Being Young and Green
The poem explores themes of youth, love, and the struggle for self-expression. The speaker reflects on the tension between the desire for emotional connection and the fear of vulnerability. The imagery of being "young and green" suggests naivety and inexperience, while the references to love's spite indicate a rebellious stance against conventional romantic expectations. The speaker expresses a determination to guard their innermost thoughts and feelings, resisting the urge to share them with others. This desire for secrecy is juxtaposed with the inevitability of external forces, represented by the "wind and the sun," which symbolize the challenges and influences that invade personal space and identity. As the poem progresses, the speaker grapples with the conflict between the longing for intimacy and the instinct to protect oneself from potential hurt. The use of vivid imagery and emotional language conveys a sense of urgency and intensity, highlighting the complexities of youthful emotions. Ultimately, the work captures the essence of a young person's struggle to navigate the intricacies of love and self-discovery, emphasizing the tension between openness and self-preservation. The speaker's journey reflects a universal experience of grappling with the desire for connection while maintaining a sense of individuality and autonomy.
By Edna St. Vincent Millay · First published 1941 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Modernism · 75 words
First lines
Being young and green, I said in love's despite: Never in the world will I to living wight Give over, air my mind
To anyone, Hang out its ancient secrets in the strong wind To be shredded and faded. .
Oh, me, invaded And sacked by the wind and the sun!
What this Textopian page supports
Being Young and Green is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay, dated 1941 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay
- Date: 1941 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Modernism, Lyrical, Nature Writing
- Length: 75 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is a poem that explores themes of youth, love, and vulnerability through lyrical expression.
- Romanticism — The poem reflects romantic ideals, focusing on emotional depth and the beauty of nature.
- Modernism — The poem's introspective nature and innovative use of language align with modernist themes.
- Lyrical — The poem is characterized by personal expression and emotional intensity, typical of lyrical works.
Tags
Coming-of-age · Poetry · Nature · Youth · Identity · Self-discovery · Love · Loss · Mortality · Existentialism · Philosophy · Literary fiction
More by Edna St. Vincent Millay
- Renascence and Other Poems (1912)
- Second April: SPRING (1921)
- Second April: CITY TREES (1921)
- Second April: THE BLUE-FLAG IN THE BOG (1921)
- Second April: JOURNEY (1921)
- Second April: EEL-GRASS (1921)
- Second April: ELEGY BEFORE DEATH (1921)
- Second April: THE BEAN-STALK (1921)
- All works by Edna St. Vincent Millay