Examining a poem in detail can bring out new meanings and ideas. By careful analysis, the full beauty of the poem can be appreciated. The poem 'Lucifer in Starlight (p. 959)', by George Meredith, can be analyzed to refine the authors purpose, by examining every subtle hint, every possibility, for a deeper theme. Also, 'deciphering' formal literary techniques such as metaphor, connotation, and symbolism is the key to unlock other expressions. The main theme of the poem is that Lucifer has no place out of his hell, and anything he tries to reenter heaven is futile. As with any poem, it is best to first examine how the title, 'Lucifer in Starlight' relates to the body of the poem.
Obviously, Lucifer is the defiant angel that was banished from heaven, and sent to the underworld of hell, where he known as Satan. The title refers to the devil as 'in starlight', so this means he has to rise to a place where the stars are visible, not the fires of hell.
Satan on his way to bring about the downfall of Ad...
Plaque for George Meredith
LuciferThis rising from the underworld is summed up in the first line. It is later explained that he is doing so because he is tired of his 'dark dominion.' Ironically, the first line refers to Lucifer honorably, as a 'Prince', while in the second line he is tagged as a fiend. This leaves the reader feeling perplexed, yet still thinking of Lucifer as the enemy. At first it may seem as Lucifer has risen to the Earth, but it is further clarified that he has elevated himself above the 'rolling ball'. However, god imagined the world as planar, with heaven on a higher plane, and hell on a lower plane, not spherical as defined here. From his place in the stars above earth, Lucifer looks down...