Compare 'A Red, Red, Rose' to 'So We'll Go No More A-Roving. How do they convey feelings of desire and loss?
Both a 'Red, Red, Rose' and so we'll go no more a-roving' are
wrote in ballad form. They are romantic poems about desire, loss
and regret.
'So we'll go no more a-roving' (L1) is to be spoken with regret in
a melancholic tone. Byron knows and accepts that he can no
longer go out 'So late into the night' (L2) he shrugs of his wanting
with the use of the word 'So' but the desire is still there even
though it can no longer be achieved. 'Though the heart still be as
loving, And the moon still be as bright' (L3-4). Even though the
moon is old like him it can still stay out late into the night. The
moon is a representation for Byron still being young of mind, his
emotional will and desire to go out are still as bright as they were
when he was young.
Now he is too old to do all of these things he
used to do and still wants to do. Byron is reminiscing about his
past and looking back wishing/desiring that he can do them all
over again and relive the experiences once again unfortunately he
knows that this is not possible and is regretful over this. 'For the
sword outwears its sheath' (L5) this represents how Byron was in
his youthfulness his ability to dual, stand up for his self and
generally take part in energetic activities. Even though Byron still
wants to do all of these things and in spirit he is still able, but his
body is too worn to let him. 'And the soul wears out the breast'
(L6). Byron's soul will last forever...
Compare 'A Red Red Rose'by robert burns to 'so we'll go no more a-roving'by Lord Byron
I loved this essay, comparisons were valid but I would like to have read more about Burn's essay
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