Analyzing the Conclusion of 'Self-Pity 2'

Prompt: Analyzing the Conclusion of 'Self-Pity 2'

Analyzing the Final Two Lines of 'Self-Pity 2'

I. Outline: Analyzing the Final Two Lines of 'Self-Pity 2' (Standard)

1. Introduction

Introducing the poem 'Self-Pity' and summarizing the main content of its final two lines.

Explore a Compelling Introduction to the Poem 'Self-Pity 2' to garner ideas for crafting an engaging opening for analyzing the conclusion of 'Self-Pity 2'.

2. Body of the Poem

'Weary of springs come and gone'

- 'Weary' reflects a sense of fatigue, disillusionment with life's ups and downs.
- 'Springs' here signify not just the season but also the youthful phase of a woman. 'Again' denotes recurrence, repetition.

'A Fragment of Shared Affection, Tiny and Tender'

- 'A Fragment of Shared Affection' evokes the smallness of emotions, the fragility of fate. Already tiny and incomplete, love becomes even smaller when shared with others, hence becoming merely 'tiny and tender'.
- The artistry of progression with words like 'fragment', 'tiny' amplifies the plight of the woman, making her situation more pitiable.
=> The final two lines not only depict the ironic situation but also convey the deep longing of women in ancient society: they yearn for a modest love, a simple happiness.

3. Conclusion

Overall Impression

II. Sample Essay: Analyzing the Conclusion of 'Self-Pity 2' (Standard)

In ancient feudal society, women were often disregarded, confined to minor roles, and subjected to numerous injustices. Many poets and writers have depicted the humble plight of women, with one of the most prominent figures being 'the queen of Nom poetry', Ho Xuan Huong. Ho Xuan Huong is a female poet who writes about the fate of women. She not only praises the worthy and empathizes with the miserable and ironic fate but also respects the secret desires hidden within their souls. This is clearly demonstrated in the 'Self-Pity' poem collection, especially in the final two lines of the poem.

If the opening lines of Ho Xuan Huong's poem depict the loneliness and desolation of women in the silent night, then in the final two lines, the poet focuses on portraying their weariness and sorrow when reflecting on their troubled fate and mocking destiny:

'Weary of springs come and gone,
A fragment of shared affection, tiny and tender'

''Weary' embodies a sense of disillusionment and weariness with life's adversities. 'Spring' here signifies not only the season but also the youth of a woman. 'Again' implies repetition, the cyclical nature of life. The verse emphasizes the desolation and pain of women as they witness time inexorably passing, knowing that once youth is lost, it cannot be regained.

'A fragment of shared affection, tiny and tender'

The final verse highlights the tragic fate of women's love. As youth fades, love remains unfulfilled, the desire for simple happiness unattainable. 'A fragment of shared affection' evokes the insignificance of emotions, the fragility of fate. Love, already diminutive, further diminishes when shared, becoming merely 'tiny and tender'. In ancient society where men practiced polygamy and women were often disregarded, the concept of 'shared husband' led to difficulties in attaining complete happiness.

The poet employs artistic devices such as progressive elaboration and words denoting scarcity like 'fragment', 'tiny', intensifying the pity and sympathy for women's circumstances. The final two lines not only depict the ironic situation but also convey the deep-seated longing of women in ancient society: they yearn for modest love, simple happiness. However, the cruelty of fate and the injustice of society render these modest desires unattainable realities.