Poem Analysis - Phedre

Initial Impression and Tone

Oscar Wilde's "Phedre" presents a stark contrast between the mundane world and a realm of classical beauty and intellectual vigor. The poem's tone is melancholic and reflective, with a sense of longing for a more vibrant and meaningful existence. The speaker addresses a mysterious "thou," suggesting a dialogue with an idealized figure from a more enlightened past. The mood shifts from a critique of the present to a nostalgic remembrance of a more fulfilling existence, highlighting the speaker's dissatisfaction with the ordinary world.

Historical and Biographical Context

Oscar Wilde, an Irish writer known for his wit and aestheticism, often explored themes of beauty, decadence, and the contrast between high art and mundane reality. His background in classical literature and his interest in the Renaissance period are evident in the poem's references to historical figures and settings. Wilde's own experiences and disillusionment with societal norms may have influenced the poem's critique of the "vain and dull" world.

Themes of Disillusionment and Longing

The poem's primary theme is the disillusionment with the present world, described as "vain and dull." The speaker contrasts this with a more vibrant past, suggesting a longing for a time when intellectual and artistic pursuits were more valued. This theme is developed through the use of classical references, such as Mirandola and the Academe, which evoke a sense of intellectual and artistic achievement. The speaker's frustration with the mundane is clear in the repetition of "vain and dull," emphasizing the stark contrast between the idealized past and the present.

Themes of Reincarnation and Escape

Another significant theme is the idea of reincarnation and escape from a loveless existence. The speaker suggests that the addressee has returned from a "sunless day" in Hell, implying a desire to escape the monotony of the present world. The reference to "the heavy fields of scentless asphodel" and "the loveless lips with which men kiss in Hell" underscores the speaker's longing for a more meaningful and sensual experience. This theme is reinforced by the idea of returning to a more vibrant and fulfilling existence, as suggested by the phrase "thou hast come again."

Themes of Classical Beauty and Intellectual Pursuit

The poem also explores the theme of classical beauty and intellectual pursuit. The speaker imagines the addressee engaging in activities associated with classical Greek culture, such as gathering reeds for Pan's piping and playing with the white girls in a Phæacian glade. These images evoke a sense of harmony and beauty, contrasting sharply with the "common world" of the present. The reference to Odysseus waking from his dream further emphasizes the idea of awakening to a more fulfilling existence, suggesting that the speaker seeks a similar awakening.

Symbolism and Imagery

The poem is rich in classical imagery, with references to figures and settings from ancient Greece and the Renaissance. The "urn of Attic clay" holding the addressee's "wan dust" symbolizes a connection to a more refined and artistic past. The "cool olives of the Academe" and the "green stream" for Pan's reeds represent a natural and intellectual harmony that the speaker longs for. The "sunless day" and "heavy fields of scentless asphodel" in Hell contrast with the vibrant imagery of the classical world, emphasizing the speaker's dissatisfaction with the present. The ambiguity of the addressee's identity invites the reader to consider the poem as a universal longing for a more meaningful existence, beyond the mundane.

Conclusion

Oscar Wilde's "Phedre" is a poignant exploration of disillusionment and longing for a more vibrant and meaningful existence. Through its use of classical imagery and themes of reincarnation and escape, the poem critiques the mundane world and yearns for a connection to a more refined and artistic past. The speaker's frustration with the present is clear, and the poem invites the reader to consider the possibility of awakening to a more fulfilling existence, beyond the "vain and dull" reality of the common world. The poem's significance lies in its universal appeal to those who seek a deeper and more meaningful connection to the world around them.