"Away, Melancholy" is a poignant and evocative poem in which the poet advocates for embracing positivity despite the presence of sorrow, particularly melancholy. Through the use of vivid and multi-sensory imagery, Smith seeks to remind readers of the inherent beauty that exists in the world around them.
Away, Melancholy by Stevie Smith
Away, Melancholy
Away, melancholy,
Away with it, let it go.
Are not the trees green,
The earth as green?
Does not the wind blow,
Fire leap and the rivers flow?
Away melancholy.
The ant is busy
He carrieth his meat,
All things hurry
To be eaten or eat.
Away, melancholy.
Man, too, hurries,
Eats, couples, buries,
He is an animal also
With a hey ho melancholy,
Away with it, let it go.
Man of all creatures
Is superlative
(Away melancholy)
He of all creatures alone
Raiseth a stone
(Away melancholy)
Into the stone, the god
Pours what he knows of good
Calling, good, God.
Away melancholy, let it go.
Speak not to me of tears,
Tyranny, pox, wars,
Saying, Can God
Stone of man's thoughts, be good?
Say rather it is enough
That the stuffed
Stone of man's good, growing,
By man's called God.
Away, melancholy, let it go.
Man aspires
To good,
To love
Sighs;
Beaten, corrupted, dying
In his own blood lying
Yet heaves up an eye above
Cries, Love, love.
It is his virtue needs explaining,
Not his failing.
Away, melancholy,
Away with it, let it go
Summary of Away, Melancholy
"Away, Melancholy" calls for the departure of sorrow, urging it to be released. The poet asks if the trees are not green, if the earth is not green, and if the wind does not blow, the fire leap, and the rivers flow. The message is clear: let go of melancholy.The ant, busy with its work, carries its food, while all things hurry to be eaten or to eat. Even humans hurry in their lives—eating, coupling, and burying. In this, humans, like animals, experience melancholy. But the poet insists again, "Away with it, let it go."
The poem celebrates man as the most exceptional of all creatures, noting that only man can raise a stone. Into this stone, the god pours what he knows of good, calling it good, calling it God. The poet urges once more: "Away, melancholy, let it go."
The poet rejects sorrowful talk of tears, tyranny, pox, and war. Instead of questioning if God, the stone of man's thoughts, can be good, the poet suggests it is enough to recognize that the stone of man's good is called God by humanity. The call is to let go of melancholy.
Humanity aspires to good, to love, and even though man is beaten, corrupted, and dying in his own blood, he lifts his eye and cries, "Love, love." It is his virtue that needs understanding, not his failures.
Finally, the poet repeats: "Away, melancholy, let it go."
‘Away, Melancholy’ by Stevie Smith is an uplifting poem that encourages readers to let go of melancholy and embrace a positive outlook on life. The speaker guides readers through reasons to overcome sadness by highlighting the strength and inherent goodness of humanity.
Main Points
- Banishing Melancholy: The poem aims to remove feelings of melancholy from the reader's mind, inspiring hope and positivity.
- Humanity’s Strength: The speaker emphasizes humanity's basic decency and resilience, presenting them as reasons to remain hopeful.
- Connection to Nature: The speaker reminds readers that humans are a part of the natural world, just like animals such as ants, bound by instinct and the cycle of life.
Conclusion
‘Away, Melancholy’ motivates readers to find solace in humanity’s strength and goodness and in the shared connection to nature. It is a gentle yet powerful reminder of reasons to remain optimistic and grounded.
Themes in Away, Melancholy
In ‘Away, Melancholy,’ the poet explores the prominent theme of nature, encompassing both human nature/instinct and non-human nature. Through vivid natural imagery, the poem reminds the reader of the fundamental beauty and constancy of the living world.
Main Themes
- Human and Non-Human Nature: The poem highlights the connection between human instinct and the broader natural world, using examples like an ant, the wind, and rain to evoke a sense of reality and resilience.
- Reality vs. Melancholy: The poet encourages readers to reconsider their sorrow by reminding them that the world continues to spin, suggesting that there is little reason for melancholy when nature is so constant.
- Connection to the Divine and Human Strength: By referencing God, human decency, and strength, the poet links the natural elements (wind, rain, fire) to the human experience, showing how these forces shape and guide human life.
- Human Goodness vs. Human Folly: The poem concludes with a poignant message that the inherent goodness of humans is far more enduring and powerful than human mistakes or folly.
