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Questions and Answers
What imagery is used to describe the subject's physical attributes?
The subject is described using vibrant metaphors such as 'breasts like apples' and 'thighs like pillars'.
How does the speaker express their desire for the subject?
The speaker conveys their desire through passionate descriptions and a feeling of yearning, indicating an intense connection.
What does the phrase 'the Lord is my shepherd but I want' suggest about the speaker's emotional state?
It suggests a sense of spiritual yearning unfulfilled by physical desire, indicating inner conflict.
In what ways is the contrast between stillness and movement highlighted in the poem?
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What feelings does the speaker experience regarding the subject's responsiveness?
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What does the recurring mention of physical attributes signify in the speaker's perspective?
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How does the speaker's observation of the subject's stillness contribute to the overall tone of the poem?
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What is the significance of the phrase 'I have looked at her fearlessly' within the context of the poem?
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In what way does the imagery of natural elements enhance the speaker's description of the subject?
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What emotional implications are suggested by the speaker's plea that 'she will not listen'?
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Study Notes
The Speaker's Desire
- The speaker expresses a strong and undeniable desire for a woman.
- The speaker describes their longing as "lust" and acknowledges its powerful presence.
- The speaker's desire manifests physically, creating a sensation described as a "shout."
- The speaker's fascination extends beyond physical attraction, as they take notice of the woman's stillness, "silent and swift" movements, and "musical" presence.
Detailed Physical Description
- The speaker provides a detailed physical description of the woman, highlighting features like her "soft hair," "white brow," "sweet lips," "proud chin," and "graceful" neck.
- The description emphasizes the woman's beauty through comparisons like "petals of the lotus" (fingers), "apples" (breasts), and "cedars" (legs).
- The speaker admires the woman's physical strength with descriptions like "white and strong," "firm and strong," and "ample."
Unrequited Desire and the Speaker's State of Mind
- Despite knowing the woman's name and calling out to her, she remains unresponsive.
- The speaker's desire is not fulfilled, leading to a sense of frustration and longing.
- The speaker's frustration is juxtaposed with the reference to "The Lord is my shepherd," suggesting a conflict between spiritual devotion and earthly desires.
- The speaker acknowledges their longing ("I want"), highlighting the unrequited nature of their feelings.
The Speaker's Desire
- The speaker openly and unabashedly expresses their desire for a woman.
- The speaker uses sensual imagery, comparing her physical attributes to natural elements, such as white and long, silent and swift, and musical.
- The speaker acknowledges their lust ("lust is my name").
The Woman's Physical Description
- The woman is described in detail, focusing on her beauty and strength.
- Her body is compared to natural elements:
- hair - soft
- brow - white
- eyes - young
- nose - fine
- lips - sweet
- mouth - sweet
- tongue - sweet
- chin - proud
- neck - white, graceful, long
- nape - downy, smooth
- shoulders - strong
- arms - soft, long
- wrists - small and supple
- hands - neat, exquisite
- fingers - petals of the lotus
- breasts - like apples
- body - white shining, sweet and long
- hips - broad and ample, wide and strong
- thighs - like pillars, white and long
- legs - like cedars, firm and strong
- feet - sweet
- toes - like the rose
The Speaker's Unrequited Desire
- The speaker knows the woman's name and calls out to her.
- The woman does not respond, suggesting unrequited love.
- The speaker's desire is described as a powerful force that takes priority over spiritual or religious needs.
- The speaker acknowledges their need ("I want"), even though they are aware of their spiritual connection ("The Lord is my shepherd").
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Description
This quiz delves into the themes and imagery presented in a poem focused on the speaker's intense desire for a woman. It explores the physical descriptions, emotional depth, and the complexities of unrequited love highlighted in the text. Test your understanding of poetic devices and their impact on the speaker's feelings.
