Now Let No Charitable Hope

Elinor Wylie

What is the theme of the poem Now Let No Charitable Hope?

The poem “Now Let No Charitable Hope” by Elinor Wylie explores themes of resilience, self-acceptance, and the complex relationship between hope and reality. The speaker embraces their own nature and limitations while facing the challenges of life. They reject false hopes, finding positivity and acceptance amidst difficulties. The poem also engages with the passage of time, representing the speaker’s resilience and inner strength in the face of life’s challenges.

What is the structure of the poem Now Let No Charitable Hope?

The poem “Now Let No Charitable Hope” by Elinor Wylie is structured in quatrains, with each stanza consisting of four lines. The poem follows an ABAB rhyme scheme, where the first and third lines rhyme, as well as the second and fourth lines. The poem is written in iambic tetrameter, with each line containing four metrical feet, creating a rhythmic and flowing quality.

Line-by-Line Analysis of the poem Now Let No Charitable Hope

Now let no charitable hope
Confuse my mind with images
Of eagle and of antelope:
I am by nature none of these.

In the opening stanza of “Now Let No Charitable Hope,” the speaker expresses their rejection of any form of optimistic or hopeful illusions that may obscure her objective perception. The speaker asserts her aversion to well-intentioned hopes, particularly those symbolized by representations of an eagle and an antelope.

The juxtaposition of an eagle and an antelope bears symbolic importance. The eagle is associated with freedom and the ability to transcend boundaries, while, the antelope, recognized for its elegance and swiftness, represents a similarly unconstrained spirit. These images evoke the notion of liberation from restraints and the pursuit of unrestricted aspirations.

The speaker, however, asserts that there is a firm distinction between them and the characteristics metaphorically associated with an eagle or an antelope. By stating “I am by nature none of these,” the speaker acknowledges their inherent dissimilarity to these symbols of liberty. This expression may be interpreted as the speaker recognizing their own limitations and accepting the pragmatic aspects of their existence. They do not possess the innate ability to effortlessly transcend their circumstances or move forward unhindered, unlike the eagle and the antelope.

I was, being human, born alone;
I am, being woman, hard beset;
I live by squeezing from a stone
What little nourishment I get.

In these lines, the speaker reflects on their own existence and challenges, particularly as a woman. The lines convey a sense of solitude, struggle, and resilience.

in the line “I was, being human, born alone;” the speaker recognizes the intrinsic solitariness of human existence. This statement underscores the fact that notwithstanding our relationships and friendships, every individual ultimately embarks upon their own life path in solitude. It stands as a poignant reminder of the fundamental isolation that accompanies the human condition.

In the line “I am, being woman, hard beset” the speaker acknowledges the challenges that arise from being a woman. The phrase “significant adversity” encapsulates the difficulties faced due to societal expectations and constraints. This sentiment reflects the era in which the poem was composed (early 20th century). The term “beset” conveys a sense of being faced with obstacles, suggesting a prevailing feeling of being trapped by these social norms.

In the next two lines “I live by squeezing from a stone/ What little nourishment I get” the speaker articulates their struggle for survival. The verb “squeezing” emphasizes the mere ability to maintain existence and the arduous effort undertaken by the speaker to obtain even the smallest amount of nourishment. The “stone” symbolizes the harsh and unyielding circumstances of life.

These lines portray the speaker’s acknowledgment of the challenges of their existence, both as a human being facing solitude and as a woman navigating societal limitations.

In masks outrageous and austere
The years go by in single file;
But none has merited my fear,
And none has quite escaped my smile.

These lines encapsulate the speaker’s perspective on the passage of time and the emotions they associate with it.

The phrase “masks outrageous and austere” refers to the diverse faces that time assumes as it progresses “Outrageous” suggests bold or striking situations, while “austere” implies moments of gravity or seriousness. This line conveys the idea that time presents a melange of experiences, both joyful and challenging.

The line “years go by in a single line” highlights the imagery of time progressing in an orderly manner, with each year following the next like a procession in a single file.

The line “And none has quite escaped my smile” reflects the speaker’s ability to maintain positivity or contentment despite life’s various challenges. The phrase “none has quite escaped my smile” indicates that even in trying moments, the speaker has managed to maintain a sense of positivity or contentment.

The imagery of masks, the procession of years, and the contrast between fear and smile contribute to the poem’s exploration of the speaker’s emotional resilience and capacity to find moments of joy or acceptance throughout life’s journey.