Conclusion
‘Away, Melancholy’ encourages readers to embrace the beauty of nature and the strength of human goodness. It suggests that by connecting with the natural world and our own inherent decency, we can overcome feelings of sorrow and find greater meaning in life.
Structure and Form of Away, Melancholy
‘Away, Melancholy’ by Stevie Smith is a nine-stanza poem with varying stanza lengths. The poem does not follow a strict rhyme scheme or meter, yet it maintains a rhythmic and visual consistency that contributes to its emotional impact.
Structure
- Stanza Length: The poem consists of nine stanzas with irregular lengths:
- The first stanza contains two lines.
- Three subsequent stanzas each have five lines.
- The fifth and sixth stanzas are longer, each containing ten lines.
- The seventh stanza has four lines.
- The eighth stanza is eight lines long.
- The final, ninth stanza has two lines.
- Rhyme Scheme: The poem does not adhere to a specific, consistent rhyme scheme, but examples of rhyme are present throughout. For instance, “blow” and “flow” in stanza two and “meat” and “eat” in stanza three.
- Meter: The poem does not follow a fixed meter. While the lines visually appear to be of similar length, the number of syllables varies from line to line, adding to the poem’s natural flow and cadence.
Conclusion
The structure and form of ‘Away, Melancholy’ contribute to its fluidity and emotional resonance. By varying the stanza lengths and using inconsistent rhyme and meter, Stevie Smith enhances the conversational and reflective tone of the poem, reinforcing its themes of change and constancy.
Literary Devices in Away, Melancholy
In ‘Away, Melancholy,’ Stevie Smith makes use of several key literary devices that enhance the emotional depth and rhythmic flow of the poem. These include alliteration, anaphora, and enjambment, all of which contribute to the poem’s meaning and tone.
Literary Devices
- Alliteration: This device involves the repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginning of multiple words. It creates a musical quality and emphasizes certain ideas or themes.
- Example 1: “Fire” and “flow” in line four of the second stanza.
- Example 2: “Good” and “God” in line nine of the fifth stanza.
- Anaphora: Anaphora is the repetition of the same word or words at the beginning of successive lines or phrases. This device reinforces key themes and adds a rhythmic structure to the poem.
- Example 1: The repetition of “Away” at the beginning of both lines in the first stanza.
- Example 2: The use of “To” at the start of two lines in the seventh stanza.
- Enjambment: Enjambment occurs when a line is cut off before its natural stopping point, creating a sense of movement and continuity between lines. This device can increase tension or allow for the smooth flow of ideas.
- Example 1: The transition between the first two lines of the third stanza.
- Example 2: Most of the lines in the fifth stanza, where the thought continues across multiple lines.
Conclusion
The use of alliteration, anaphora, and enjambment in ‘Away, Melancholy’ contributes to the poem's rhythmic structure and enhances its emotional impact. These devices not only emphasize the poem’s key themes but also create a flowing, reflective tone that complements the message of the poem.
Stanzas One and Two of Away, Melancholy - Extended Analysis
In the opening lines of ‘Away, Melancholy,’ the speaker’s plea to dispel sorrow begins with the commanding line, “Away, melancholy,” followed by a repetition of the phrase “Away with it, let it go.” The use of repetition here emphasizes the speaker's strong desire to rid herself of this heavy emotion. By repeating the word "away," she both expresses frustration and attempts to exert control over her melancholy, as if willing it out of her life. The repeated plea creates a rhythmic sense of urgency and assertiveness, underscoring the speaker’s determination to move beyond sadness.
Stanza by Stanza Analysis of Away, Melancholy by Stevie Smith
Analysis of Stanzas One and Two
- First Stanza - Rejection of Melancholy:
The opening line, “Away, melancholy,” not only serves as a rejection of sadness but also establishes the central conflict of the poem: the battle against negative emotions. The direct address to “melancholy” as if it were a tangible entity adds a layer of personification, turning the feeling into something that can be actively pushed aside. By repeating the command to “let it go,” the speaker seems to be affirming her control over this emotional state, attempting to overpower it with sheer will.
