Only the Diamond

Name: Only the Diamond
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay

The poem explores the theme of human vulnerability and the inherent flaws that come with existence. It begins with the metaphor of a diamond, symbolizing purity and strength, which is ultimately diminished by external forces. The diamond's transformation into something less than itself reflects the human condition, where individuals, despite their innate resilience, are susceptible to betrayal and harm from others. The imagery of the diamond being cut and shaped for adornment serves as a critique of how society often alters individuals for superficial purposes, stripping them of their true essence. The poem contrasts the diamond's original invulnerability with the fragility of human beings, who, despite their intellectual and emotional capacities, can be deeply affected by the actions of their peers. The latter part of the poem emphasizes the idea that humanity, while seemingly robust, is often brought low by its own kind. The reference to being "set in brass on the swart thumb of Doom" suggests a grim fate, where individuals are reduced to mere objects, trapped by their circumstances and the betrayals of others. The work ultimately presents a somber reflection on the duality of strength and vulnerability, highlighting the complexities of human relationships and the existential struggles that define the human experience.

By Edna St. Vincent Millay · First published 1920 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Symbolism · 147 words

First lines

Only the diamond and the diamond's dust

Can render up the diamond unto Man; One and invulnerable as it began

Had it endured, but for the treacherous thrust

That laid its hard heart open, as it must, And ground it down and fitted it to span

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Only the Diamond 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, Philosophical, Symbolism, Modernist, Romanticism
Length: 147 words
Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)

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Genres

Poetry — The work is a poem that employs lyrical language and explores complex themes through structured verse.
Philosophical — The poem delves into existential themes regarding human nature, identity, and the impact of society on the individual.
Symbolism — The diamond serves as a central symbol representing purity, value, and the human condition, reflecting deeper meanings.
Modernist — The poem reflects modernist themes of disillusionment and the fragmentation of identity in the contemporary world.