Poem Analysis - The Choice

A Bold Embrace of Life's Fullness

Lucy Maud Montgomery's "The Choice" is a fervent declaration of a desire for a life lived fully and intensely. The poem exudes a tone of passionate yearning, rejecting a passive or uneventful existence in favor of embracing both joy and suffering. There's a consistent mood of eager anticipation throughout, with the speaker directly addressing "Life" as if in conversation, pleading to experience its depths. This direct address and impassioned tone create a sense of immediacy and personal investment in the poem's central theme of embracing life's totality.

Historical Context and Montgomery's Perspective

While specific historical events don't directly influence the poem, understanding Lucy Maud Montgomery's background provides context. Known for her beloved "Anne of Green Gables" series, Montgomery often explored themes of resilience and finding beauty even in hardship. Her own life was marked by personal challenges, including the loss of her mother at a young age and struggles with depression. This personal history likely informed her perspective on the necessity of embracing the full spectrum of human experience, a sentiment powerfully expressed in "The Choice." The poem reflects a desire for authenticity and depth, potentially contrasting with the societal expectations placed upon women during Montgomery's time.

Themes of Acceptance, Experience, and Fulfillment

One prominent theme is the acceptance of both joy and suffering as integral components of a meaningful life. The speaker explicitly states a willingness to share in "all thy joy and strife," recognizing that true understanding and strength emerge from experiencing both extremes. This theme is conveyed through imagery of both "delight" and "suffering rife," illustrating a holistic view of existence. Another key theme is the pursuit of profound experience over superficial ease. The speaker rejects "wan peace" and "uncolored days," indicating a desire for a life rich in sensation and emotion, regardless of its potential for pain. Finally, the poem explores the theme of personal fulfillment through active engagement with life. The speaker pleads for Life to "take the heart of me and fill it brimmingly," emphasizing a desire to contribute actively and learn from every experience. This is reinforced in the final stanza, where the speaker expresses a willingness to give "the best of me for thy best gladly giving," suggesting that fulfillment comes from fully participating in life's journey.

The Chalice, the Brew, and the Unfaltering Cheer

Several powerful symbols and images contribute to the poem's overall message. The "chalice" serves as a symbol of life itself, offering both sweet and bitter elements. The speaker's willingness to drink "even to its bitter lees" signifies a complete and unreserved acceptance of life's challenges. The image of the "poignant brew or flavor" further emphasizes the speaker's desire for a life filled with intense sensations, even if they are painful. Perhaps one of the most striking images is the idea of "reading" life's "deep-hid meaning clear." This suggests that life is a text to be deciphered, and that understanding comes through active engagement and perseverance. The poem's optimistic outlook is encapsulated in the image of an "unfaltering cheer," illustrating the speaker's unwavering commitment to finding good even in difficult circumstances. The significance of "dourest mood" followed by "some good achieving" implies that the speaker is not naive but is determined to find the good and meaning in life, even in its difficult times.

A Legacy of Passionate Living

"The Choice" is a powerful testament to the importance of embracing life's fullness, with all its joys and sorrows. Montgomery uses vivid imagery and an impassioned tone to convey the speaker's desire for a life of profound experience and active engagement. The poem ultimately suggests that true wisdom and fulfillment come not from avoiding pain, but from courageously facing life's challenges with an "unfaltering cheer." It serves as an inspiring call to action, urging readers to choose a life of passion, purpose, and unwavering commitment, regardless of the obstacles they may encounter.