Upon this Marble Bust

Name: Upon this Marble Bust
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay

The poem reflects on the themes of mortality, legacy, and the contrast between physical existence and the essence of one's spirit. The speaker contemplates a marble bust, symbolizing a static representation of themselves, adorned with a wreath that signifies fame but feels hollow. The bust serves as a reminder of the speaker's past pride and valor, now diminished to a mere echo of their former self. The imagery of a "silenced cry" suggests a loss of voice and agency, while the "living tree" represents the enduring nature of one's passions and desires, which continue to thrive despite physical decay. The speaker acknowledges their inevitable fate of becoming dust, yet yearns for a legacy that transcends time, embodied in the "standard on a taken hill," symbolizing triumph and the indomitable spirit. The poem contrasts the permanence of stone with the ephemeral nature of life, emphasizing that true immortality lies not in physical monuments but in the impact of one's actions and aspirations. The closing lines urge a shift from mourning to celebration, advocating for the continuation of one's song and the rejection of a static epitaph, suggesting that life should be lived fully and vibrantly, even in the face of mortality.

By Edna St. Vincent Millay · First published 1920 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric, Philosophical · 136 words

First lines

Upon this marble bust that is not I

Lay the round, formal wreath that is not fame;

But in the forum of my silenced cry

Root ye the living tree whose sap is flame.

What this Textopian page supports

Upon this Marble Bust is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay, dated 1920 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: 1920 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Lyric, Philosophical, Romanticism, Modernism
Length: 136 words
Structure: 1 section, 12 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Upon this Marble Bust by Edna St. Vincent Millay
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
Readability and classroom-planning context
Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering Upon this Marble Bust?
How does this poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The work is a poem that employs structured verse and explores themes of mortality, legacy, and the nature of fame.
Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and reflections, characteristic of lyric poetry.
Philosophical — The themes delve into existential questions about life, death, and the meaning of legacy.
Romanticism — The poem reflects Romantic ideals, focusing on individual experience and emotional depth.