Lover's Song
By Victor Hugo
My soul unto thy heart is given,
In mystic fold do they entwine,
So bound in one that, were they riven,
Apart my soul would life resign.
Thou art my song and I the lyre;
Thou art the breeze and I the brier;
The altar I, and thou the fire;
Mine the deep love, the beauty thine!
As fleets away the rapid hour
While weeping — may
My sorrowing lay
Touch thee, sweet flower.
Poem Analysis:
Victor Hugo’s poem "Lover’s Song" is a passionate and lyrical expression of the profound interconnectedness between two lovers. Through rich metaphors and vivid imagery, Hugo explores themes of unity, dependence, and the beauty of love, illustrating how two souls can become inextricably bound.
Theme and Content
The central theme of "Lover’s Song" revolves around the idea of deep, almost mystical, connection between two lovers. Hugo portrays this connection as one that is essential to the very existence of the individuals involved, highlighting the intensity and all-consuming nature of true love.
- Unity and Interdependence: The poem opens with the lines, "My soul unto thy heart is given, / In mystic fold do they entwine," immediately establishing the theme of unity. The imagery of souls entwining in a "mystic fold" suggests a bond that transcends the physical, reaching into the spiritual realm. This deep connection is so vital that the speaker claims his soul would "resign" life if separated from the beloved’s heart.
- Metaphorical Relationships: Hugo uses a series of metaphors to describe the relationship between the lovers. The speaker likens himself to a lyre and his beloved to the song, himself to the brier and his beloved to the breeze, and himself to the altar and his beloved to the fire. These metaphors emphasize the complementary nature of their relationship, where each element enhances and completes the other. The lyre needs the song to produce music, the brier sways with the breeze, and the altar gains significance from the fire.
- Love and Beauty: The poem also juxtaposes the speaker’s love with the beloved’s beauty: "Mine the deep love, the beauty thine!" This line encapsulates the essence of their relationship, where the speaker’s profound love is matched by the beloved’s captivating beauty. The balance between love and beauty is presented as harmonious and essential.
- Passage of Time and Sorrow: In the concluding lines, Hugo reflects on the fleeting nature of time and the presence of sorrow. The phrase "As fleets away the rapid hour" acknowledges the transient nature of life and moments shared together. The speaker’s "sorrowing lay" or lament is directed towards the beloved, hoping that his emotional expression will touch her deeply, like "sweet flower."
Imagery and Tone
The poem is rich in vivid and evocative imagery, particularly through the use of metaphors that link the lovers to natural and musical elements. The tone is one of deep passion and reverence, capturing the intensity of the speaker’s feelings and the almost sacred nature of the bond between the lovers.
Structure and Style
"Lover’s Song" follows a structured rhyme scheme and rhythm, which contributes to its lyrical quality. The formal structure enhances the sense of harmony and unity conveyed in the poem, reflecting the balanced and intertwined relationship of the lovers.
Hugo’s style in this poem is characterized by its use of romantic and mystical language. The elevated diction and use of metaphors create a sense of timelessness and universality, allowing readers to connect with the profound emotions and themes presented.
Victor Hugo’s "Lover’s Song" is a beautiful and poignant exploration of the deep connection between two lovers. Through rich metaphors, vivid imagery, and a reverent tone, the poem captures the essence of a love that transcends the physical realm and becomes a vital part of the lovers' very existence. The themes of unity, interdependence, and the balance between love and beauty are elegantly woven into the structure and style of the poem, creating a timeless piece that resonates with the intensity and depth of true love. Hugo’s "Lover’s Song" invites readers to reflect on the profound and transformative power of love, recognizing it as an essential and mystical force in human life.