No Earthly Enterprise

Name: No Earthly Enterprise
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay

The poem explores themes of love, despair, and the contrast between emotional vulnerability and the desire for solace. The speaker warns a loved one against seeking comfort in moments of weakness, suggesting that such pursuits lead to disillusionment. The imagery evokes a sense of isolation and the harshness of reality, with references to the coldness of the environment and the unsettling sounds of nature. The speaker finds refuge in a state of rest, indicating a preference for detachment from the world's troubles. The juxtaposition of warmth and safety in bed against the chilling external world highlights the tension between inner peace and external chaos. The poem ultimately reflects on the complexities of human emotions, the fragility of comfort, and the inevitability of despair.

By Edna St. Vincent Millay · First published 1936 · Genre: Poetry, Modernist Literature, Lyrical Poetry · 169 words

First lines

No earthly enterprise Will cloud this vision; so beware, You whom I love, when you are weak, of seeking comfort stair by stair Up here: which leads nowhere.

I am at home-oh, I am safe in bed and well tucked in-Despair Put out the light beside my bed.

I smiled, and closed my eyes.

"Goodnight-goodnight," she said.

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No Earthly Enterprise is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay, dated 1936 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay
Date: 1936 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Modernist Literature, Lyrical Poetry, Symbolism, Existentialism
Length: 169 words
Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse and employs poetic devices, focusing on emotional expression and imagery.
Modernist Literature — The themes of despair, isolation, and existential reflection align with modernist literary movements.
Lyrical Poetry — The personal and emotional tone of the poem emphasizes the speaker's inner feelings and thoughts.
Symbolism — The use of symbols such as light, darkness, and nature reflects deeper meanings and emotional states.