“Stop All the Clocks, Cut Off the Telephone”
This poem was written in 1938 by Wystan Hugh Auden, an Anglo-American poet. “Stop All the Clocks, Cut off the Telephone” is about the fact that the death of a loved person can deprive one of all the joys, hopes, and desire to live. Having lost love, it is almost impossible to continue to see the world as before because everything that happens around is reminiscent of the loss. All that is left is deep grief and a broken heart (Auden). Even nature’s beauties are not able to help: “The stars are not wanted now: put out every one; / Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun; / Pour away the ocean and sweep up the wood” (Auden, lines 13-15). Therefore, the one who loses a loved person is sentenced to bear grief and loneliness
“How Do I Love Thee? (Sonnet 43)”
This poem, which was created in 1850 by Elizabeth Barrett Browning, is a perfect definition of love and its power, depth, and endlessness. In addition to describing this sincere and genuine feeling as ever-lasting and even spiritual, the author also reveals a certain tension between love as an attachment to life on earth and love as that which transcends this life (Barrett Browning). Finally, since it surpasses time, space, and even death, the lovers may reunite in heaven: “if God chooses, / I shall but love thee better after death” (Barrett Browning, lines 13-14). Precisely this feeling can conquer all fears, griefs, and sorrows.
“Let Me Not to the Marriage of True Minds (Sonnet 116)”
This sonnet, written by William Shakespeare, also tries to define what love is and what it is not. From the poet’s perspective, this feeling may be considered true and sincere if it does not become weaker if the loved person changes. Shakespeare also notices that “it is an ever-fixed mark, / That looks on tempests and is never shaken” (lines 5-6). Even after the beauty fades in years, genuine love will not wane or disappear since it is stronger and more vital than time, weeks, and hours.
References
Auden, Wystan Hugh. “Stop All the Clocks, Cut off the Telephone.” 1938. Poetry. Web.
Barrett Browning, Elizabeth. “How Do I Love Thee? (Sonnet 43).” 1850. Poets. Web.
Shakespeare, William. “Let Me Not to the Marriage of True Minds (Sonnet 116).” 1609. Poets. Web.