How Innocent we Lie Among

Name: How Innocent we Lie Among
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay

The poem explores themes of love, morality, and societal hypocrisy. It opens with a critique of righteousness, juxtaposing the sweetness of perceived virtue with the reality of sinful love. The speaker reflects on the contradictions of societal norms, particularly those enforced by religious authorities. The imagery of bishops and their sons suggests a critique of institutionalized morality, highlighting the tension between personal desires and societal expectations. The speaker acknowledges the act of love as both a transgression and a source of joy, emphasizing the complexity of human emotions. As the poem progresses, the speaker invites a sense of intimacy, contrasting the external judgment with the internal experience of love. The natural imagery, such as the moon and earth, serves to ground the emotional turmoil in a broader context, suggesting that love exists beyond societal constraints. The poem culminates in a defiant assertion of love's value, despite its condemnation by authority figures. The act of "filching" divine love underscores the idea that true connection transcends moral boundaries imposed by society. The speaker embraces the complexity of love, acknowledging both its beauty and its potential for conflict with societal norms.

By Edna St. Vincent Millay · First published 1939 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Modernism · 166 words

First lines

The righteous! -Lord, how sweet we smell, Doing this wicked thing, this love, Bought up by bishops! -doing well, With all our leisure, all our pride, What's illy done and done in haste

By licensed folk on every side, Spitting out fruit before they taste.

(That stalk must thrust a clubby bud;

Push an abortive flower to birth.)

What this Textopian page supports

How Innocent we Lie Among is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay, dated 1939 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: 1939 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Modernism, Social Critique, Lyrical
Length: 166 words
Structure: 1 section, 13 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure typical of poetry.
Romanticism — Themes of love, desire, and emotional expression are central to the work, characteristic of Romantic literature.
Modernism — The poem reflects modernist themes of disillusionment and complexity in human relationships.
Social Critique — The text critiques societal norms and institutions, particularly regarding love and morality.