Long Time I Lay in Little Ease

Name: Long Time I Lay in Little Ease
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson

The poem reflects on the speaker's confinement and longing for freedom, set against the vibrant backdrop of Marseilles and the Mediterranean. The speaker describes their imprisonment in a state of discomfort, contrasting it with the lively and bustling life outside. The imagery evokes a sense of nostalgia and yearning for the beauty and activity of the port city, where sailors and merchants engage in their daily lives. The poem captures the essence of Marseilles, highlighting its rich history and cultural diversity. The speaker observes the interplay of various elements: the sounds of the city, the allure of its women, and the presence of the golden virgin, a symbol of hope and protection for sailors. The juxtaposition of the speaker's confinement with the lively scenes outside emphasizes a deep sense of isolation and desire for connection with the world. As the poem progresses, the speaker's reflections deepen, revealing a longing for adventure and the freedom of the sea. The imagery of the anchored vessels and the distant islets serves as a reminder of the possibilities that lie beyond their current state. The poem ultimately conveys themes of entrapment, longing, and the contrast between the vibrancy of life and the stillness of confinement. The speaker's yearning for liberation resonates throughout, encapsulating the human desire for exploration and the experience of life in all its forms.

By Robert Louis Stevenson · First published 1896 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Descriptive Literature · 199 words

First lines

LONG time I lay in little ease Where, placed by the Turanian, Marseilles, the many-masted, sees The blue Mediterranean.

Now songful in the hour of sport, Now riotous for wages, She camps around her ancient port, As ancient of the ages.

Algerian airs through all the place Unconquerably sally; Incomparable women pace The shadows of the alley.

And high o'er dark and graving yard And where the sky is paler, The golden virgin of the guard Shines, beckoning the sailor.

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Long Time I Lay in Little Ease is listed on Textopian as a short story by Robert Louis Stevenson, dated 1896 CE.

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Work type: Short story
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson
Date: 1896 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Descriptive Literature, Travel Literature, Historical Fiction
Length: 199 words
Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythm and imagery characteristic of poetry.
Romanticism — The themes of nature, beauty, and emotional depth align with Romantic literary ideals.
Descriptive Literature — The vivid descriptions of the Mediterranean and the city of Marseilles focus on sensory experiences.
Travel Literature — The poem evokes a sense of place and exploration, typical of travel narratives.