- Second Stanza - A Reminder of Nature’s Continuity:
In the second stanza, the speaker shifts focus to the natural world, finding reassurance in its consistency. She mentions the "trees," which remain "green," and the "wind" that "blows." These natural elements are timeless and enduring, unchanging despite any turmoil the speaker might feel. The phrase “the rivers flow” evokes a sense of constant motion, a reminder that life continues to move forward regardless of personal hardships. The natural world becomes a symbol of stability, offering the speaker a comforting contrast to her emotional state. The smooth flow of rivers, the steady wind, and the ever-green trees stand in stark opposition to the ephemeral nature of melancholy, making it seem small and insignificant in comparison.
- Reassurance in the Regularity of Nature:
Through these natural images, the speaker encourages herself to find solace in the predictable rhythms of life. The constancy of nature serves as a mirror to the way the speaker believes she should approach her emotional state: by acknowledging sorrow, but not allowing it to take over. The familiar, rhythmic patterns of nature — trees, wind, and rivers — suggest that life itself is far greater than any temporary emotional upset. This thematic exploration of nature highlights its ability to provide peace and a sense of belonging, reminding the speaker (and the reader) that sorrow is but one fleeting moment in the grand flow of existence.
- The Role of Repetition:
Repetition plays a crucial role in these first two stanzas. By repeating “away” and the imperative “let it go,” the speaker’s command against melancholy becomes more forceful. The rhythm of the poem mirrors the motion of the natural world described, emphasizing the idea that, like the elements, one can move through difficult emotions with the same consistency and calm. The refrain, almost chant-like, instills a sense of empowerment in the speaker, suggesting that melancholy is not a permanent fixture but a passing, manageable experience.
Conclusion
In these opening stanzas, Stevie Smith uses the rejection of melancholy as a central theme while grounding the speaker’s emotional journey in the constancy of nature. Through repetition and the use of vivid natural imagery, the speaker demonstrates that despite the presence of negative emotions, the world continues to move forward, offering a sense of reassurance and peace. The message of these stanzas is clear: melancholy, like any emotion, is transient, and the unchanging rhythms of nature provide a comforting and steadfast reminder of life’s continuity. The speaker’s plea to “let it go” is not only a personal desire to rid herself of sadness but also an invitation to the reader to find comfort in the simplicity and stability of the natural world.
Stanza Three of Away, Melancholy - Extended Analysis
In the third stanza of Stevie Smith’s ‘Away, Melancholy,’ the speaker continues to reinforce the theme of nature as a means of overcoming sorrow. This time, she introduces the image of the ant, a humble yet industrious creature, to remind the reader that life goes on, regardless of personal emotions. The speaker draws attention to the natural world's simple and meaningful actions, suggesting that there is no reason to wallow in sadness when the world around us is filled with purposeful activity.
Analysis of Stanza Three
- The Ant as a Symbol of Industry and Purpose:
The ant in this stanza is depicted as a busy, determined creature carrying “his meat.” The speaker uses the ant’s simple act of gathering food as a metaphor for life’s ongoing tasks. The ant, focused on its goal, is a perfect example of nature’s relentless forward motion. Its industrious nature contrasts sharply with the human tendency to become bogged down by melancholy. In this, the ant represents a model for living — despite hardship or sorrow, one continues to perform the necessary actions of life.
- Life’s Simple Processes:
Smith uses the ant’s behavior to remind the reader of life’s simple processes — that nature continues as it always has. The phrase “ready to be eaten or eat” illustrates that every living thing has its role, whether as a provider or consumer. The circularity of this process emphasizes that life is a continual flow of actions and interactions, all of which are necessary to the balance of existence. The speaker subtly hints that focusing on such basic, natural processes can help shift one’s mindset from despair to a more grounded, present awareness.
- Repetition of the Refrain:
At the end of the stanza, the speaker repeats the refrain “Away, melancholy.” This refrain, now familiar to the reader, takes on a chant-like quality. It becomes more than just a dismissal of sadness; it transforms into a mantra. The repetition reinforces the speaker’s determination to move beyond sorrow and focus on the positive aspects of life, like the industrious ant. The rhythmic quality of the refrain echoes the steady motion of the natural world, underscoring the theme that life, like the ant’s task, must continue despite any sadness that may arise.
- The Mantra of “Away, Melancholy”:
The refrain grows in significance with each repetition. It no longer serves just as a simple command but as an invocation, a prayer for freedom from sorrow. The mantra suggests a form of mental discipline, a way for the speaker (and the reader) to actively combat negativity by repeating a statement of intent. As the stanza progresses, the repetition serves as a form of mental reset, encouraging the reader to shift focus from the negative to the positive.
