Attar by Georgia Douglas Johnson
The poem explores the profound emotional and spiritual journey of the speaker, who reflects on the intense suffering and trials that lead to personal growth and enlightenment. The imagery of fire and tears symbolizes the pain and anguish experienced in life, suggesting that true beauty and wisdom often emerge from hardship. The "torture-chamber" represents the struggles and challenges that one must endure, emphasizing the idea that transformation requires sacrifice. The phrase "the last maddening turn of the screw" conveys a sense of relentless pressure and torment, indicating that the path to self-discovery is fraught with difficulty. However, this suffering is not in vain; it ultimately distills a "precious drop" of insight or understanding, akin to the essence of rose oil, which is both beautiful and valuable. The attar of rose serves as a metaphor for the refined qualities of the heart that can only be achieved through enduring life's trials. The poem suggests that the process of distillation—removing impurities to reveal the essence—mirrors the human experience. It highlights the paradox that beauty and strength often arise from pain, and that the heart's true essence is revealed only after enduring significant emotional turmoil. The work invites readers to reflect on their own experiences of suffering and the potential for growth that lies within those challenges. Ultimately, it underscores the idea that the most profound insights and emotional richness come from navigating the complexities of life.
By Georgia Douglas Johnson · First published 1917 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric, Symbolism · 45 words
First lines
Fire -- tears --
And the torture-chamber, With the last maddening turn of the screw --
Only thus Is one precious drop distilled Of the attar of rose Of the heart.
What this Textopian page supports
Attar is listed on Textopian as a poem by Georgia Douglas Johnson, dated 1917 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Georgia Douglas Johnson
- Date: 1917 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Lyric, Symbolism, Romanticism, Modernism
- Length: 45 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Attar by Georgia Douglas Johnson
- 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 Attar?
- How does this poem by Georgia Douglas Johnson fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Ring by Langston Hughes
- Treasure by Georgia Douglas Johnson
- Tears And Kisses by Georgia Douglas Johnson
- Pent by Georgia Douglas Johnson
- Remembrance by W. B. Yeats
- Destiny by Georgia Douglas Johnson
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Symbolism — The use of symbols, such as 'attar of rose', conveys deeper meanings and themes.
- Romanticism — Themes of intense emotion and individual experience align with Romantic literary ideals.
Tags
Poetry · African American Literature · Symbolism · Nature Imagery · Spirituality · Mortality · Love · Loss · Identity · Cultural Heritage · Historical Context · Social Justice