Poem Analysis - Les Silhouettes

Initial Impression and Tone

Les Silhouettes by Oscar Wilde presents a vivid and somewhat melancholic seascape, juxtaposed with scenes of youthful energy. The poem begins with a somber tone, describing a bleak and stormy sea, but shifts to a more lively mood with the introduction of a sailor boy and reapers in the fields. This contrast between the desolate natural elements and the vibrant human activity creates a dynamic atmosphere. The poem's form, with its structured stanzas, supports this duality by providing a sense of order amidst the described chaos.

Themes of Nature and Youth

The poem explores several themes, with nature and youth being prominent. The natural elements, such as the sea, wind, and moon, are depicted in a stark and somewhat desolate manner. The sea is described as flecked with grey bars, and the wind is out of tune, suggesting a sense of discord and decay. This contrasts sharply with the youthful energy of the sailor boy and the reapers, who are described with vibrant and lively imagery. The sailor boy is depicted with a laughing face and gleaming hand, while the reapers are described as young and brown-throated, moving like silhouettes against the sky. This contrast highlights the theme of youth and vitality amidst a bleak natural world.

Symbolism of the Silhouettes

The title Les Silhouettes and the recurring image of silhouettes are significant symbols in the poem. The silhouettes of the reapers against the sky represent the fleeting nature of life and the transient beauty of youth. They are ephemeral, existing only as dark outlines against the sky, suggesting their impermanence. The sailor boy, with his careless joy, also embodies this theme of youthful vitality and transience. The silhouettes can be seen as a metaphor for the brief, vibrant moments of life that stand out against the backdrop of a more somber and enduring world. This symbolism contributes to the poem's overall message about the contrast between youthful energy and the enduring, often harsh, natural world.

Concluding Thoughts

In conclusion, Les Silhouettes by Oscar Wilde is a poem that effectively contrasts the bleakness of nature with the vibrancy of youth. Through vivid imagery and symbolism, Wilde explores themes of nature, youth, and the transient beauty of life. The poem's dynamic atmosphere and recurring symbols of silhouettes highlight the fleeting nature of youthful energy against the enduring backdrop of the natural world. The poem invites readers to reflect on the beauty and impermanence of youth, and the enduring presence of nature.