exhale their rich purfume.
The daisy, and the primrose pale,
Though scentless they may be,
That gem far, far distant vale,
Are much more prized by me.

The lotus open its chalices,
Upon the tank's broad lake,
Where India's stately palaces
Their ample mirriors make:
But reckless of each tower and dome,
The splendid and the grand,
I languish for a cottage home,
Within my native land.
Benares, 1828 (1830)

[jthao83]

So far I've written that her poem/work provides great literary work through historical importance, aesthetic representative-ness, aesthetic difference, and fruitful comparison/contrast. And that the aesthetic representative-ness that she shows is through sensibility.. and that she can be compared and contrast with other writers of her time (ie, Wordsworth, Barauld, Smith) etc.... I've got a couple of ideas. I just need more -- or at least to expand more on my ideas. And I think that her poem is sad in a way --- like she see the beauty around her but longs to be in her own home country. Got any ideas to help me out with expanding my argument and the meaning of the poem? THANKS!! =)

[jthao83]

Please help.... I'd appreciate it A LOT.

[1sweetkate]

Hmm..why this poem is good...well it spoke to me on several levels...it is finely written and like all "good" poetry paints a tapestry of images and emotions...

I am originally from the Willamette Valley in Oregon where things are green with lots of trees. Yeah it rains alot but it is very pretty..now I live in a place with stark beauty...grey, brown, white..and very beautiful..but it isn't home...I get homesick....I long sometimes for the familar...

So when I read this poem, I knew exactly what the author was feeling. Yeah India is beautiful, yeah, it has fragrant flowers..but she just flat wants to go home. She wants to go back to the simple life of her homeland...

And the reason that this poem is good, is that it speaks of an emotion that many have felt, the need and longing to go home to a place of comfort and belonging. Whether like me my longing for the Pacific NW..or at a big gala bash when you really rather be with just a few friends instead. She speaks to those things that we all relate to, the need to be where we feel we belong. Excellent poem. I hope you will elaborate on the emotion and not just the technical skill. Otherwise it would be like someone handing you the keys to a Jag and all you can talk about is the size of the engine and not how it feels to take it up to 100 mph on the freeway..rather a waste.