The Sun by Alice Meynell (1917)

Name: The Sun
Author: Alice Meynell

The Sun by Alice Meynell is a beautiful and poignant poem that explores the themes of mortality, love, and the passing of time. The poem is written in free verse and features simple yet powerful language that creates a sense of intimacy and vulnerability. Meynell's use of imagery and symbolism adds depth and complexity to the poem, making it a rich and rewarding read. The image of the sun as a "fiery pulse" that beats "in the veins of life" is particularly striking, as it highlights the importance of the sun in sustaining life and energy. The poem also touches on the themes of memory and nostalgia, as Meynell reflects on the passing of time and the loss of loved ones. The line "the past is dead, but memory lives on" is particularly poignant, as it highlights the way in which memories can continue to shape our experiences even after the events themselves have passed. Overall, The Sun is a moving and thought-provoking poem that explores some of the most fundamental aspects of human experience: love, mortality, and the passage of time.

By Alice Meynell · First published 1917 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophy, Religion · 1,010 words

First lines

Nowhere else does the greater light so rule the day, so measure, so divide, so reign, make so imperial laws, so visibly kindle, so immediately quicken, so suddenly efface, so banish, so restore, as in a plain like this of Suffolk with its enormous sky. The curious have an insufficient motive for going to the mountains if they do it to see the sunrise. The sun that leaps from a mountain peak is a sun past the dew of his birth; he has walked some way towards the common fires of noon.

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The Sun is listed on Textopian as an essay by Alice Meynell, dated 1917 CE.

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Work type: Essay
Author: Alice Meynell
Date: 1917 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Philosophy, Religion
Length: 1,010 words
Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Genres

Poetry — The book is a collection of poems written by Alice Meynell.
Philosophy — Many of the poems delve into philosophical concepts and ideas.
Religion — A significant portion of Meynell's work explores religious themes, beliefs, and questions.