Conclusion
In this stanza, Stevie Smith continues to develop her argument against melancholy by introducing the ant as a symbol of purpose and industriousness. The natural processes of the world, represented by the ant, become a reminder that life goes on regardless of personal sorrow. The repetition of the refrain “Away, melancholy” further reinforces the speaker’s resolve to overcome sadness. The ant’s simple task of gathering food stands in stark contrast to human emotions, encouraging the reader to focus on the simple, ongoing processes of life and to find solace in the continuity of nature. The mantra-like refrain serves as a powerful reminder that, just as the ant has its role, so too does the individual in the grand scheme of life, and sorrow is only a temporary detour from life’s ongoing journey.
Stanza Four of Away, Melancholy - Extended Analysis
In the fourth stanza of Stevie Smith’s ‘Away, Melancholy,’ the speaker draws a direct parallel between human life and the lives of animals, further emphasizing that life’s natural processes — whether human or animal — should be enough to dispel feelings of melancholy. By comparing human behavior to that of the ant and other animals, the speaker reminds the reader that humans are part of the natural world, governed by instincts and filled with simple, joyful actions.
Analysis of Stanza Four
- The Connection Between Humans and Animals:
The speaker compares human life to that of the ant and other animals, suggesting that humans, like the ant, are also bound by nature’s rhythms. Humans "hurry," "eat," "couple," and "bury," engaging in fundamental actions that sustain life. These activities, while inherently simple, are significant parts of human existence. By emphasizing these actions, the speaker reinforces the idea that life should continue despite sadness, for these basic, natural actions give life purpose and rhythm.
- The Instinctual Nature of Humans:
By stating that "Man, too, hurries," the poet emphasizes that humans, like animals, are driven by instinct. Just as the ant is busy gathering food for survival, humans are similarly preoccupied with fulfilling their basic needs and desires. This includes eating, procreating, and carrying out rituals such as burial. These actions, though they may seem mundane or even melancholic in their nature (e.g., burial), are all essential parts of life that allow human beings to experience a sense of continuity and purpose.
- The Musicality of the Line “Hey Ho”:
One of the striking features of this stanza is the use of the playful and rhythmic “hey ho.” The phrase “hey ho” introduces a musicality that lightens the tone of the poem, contrasting with the potentially somber subject of death and melancholy. It’s an example of how the poet injects humor and vitality into the poem, reminding the reader that life, despite its ups and downs, is full of energy and movement. The “hey ho” creates a musical, almost sing-song quality, and it serves as a chant-like expression of movement and life. The rhyme scheme, with "ho," "also," and "go," ties together the thoughts in a way that emphasizes the joyfulness of the message, uplifting the tone of the poem.
- The Refrain “Away, Melancholy”:
The refrain “Away, melancholy” is repeated once again at the end of this stanza. This repetition continues to serve as a mantra, a powerful verbal reminder to let go of sorrow. As the speaker lists all the ways in which life — both human and animal — continues on through instinctual acts, the repetition of this phrase becomes an affirmation of life’s continuity and the futility of dwelling in sorrow. The speaker emphasizes that despite human emotions, life moves forward, much like the actions of animals. The call to “let it go” is a reminder that humans, like all creatures, have roles to play in the larger tapestry of life, and sadness should not impede this natural process.
Conclusion
In this stanza, Stevie Smith continues to reinforce the theme of nature’s continuation in the face of sorrow. By drawing a parallel between the behaviors of humans and animals, the speaker suggests that both are driven by natural instincts, making them part of the same cycle of life. The playful “hey ho” and the repetition of “Away, melancholy” elevate the tone, reminding the reader that despite the inevitable presence of melancholy, life is full of joyful, instinctual actions. These natural processes should remind us that sorrow is transient and that life, in all its simplicity and complexity, continues on. The stanza ultimately brings the focus back to the importance of embracing the flow of life, just as nature does, without being bogged down by negativity or sadness.
Stanza Five of Away, Melancholy - Extended Analysis
In the fifth stanza of Stevie Smith’s ‘Away, Melancholy,’ the speaker elevates the significance of human beings within the natural world by introducing the idea of God or a higher power. This marks a shift in the tone of the poem as the speaker now emphasizes human beings’ unique place in the world. Through the metaphor of the stone, the speaker underscores humanity’s higher purpose and the spiritual aspect of human life, offering a stark contrast to the focus on nature and animal life in the previous stanzas. This serves as a reminder that humans, despite their occasional bouts with melancholy, are endowed with a higher potential.
