Poem Analysis - We Are Made One With What We Touch And See

Overall Impression

Oscar Wilde's poem We Are Made One With What We Touch And See is a lyrical exploration of unity and interconnectedness within the natural world. The poem's tone is both celebratory and philosophical, shifting from a sense of awe at the interconnectedness of all things to a more personal, romantic reflection. Wilde's language is rich and evocative, using vivid imagery to convey his themes. The poem's form, with its flowing lines and rhythmic cadence, supports its message of unity and harmony.

Themes of Unity and Interconnectedness

The central theme of the poem is the unity and interconnectedness of all living things. Wilde uses the phrase we are made one with what we touch and see to emphasize this idea, suggesting that humans are not separate from nature but are part of it. This theme is developed through the use of imagery that blurs the lines between human experience and the natural world. For example, the poet describes how our hearts blood each crimson sun is fair, implying that human emotion and natural phenomena are intertwined. Similarly, the wildest beasts that range the moor our kinsmen are, suggesting a kinship between humans and animals. The poem's use of the word one repeatedly reinforces this theme, emphasizing the idea that all things are part of a single, unified whole.

Themes of Mortality and Immortality

Another significant theme in the poem is the relationship between mortality and immortality. Wilde explores the idea that, although individual lives are finite, the life force that connects all things is eternal. This theme is expressed through the use of imagery related to life cycles and natural processes. For instance, the poet describes how mighty waves of single Being roll from nerve-less germ to man, suggesting a continuous cycle of life and death. The poem also uses the metaphor of a symphony to convey the idea of eternal life, with the poet and his lover becoming notes in that great Symphony whose cadence circles through the rhythmic spheres. This imagery suggests that, although individual lives may end, the universal life force continues indefinitely.

Themes of Love and Romantic Connection

The poem also explores the theme of love and romantic connection, particularly in the context of the natural world. The poet and his lover are described as part of the mighty universal whole, suggesting that their love is not separate from the natural world but is part of it. This theme is developed through the use of romantic imagery, such as the joyous sea shall be our raiment, and the bearded star shoot arrows at our pleasure. The poem's final lines emphasize this theme, with the poet and his lover becoming part of the Kosmic Soul, suggesting that their love is eternal and transcendent.

Recurring Symbols and Imagery

The poem is rich in recurring symbols and vivid imagery that contribute to its overall message. One of the most striking symbols is the use of the heart, which represents both human emotion and the life force that connects all things. The poet describes how With beat of systole and of diastole one grand great life throbs through earth's giant heart, suggesting that the heart is a symbol of both individual life and the universal life force. Another important symbol is the sun, which represents both the natural world and the poet's romantic connection to his lover. The poet asks, Is the light vanished from our golden sun, suggesting that the sun is a symbol of their love and connection. The poem's use of natural imagery, such as the crimson sun, the spring-impassioned tree, and the wild beasts, reinforces the theme of unity and interconnectedness, suggesting that the natural world is a reflection of the poet's inner experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Oscar Wilde's We Are Made One With What We Touch And See is a powerful exploration of unity, interconnectedness, and the eternal nature of love. Through the use of vivid imagery, rich symbolism, and a flowing, rhythmic form, the poem conveys a sense of awe and wonder at the interconnectedness of all things. The poem's themes of unity, mortality, and love are interwoven, suggesting that these concepts are not separate but are part of a single, unified whole. The poem's final lines, with their emphasis on eternal life and the Kosmic Soul, offer a profound insight into the significance of human experience within the context of the natural world. The poem invites readers to consider their own connection to the natural world and to reflect on the eternal nature of love and life.