The Violet Pressed (Poem by Duncan Campbell Scott)

The Violet Pressed

In a Copy of Shakespeare

By Duncan Campbell Scott

Here in the inmost of the master’s heart

    This violet crisp with early dew,

Has come to leave her beauty and to part

    With all her vivid hue.

And while in hollow glades and dells of musk,

    Her fellows will reflower in bands,

Clasping the deeps of shade and emerald dusk,

    With sweet inviolate hands,

She will lie here, a ghost of their delight,

    Their lucent stems all ashen gray,

Their purples fallen into pulvil white,

    Dull as the bluebird’s alula.

But here where human passions pulse in power,

    She will transcend our Shakespeare’s art,

From Desdemona to a smothered flower,

    Will leap the tragic heart.

And memory will recall in keener mood

    The precinct fair where passion grew,

The stars within the water in the wood,

    The moonlit grove, the odorous dew.

The voice that throbbed along the summer dark

    Will float and pause and thrill,

In lonely cadence silvern as the lark,

    To fail below the hill.

The reader will grow weary of the play,

    Finding his heart half understood,

And with the young moon in the early dusk will stray

    Beside the starry water in the wood.

Poem Analysis:

Duncan Campbell Scott's poem "The Violet Pressed" delves into the intricate interplay between human emotions and the natural world, using the metaphor of a pressed violet to evoke themes of beauty, transience, and the enduring power of memory. Through vivid imagery and poignant language, Scott crafts a lyrical exploration of the human condition, inviting readers to reflect on the fleeting nature of life and the profound impact of love and loss.

Symbolism of the Violet: At the heart of the poem lies the image of a violet pressed within the pages of a book, symbolizing both beauty and fragility. The violet, crisp with dew, represents the fleeting nature of life and the ephemeral quality of beauty. As it is pressed and preserved, it serves as a metaphor for the human experience, with its vivid hue fading over time, yet retaining a haunting presence that transcends its physical form.

Transcendence of Art and Memory: Scott explores the idea that art has the power to transcend the limitations of time and space, allowing emotions to resonate across generations. The pressed violet becomes a conduit for memory and emotion, evoking a sense of longing and nostalgia for moments past. Through the act of pressing the violet, the master seeks to immortalize its beauty, suggesting that art has the ability to capture the essence of human experience and preserve it for eternity.

Exploration of Human Passion: The poem delves into the depths of human passion, juxtaposing the delicate beauty of the violet with the intensity of human emotions. Through the imagery of "human passions pulsing in power," Scott explores the complexities of love, desire, and loss. The violet, transformed into a symbol of tragic longing, serves as a reflection of the tumultuous nature of human relationships and the enduring impact they leave on the soul.

Evocation of Nature's Majesty: Scott's imagery evokes the enchanting beauty of the natural world, with references to "hollow glades," "moonlit groves," and "starry water." Nature serves as both a backdrop and a catalyst for human emotions, providing a sense of solace and wonder amidst the turmoil of human experience. The moonlit scenes and fragrant dew become metaphors for moments of transcendence, where the boundaries between the physical and spiritual realms blur.

The Power of Memory: Throughout the poem, Scott underscores the transformative power of memory, suggesting that it has the ability to imbue ordinary moments with profound significance. The reader is invited to journey alongside the master as he recalls past experiences and emotions, finding solace and understanding in the act of remembrance. Memory becomes a source of comfort and enlightenment, allowing individuals to navigate the complexities of life and find meaning in the midst of uncertainty.

In conclusion, "The Violet Pressed" by Duncan Campbell Scott is a poignant meditation on the human experience, blending themes of beauty, transience, and memory with vivid imagery and lyrical language. Through the metaphor of the pressed violet, Scott invites readers to contemplate the fleeting nature of life, the enduring power of art and memory, and the transformative impact of human emotion.