Analysis of Stanza Five
- Human Superiority and the Divine:
The phrase “Man of all creatures / Is superlative” immediately establishes humans as distinct and superior beings in the natural world. This statement suggests that humanity holds a special position, setting humans apart from other creatures. The speaker then adds a spiritual layer, referencing God or a higher power by stating that humanity is capable of raising a stone. The act of “rais[ing] a stone” is symbolic of human power and potential, with the stone representing something humble or base that can be transformed into something higher, much like human capacity for growth and transcendence.
- The Symbolism of the Stone:
The stone raised by both God and humankind is a powerful metaphor in this stanza. It suggests that human beings are not only capable of achieving greatness, but also that they have been entrusted with the ability to elevate the mundane into the divine. The stone is often associated with permanence, stability, and strength, so its metaphorical elevation represents the human ability to transcend worldly struggles and connect with something higher. This idea reinforces the notion that human beings, despite their flaws and moments of sorrow, have a divine or elevated purpose that should not be forgotten in the face of melancholy.
- Refrain “Away, Melancholy”:
The refrain "Away, melancholy, let it go" appears once again at the end of the stanza. This repetition serves as a reminder to dismiss the emotions that weigh one down. The speaker suggests that no matter the sorrow or difficulty one faces, the human capacity for transcendence — symbolized by the act of raising the stone — provides a reason to rise above melancholy. The persistence of the refrain throughout the poem helps reinforce the message that sorrow should not be allowed to dominate one's mindset, and that human beings have the power and potential to rise beyond their circumstances.
- Connection to the Larger Message:
This stanza ties into the larger theme of the poem, which is that life, in its simplest forms, continues despite individual sorrow. Through the metaphor of raising the stone, the speaker invites the reader to recognize that humans are capable of greatness, both on an earthly and spiritual level. The message is clear: melancholy is temporary and should not overshadow the higher calling or divine purpose that humans possess. The reference to God emphasizes the notion that humans are more than just creatures of instinct and that they have the ability to rise above worldly sorrow.
Conclusion
In this stanza, the speaker highlights the special status of human beings within the natural world by introducing a spiritual dimension. The act of raising a stone symbolizes human potential for greatness, and it serves as a powerful reminder that there is more to life than transient emotions like melancholy. Through this metaphor, the speaker encourages the reader to recognize that humans have a higher calling and purpose, which transcends sorrow. The refrain, "Away, melancholy," continues to echo throughout the poem, urging the reader to cast off negativity and embrace the higher purpose of human existence.
Stanza Six of Away, Melancholy - Extended Analysis
In the sixth stanza of ‘Away, Melancholy,’ Stevie Smith shifts to a more personal tone by using the first-person pronoun "me." This marks a more intimate exploration of the themes of sorrow, human nature, and the divine. The speaker explicitly asks that no one speak to her of the negative aspects of life — the tears, tyranny, pox, and wars that so often bring despair. Instead, she focuses on the idea that humanity's inherent goodness, or the goodness it has been endowed with, should be enough to dispel any notions of melancholy. There is also a subtle philosophical exploration of the relationship between human nature and divinity, suggesting that humanity itself may have created a "good God." This further reinforces the cyclical, self-sustaining nature of the speaker's comfort and belief in human goodness.
Analysis of Stanza Six
- First-Person Perspective:
By using "me" in this stanza, the speaker shifts the tone from general reflections to a more personal, intimate plea. The focus becomes her individual perspective on sorrow and the divine. The personal pronoun signals that this is a moment of introspection, where the speaker is laying bare her thoughts about life, suffering, and the human condition. This change in perspective invites the reader to connect more deeply with the speaker's emotional state and philosophy.
- Rejection of Suffering and Negativity:
“Speak not to me of tears, / Tyranny, pox, wars” — here, the speaker rejects all the suffering and hardship that often dominate human experience. She asks others not to dwell on these negative aspects of life, showing her desire to distance herself from the sorrow and despair that these elements represent. By listing tears, tyranny, pox, and wars, she draws attention to the specific hardships that humanity has endured throughout history, yet she chooses not to be consumed by them.
