Analysis of the
poem "There is a Garden in her face" by Thomas Campion.
Thomas Campion describes the woman's beautiful perfections in
his poem. He uses similes and metaphors throughout to describe the beauty that
beholds this magnificent woman. But the woman cannot be as perfect and as
beautiful as the speaker makes her out to be so it gives it a sense of
falseness and makes the reader think that he is just dreaming of this woman.
In There is a Garden in Her Face, the subject of the speaker's
affection is idolized beyond reality and is placed so high upon a pedestal that
she is virtually unattainable. He speaks of her as if she is a goddess, and
that no woman can match her beauty. He compares her to the most beautiful
objects, and even forbidden fruits, as if she were a forbidden creature that no
one shall speak to unless she grants them the pleasure of conversation.
Campion uses one main
symbol throughout the poem which can be thought of as forbidden, similar to
those of the Garden of Eden. He also uses similes and metaphors to compare her
looks to the objects to which she mirrors. Many of which are associated with
wealth or romanticism. For instance, the pearls to which he compares her teeth
to. Pearls are usually thought of when you think of a wealthy person. And he
uses roses and lilies as a comparison to her face to further show how stunning
she is.
Campion uses metaphors and similes to compare the lady to the
splendors of nature. Roses and cherries are repeatedly used to describe various
parts of the lady, like her rosy cheeks and luscious lips. Her teeth are said
to be made "of orient pearl a double row" . The white of the pearl,
the lilies and the snow build the image of a woman of purity and good quality.
This perception of the lady as a divine creature is emphasized by the many references
to heaven. Her face is seen as "a heavenly paradise", her eyes are
"like angels", and her lips are called "sacred cherries".
They are a forbidden fruit, similar to those of the Garden of Eden, that no one
may touch or even look at "till 'Cherry ripe!' themselves do cry".
The lady is viewed to be unapproachable unless she gives her permission to be
approached. She seems cold and unfeeling when her brows are described as
"bended bows" ready to kill with "piercing frowns", so it
is likely that she does not give her permission easily. This woman cannot
possibly be as godlike and perfect as the speaker makes her out to be, which
causes this poem to feel strained and false.
The
false admiration in this poem shows the reader that society has a specific idea
of beauty which is impossible for any woman or man to match. Campion's poem
reflects this impossible ideal that society inflicts on us. This woman in There
is a Garden in Her Face could never really live up to the image that the
speaker has created of her. The image is false, and so is his love because he
is only focusing on her outward appearance.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thanks for feedback...!!!