Poem Analysis - Two Loves

Introduction: A Choice of Loves

Lucy Maud Montgomery's "Two Loves" presents a speaker faced with a crucial choice, represented by two distinct voices offering different forms of love. The poem is initially inviting and optimistic, promising joy and shared experience, but it shifts to a more somber and comforting tone as the second voice enters. The poem explores the complexities of love, contrasting superficial happiness with deeper emotional support and sacrifice.

The Allure of Joyful Companionship

The first voice offers a love based on shared happiness and exploration. The imagery is vibrant and evocative, using phrases like "sunlit slopes," "earthly song," and "blossom of a thousand hopes" to paint a picture of carefree joy. This love promises to "drain the wide world's cup / With gladness brimméd up!" suggesting a life filled with pleasure and shared adventures. This initial offering appeals to a desire for lightness and the avoidance of suffering, highlighting the attractiveness of a relationship built on constant positivity.

Love as Comfort and Sacrifice

In stark contrast, the second voice proposes a love rooted in empathy and support during times of difficulty. This love is not about escaping pain, but about confronting it together. The imagery shifts from light and airy to protective and healing, with phrases like "fence thy heart" and "comforter and healer of thy smart." The willingness to "spare or share thy pain!" emphasizes selflessness and a deep connection that transcends superficial happiness. The theme of love is therefore extended beyond a simple positive feeling, into a profound and perhaps difficult level of committment.

Symbolism of Light and Dark

The poem utilizes the symbolism of light and dark to differentiate the two loves. The first love is associated with "sunlit slopes," representing joy and ease, while the second love is implicitly linked to shadow and hardship by offering comfort in times of "sorrow." The "world's cup" can also be interpreted as a symbol of life itself, with the first love offering to fill it with "gladness," and the second implying a willingness to drink from it regardless of its contents, sweet or bitter. The contrast enhances the difference between the two loves, one prioritizing light and the other embracing the dark as well.

Concluding Thoughts: The Depth of True Love

"Two Loves" is a poignant exploration of the different facets of love, contrasting superficial joy with the profound depth of empathy and support. The poem doesn't explicitly endorse one choice over the other, but it implicitly suggests that true love encompasses more than just shared happiness. It includes the willingness to stand by someone during their most difficult times, offering comfort and strength. The poem leaves the reader contemplating which love is more valuable, prompting reflection on the nature of commitment and the true meaning of love in its most profound form. Perhaps the most fulfilling love embodies both elements, a balance of shared joy and unwavering support.