Poem Analysis - Impression Du Matin

Initial Impression and Tone

Oscar Wilde's Impression Du Matin presents a vivid and somewhat melancholic snapshot of a London morning. The poem begins with a serene and almost ethereal description of the Thames, transitioning from a nighttime scene of blue and gold to a grey, foggy morning. The tone shifts from tranquil to bustling as the city awakens, but it ends on a poignant note with the image of a solitary woman. This shift in mood reflects the contrast between the natural world and urban life, as well as the isolation that can be felt within a crowded city.

Themes of Isolation and Urban Life

One of the central themes in Impression Du Matin is isolation. The final stanza introduces a pale woman who stands alone, her lips described as flames and her heart as stone. This stark imagery suggests a deep emotional detachment, contrasting sharply with the vibrant life around her. The woman's isolation is emphasized by her position beneath the gas lamps, which cast a harsh, artificial light. This theme of isolation is further underscored by the bustling activity of the city, which seems to pass her by, highlighting her solitude.

Another prominent theme is the contrast between natural beauty and urban decay. The poem opens with a description of the Thames at night, a scene of natural beauty with its blue and gold hues. This is contrasted with the grey, foggy morning and the industrial activity of the city. The yellow fog creeping down the bridges and the chill in the air suggest a sense of decay and gloom. The natural elements, such as the bird singing on the glistening roofs, are juxtaposed with the man-made structures and activities, creating a tension between the natural and the artificial.

Symbolism and Imagery

The poem is rich in vivid imagery and symbolism. The Thames, described as a nocturne of blue and gold, represents a moment of tranquility and beauty. The barge with ochre-coloured hay dropping from the wharf adds a touch of rural life to the urban setting, suggesting a connection between the countryside and the city. The yellow fog, which seems to transform the cityscape into shadows, is a powerful symbol of the city's oppressive atmosphere. The fog's creeping movement down the bridges and over the houses creates a sense of encroaching darkness, both literal and metaphorical.

The woman in the final stanza is a complex symbol. Her pale appearance and wan hair suggest fragility and vulnerability, while her lips of flame and heart of stone indicate a deep emotional turmoil. The gas lamps' flare, which illuminates her, can be seen as a symbol of artificial light that fails to provide true illumination or warmth. This contrast between her inner turmoil and the cold, artificial light around her underscores her isolation and emotional detachment. The woman's presence raises questions about the nature of urban life and the emotional costs of living in a crowded, impersonal city.

Conclusion

Impression Du Matin offers a poignant exploration of isolation and the contrast between natural beauty and urban decay. Through vivid imagery and powerful symbolism, Wilde captures the essence of a London morning, highlighting the emotional detachment that can be felt within a bustling city. The poem's final image of the solitary woman serves as a stark reminder of the loneliness that can exist amidst the vibrant activity of urban life. This poem invites readers to reflect on the emotional landscape of city living and the ways in which natural and artificial elements intersect to shape our experiences.