- Questioning the Nature of God and Humanity’s Role:
When the speaker says, “Is God good? / Stone of man’s good, growing, / By man’s called God,” she poses a reflective question about the nature of God. Is God inherently good, or has humanity, in its own image, created a good God? This cyclical questioning suggests that humanity plays a central role in shaping its beliefs about divinity. The metaphor of the “stone of man’s good” symbolizes both human goodness and the divine, emphasizing that the two concepts are closely linked. The speaker seems to take comfort in the idea that humanity's goodness is intertwined with the divine nature, implying that humanity’s potential for good can be seen as an extension of God’s goodness, or vice versa.
- Comfort in the Cyclical Nature of Humanity and Divinity:
The lines in this stanza evoke a sense of cyclical or reciprocal relationship between humanity and divinity. The suggestion that humanity's goodness is either a creation of God or that humans themselves have created a good God hints at the interdependence of these two forces. This cyclical nature suggests that even in the face of suffering, humanity’s goodness and capacity for transcendence remain unbroken. The speaker seems to take comfort in this idea, believing that the divine and the human are not separate, but part of a continuous cycle of growth and goodness.
- Refrain “Away, Melancholy” Revisited:
The refrain "Away, melancholy, let it go" makes another appearance in this stanza, reinforcing the poem’s central message. It acts as a mantra, calling the speaker, and by extension, the reader, to release negative emotions and embrace the belief in human goodness and divine interconnectedness. Despite the suffering and negativity that life may present, the speaker continues to assert that it is enough to believe in the goodness of humanity and its spiritual counterpart, God.
Conclusion
Stanza six marks a critical point in the poem where the speaker transitions into a more personal and intimate exploration of her views on suffering, the divine, and human goodness. By rejecting the negativity of the world and questioning the nature of God, she brings the reader into a reflective space, considering the interrelationship between humanity’s inherent goodness and the divine. The refrain "Away, melancholy" continues to encourage the rejection of sorrow in favor of a more uplifting perspective that values human potential and divine goodness. Through this stanza, Smith deepens the philosophical exploration of the poem, adding a layer of comfort in the cyclical, self-sustaining nature of human and divine goodness.
Stanzas Seven, Eight, and Nine of Away, Melancholy - Extended Analysis
In the final three stanzas of ‘Away, Melancholy,’ Stevie Smith brings the poem to its conclusion with a reflection on humanity’s aspiration to goodness and love. The poem moves towards an uplifting message, encouraging the reader to focus on the positive aspects of human nature even in the face of life’s inevitable struggles and suffering. In these stanzas, the speaker emphasizes that despite the darker moments in life, such as being "beaten, corrupted, dying," humanity's inherent desire for love and goodness remains a powerful force. The final repetition of the refrain “Away with it, let it go” ties the poem back to its central message of rejecting melancholy in favor of focusing on the goodness in life.
Analysis of Stanzas Seven, Eight, and Nine
- Human Aspiration for Good and Love:
“Man aspires / To good, / To love” — In these lines, the speaker emphasizes that despite all the hardships, human beings continuously strive for goodness and love. These two concepts are presented as the ultimate aspirations of humanity, suggesting that even in the face of personal suffering or the harshness of life, the pursuit of goodness and love remains central to the human experience. The repetition of these ideals highlights their importance, acting as a counterbalance to the negativity and melancholy the speaker is attempting to dispel.
- Contradictions of Life: Suffering vs. Love:
In a poignant juxtaposition, the speaker acknowledges the contradictions inherent in life. Lines like “Beaten, corrupted, dying” acknowledge the harsh realities of human existence. These struggles — the suffering and corruption inherent in life — are undeniable, yet they do not diminish the speaker’s belief in humanity's pursuit of love. The image of a person, “dying in his own blood,” is a metaphor for the pain and suffering that humans endure. However, even in the midst of this suffering, the human spirit is described as reaching for love, crying out “Love, love.” The speaker suggests that this is where the true depth of humanity lies — in our aspiration to love and to be good, even when everything else seems to be crumbling.
- Focus on Humanity’s Goodness:
The speaker’s focus is firmly placed on the positive qualities of human nature. Despite the acknowledged failings of humankind, the poem suggests that the most compelling aspect of human life is our capacity for love and goodness. The speaker asserts that the failings of humanity are not what should define us. Instead, the emphasis should be on the ongoing pursuit of love, goodness, and connection with others. This becomes a central idea in the final stanzas — it is more interesting and enriching to focus on the positive aspects of humanity, rather than becoming bogged down by its failings.
