Original Poem
"What a wretched thing is this illusion of desire; that even for ones like you, souls like us are left to pine." Meaning
Translation (English)
How awful is this false idea of wanting;
that even people like you make people like us yearn.
About the Poet
Unknown (Unknown)
No specific information about the poet or poem was found.
Historical Context
- Literary Form
- Unknown
- When Written
- Unknown
- Background
- The poem reflects on the nature of desire and its illusory quality, suggesting that even those who are seemingly above such feelings are affected by it.
Sources: https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/38932-a-man-s-heart-is-a-wretched-wretched-thing-it-isn-t, https://www.huckgutman.com/blog-1/wallace-stevens-the-fierceness-of-desire
Detailed Explanation
This poem reflects on the deceptive nature of desire, portraying it as a 'wretched' illusion. The speaker suggests that desire is a powerful force that affects everyone, even those who might seem immune to it ('ones like you'). The phrase 'souls like us are left to pine' indicates that the speaker and others are left longing or yearning, perhaps for something unattainable. The use of 'wretched' emphasizes the negative impact of this longing, suggesting it brings more suffering than satisfaction. The poem captures the universal struggle with desire, highlighting its ability to create a sense of unfulfilled longing in everyone, regardless of their status or disposition.
Themes
Literary Devices
Word Dictionary
| Word | Meaning | Translation | Transliteration |
|---|---|---|---|
| wretched | miserable | very unhappy or unfortunate | wre-chid |
| illusion | false idea | something that deceives by producing a false impression | i-loo-zhun |
| desire | wanting | wanting something strongly | di-zai-er |
| souls | spirits | the spiritual or immaterial part of a human being | sohlz |
| pine | long for | to want something very much | pahyn |
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