Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Pygmalion" is a poem by William Bell Scott, first published in 1853. Scott (1811-1890) was a Scottish poet, painter, and sculptor who was associated with the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. His poetry often reflects the ideals and aesthetic principles of the Pre-Raphaelite movement.

Context:

The poem was written during the Victorian era, a time of great social and cultural change in England. The Victorian era saw the rise of industrialization, urbanization, and scientific inquiry, as well as the expansion of the British Empire. The poem reflects on the themes of artistic creation, love, and the relationship between the artist and his creation.

Content:

The poem tells the story of Pygmalion, a sculptor who falls in love with his own creation, a statue of a woman. The statue is so perfect that Pygmalion is convinced that she is alive, and he prays to the goddess Aphrodite to bring her to life. The goddess grants his wish, and the statue comes to life, becoming Pygmalion's wife.

Form:

The poem is written in rhyming couplets, with a regular meter and a formal tone. The use of rhyming couplets creates a sense of rhythm and momentum in the poem, while the formal tone adds to the poem's sense of reverence and respect.

Poetic Elements:

Scott uses a variety of poetic techniques and devices in the poem to create a rich and evocative narrative. He employs vivid imagery and descriptive language to capture the beauty and perfection of the statue. The poem also makes use of repetition and allusion to highlight the significance of the myth of Pygmalion and the relationship between the artist and his creation.

Summary:

"Pygmalion" is a well-crafted poem that effectively captures the themes of artistic creation, love, and the relationship between the artist and his creation. The use of rhyming couplets and formal language creates a sense of reverence and respect, while the vivid imagery and descriptive language bring the story to life. The poem is a moving reflection on the power of art to transcend reality and the desire of the artist to bring his creations to life.

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