Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Elinor Wylie’s poem "Sanctuary" presents a compelling exploration of the themes of confinement, aspiration, and the interplay between creation and limitation. Through vivid imagery and concise language, Wylie examines the duality of sanctuary as both a place of refuge and a potential trap, revealing the complexities of human desire for security and the necessity of openness.

The poem begins with a stark and auditory image: “This is the bricklayer; hear the thud / Of his heavy load dumped down on stone.” The sound of the bricklayer’s work serves as an immediate grounding device, drawing the reader into the physicality of construction. The imagery of “lustrous bricks” that are “brighter than blood” evokes a sense of vitality and richness, while the “smoking mortar” described as “whiter than bone” introduces a stark contrast. This juxtaposition of colors—red and white—suggests the interplay of life and death, creation and destruction, which will be central to the poem’s themes.

As the bricklayer sets to work, the speaker’s desire for a “marvelous wall” becomes evident. The wall symbolizes a protective barrier, representing the speaker's quest for safety and stability. The line “Make my marvelous wall so thick / Dead nor living may shake its strength” highlights a longing for permanence and invulnerability. The use of the terms “dead” and “living” implies that the speaker seeks an impenetrable sanctuary that can withstand all forms of existence—both the threats posed by the outside world and the internal struggles of the self.

Wylie’s choice of language in the phrases “full as a crystal cup with drink” conveys a sense of abundance and tranquility. The image of a “cell” filled with “dreams, and quiet, and cool” suggests an idealized vision of sanctuary as a space for reflection and repose. This depiction of the cell—often associated with confinement—contrasts with the nurturing qualities of dreams and calmness, suggesting that within this enclosure lies potential and creativity.

However, the poem takes a sudden turn with the command, “Stop, old man! You must leave a chink; / How can I breathe?” This plea reveals a critical tension between the desire for security and the necessity of openness. The speaker's urgent need for a “chink” indicates an awareness of the suffocating nature of total enclosure. While the wall represents safety, the complete absence of space for air symbolizes a deeper existential concern: the need for freedom and connection with the outside world. The abrupt shift in tone from construction to desperation underscores the precarious nature of sanctuary.

The final line, “You can't, you fool!” serves as a stark response, likely from the bricklayer. It suggests an inevitable truth about the limitations of creating a sanctuary. The bricklayer’s refusal to leave a chink emphasizes the futility of achieving absolute security without considering the need for life and breath—both literally and metaphorically. This statement encapsulates the tension between human aspiration and the harsh realities of existence.

Formally, "Sanctuary" employs a structured rhyme scheme that lends a rhythmic quality to the poem. The alternating lines create a sense of movement, mirroring the physical act of construction while also enhancing the emotional resonance of the speaker’s journey. Wylie’s use of enjambment allows thoughts to flow seamlessly from one line to the next, reflecting the ongoing struggle to balance the desire for safety with the need for freedom.

In conclusion, Elinor Wylie’s "Sanctuary" engages with the complexities of human desire for safety, the inherent tension between confinement and freedom, and the creative potential that lies within that struggle. Through vivid imagery and a careful balance of tone, Wylie captures the essence of sanctuary as both a refuge and a potential prison. The poem invites readers to reflect on their own understandings of safety and freedom, ultimately suggesting that true sanctuary may require the acceptance of vulnerability and the necessity of connection with the world beyond.

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