Feast by Edna St. Vincent Millay

Name: Feast
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay

The poem explores themes of desire, longing, and the human experience of unfulfilled needs. The speaker reflects on their journey through life, symbolized by the act of drinking and eating, yet finds that the true essence of satisfaction lies not in the consumption of physical sustenance but in the experience of yearning itself. The imagery of drinking from every vine and gnawing at every root illustrates a relentless pursuit of fulfillment. However, the speaker concludes that no wine or fruit can compare to the profound sensation of thirst and hunger. This paradox highlights the idea that the pursuit of desire can be more significant than the attainment of it. The poem suggests a deeper philosophical reflection on existence, where the act of wanting becomes a vital part of life. The final lines emphasize a resignation to this state of being, as the speaker chooses to embrace their thirst and hunger rather than seek external satisfaction. This acceptance of desire as an intrinsic part of the human condition resonates throughout the work, inviting readers to contemplate their own experiences of longing and fulfillment.

By Edna St. Vincent Millay · First published 1920 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Modernist Literature · 116 words

First lines

I drank at every vine.

The last was like the first.

I came upon no wine So wonderful as thirst.

I gnawed at every root.

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Feast is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay, dated 1920 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay
Date: 1920 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Modernist Literature, Symbolism, Romanticism
Length: 116 words
Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The work is a poem that employs lyrical language and explores themes of desire and longing.
Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal emotions and reflections, characteristic of lyric poetry.
Modernist Literature — The poem reflects modernist themes of existentialism and the human condition.
Symbolism — The use of symbols such as wine and hunger conveys deeper meanings related to human experience.