- Repetition of the Refrain:
As the poem reaches its conclusion, the refrain "Away, melancholy, let it go" returns, providing a sense of closure and resolution. The repetition of the refrain throughout the poem serves to remind the reader that the central message has remained constant: it is more beneficial to let go of sadness and embrace the goodness and love that life offers. The reiteration of the refrain in the final stanzas emphasizes the strength of this message, reinforcing the theme that we can choose to focus on the uplifting aspects of life, even in the face of adversity.
- Closing Reflection on Life’s Complexity:
In the final lines of the poem, the speaker reflects on the complexity and beauty of life. The focus on love and goodness in the face of hardship is presented as the ultimate truth of the human experience. By closing with the refrain “Away with it, let it go,” the speaker effectively dismisses melancholy as an obstacle that prevents the recognition of life’s deeper beauty and meaning. The closing sentiment is one of optimism, encouraging the reader to let go of negative emotions and instead embrace the possibility of love and goodness in every aspect of life.
Conclusion
The final three stanzas of ‘Away, Melancholy’ serve as a powerful conclusion to the poem’s message. While acknowledging the inevitable hardships of life, the speaker encourages the reader to focus on the goodness and love inherent in human nature. The refrain "Away, melancholy" serves as both a rejection of sorrow and an affirmation of the positive qualities that define the human spirit. Through this conclusion, Stevie Smith reinforces her central theme that, despite life's struggles, the pursuit of goodness, love, and connection is what truly defines the human experience. By emphasizing the strength of human love and goodness, the speaker offers a hopeful and uplifting message that encourages readers to move beyond their sorrows and embrace the better aspects of life.
Similar Poetry to 'Away, Melancholy'
Readers who enjoyed ‘Away, Melancholy’ should also consider exploring some of Stevie Smith’s other best-known poems. Each of these pieces showcases Smith’s ability to delve into complex human emotions and existential themes, often through vivid, thought-provoking imagery and the exploration of melancholy, suffering, and resilience.
'Not Waving But Drowning'
One of Smith’s most famous poems, ‘Not Waving But Drowning,’ contrasts the outward appearance of a person with their inner emotional turmoil. In this piece, the speaker describes the tragic situation of an individual who is silently suffering, their cries for help unnoticed by those around them. The poem speaks to the isolation and the disconnect between how others perceive us and the true depth of our emotional experiences. Like ‘Away, Melancholy,’ this poem explores themes of personal despair and the internal struggle to find meaning amid life's challenges.
'Come on, Come Back'
In ‘Come on, Come Back,’ Smith challenges the reader to confront the harsh realities of human existence, particularly themes of war, suffering, and human instincts in times of crisis. The poem’s tone is direct and urgent, urging a reflection on the cyclical nature of violence and conflict. It evokes a sense of helplessness but also a call to understand humanity's role in perpetuating suffering. This poem, like ‘Away, Melancholy,’ invites the reader to examine the complexities of human nature, particularly in the face of despair.
'The River God'
'The River God’ is another of Smith’s works that explores the themes of fate, power, and the human condition. In this poem, the river god presents a reflection on the cyclical nature of life, death, and nature’s overwhelming force. It intertwines human suffering with natural forces, much like ‘Away, Melancholy,’ where the natural world is used as a counterpoint to the emotional struggles of the speaker. Both poems share a common thread of confronting the inevitability of life’s challenges while offering moments of reflection and possible redemption.
Other Related Poems
- 'The Frog Prince': This poem examines the transition between innocence and experience, blending fantasy and reality to explore personal transformation.
- 'Time and Again': In this poem, Smith reflects on the passing of time and the way it shapes human identity and experience, a common theme in her broader body of work.
- 'Poem About Poetry': This piece explores the nature of art and the purpose of poetry itself, challenging the reader to reflect on the role of the poet in society.
Each of these poems presents a unique perspective on the themes of human emotion, suffering, and resilience, making them highly relevant for readers who appreciated the themes explored in ‘Away, Melancholy.’ Smith’s poetry often blends the personal with the universal, creating works that resonate deeply with readers confronting their own struggles and joys.