Melancholy by John Fletcher Summary
The poem “Melancholy” by John Fletcher explores the theme of melancholy and the beauty found in reflective and contemplative moments. The speaker bids farewell to frivolous and transient pleasures, emphasizing the brevity of such delights. According to the speaker, life lacks inherent sweetness if one is wise enough to perceive it. The true sweetness, as celebrated in the poem, lies in melancholy.
The speaker welcomes a contemplative posture with folded arms and fixed eyes, describing it as a sight that pierces and mortifies. The poem depicts the allure of melancholy through images of pathless groves, moonlight walks, and the sounds of a midnight bell and a parting groan. The speaker finds solace in these quiet and reflective moments, stretching bones in a still gloomy valley.
The concluding lines express a deep appreciation for melancholy, describing it as “dainty sweet” and asserting that nothing in life is as sweet as lovely melancholy. Overall, the poem celebrates the beauty and depth found in the quieter and more introspective aspects of life, emphasizing the fleeting nature of frivolous pleasures and the enduring sweetness of melancholy.
Key Points
Author
John Fletcher was a renowned English Jacobean playwright. He was known for his collaborative works with other playwrights, most notably Francis Beaumont.
Form
The poem is written in verse form with a varying rhyme scheme. It consists of two stanzas with a total of 19 lines.
Speaker
The speaker in the poem is an unnamed individual who is reflecting on the nature of melancholy and its impact on their life.
Setting
The setting of the poem is not explicitly stated, but the imagery suggests a quiet, introspective environment. The speaker mentions “fountain-heads and pathless groves”, “moonlight walks”, and a “still gloomy valley”, indicating a natural, serene setting.
Theme
The main theme of the poem is the exploration of melancholy. The speaker finds a unique kind of sweetness in sadness and solitude.
Plot
The poem doesn’t have a traditional plot, as it’s more of a reflection on the state of melancholy. The speaker describes their experiences and feelings associated with melancholy, using vivid imagery and metaphors.
Tone
The tone of the poem is contemplative and introspective. The speaker seems to be in a state of deep thought, reflecting on the nature of melancholy.
Style
Fletcher’s style in this poem is characterized by its rich imagery and thoughtful exploration of emotion. He uses metaphorical language to convey the speaker’s feelings and experiences.
Message
The message of the poem is that there can be a certain beauty and wisdom in recognizing and embracing moments of melancholy. It suggests that these moments of introspection can offer a unique perspective on life.
Word Meaning
| Line | Tough Word | Meaning in English | Meaning in Hindi |
| 1 | Hence | Therefore | इसलिये |
| 1 | Vain | Futile, useless | व्यर्थ, बेकार |
| 1 | Delights | Pleasures, enjoyments | सुख, आनंद |
| 3 | Spend | use up | खर्च करना |
| 3 | Folly | Foolishness, stupidity | मूर्खता, बेवकूफी |
| 4 | Naught | Nothing, not anything | कुछ नहीं, ना |
| 5 | See’t | (To) see it | इसे देखना |
| 6 | Melancholy | Sadness, pensiveness | उदासी, मायूसी |
| 8 | Folded arms | Arms crossed | बंधी हुई बाहें |
| 8 | Fixed eyes | Staring intently | स्थिर आँखें |
| 9 | Piercing | Sharp, painful | तेज, चुभने वाला |
| 9 | Mortifies | Humiliates, shames | अपमानित करता है, शर्मिंदा करता है |
| 10 | Fasten’d | (Fastened) Attached firmly | जुड़ा हुआ, मजबूती से लगा हुआ |
| 11 | Chain’d up | (Chained) Bound with chains | जंजीरबंद |
| 12 | Fountain-heads | Sources of springs | झरने |
| 12 | Pathless groves | Groves without paths | अनजानी राहों वाले बगीचे |
| 13 | Pale | Weak, faint | कमजोर, मंद |
| 13 | Passion | Intense emotion, desire | जुनून, तीव्र इच्छा |
| 14 | Fowls | Birds | पक्षी |
| 15 | Housed | Sheltered, kept indoors | घर में रखा हुआ |
| 15 | Bats | Flying mammals with wings | चमगादड़ |
| 15 | Owls | Nocturnal birds of prey | उल्लू |
| 16 | Parting groan | Mournful cry of separation | विदाई का रुदन |
| 17 | Feed upon | Derive sustenance from | पोषण प्राप्त करना |
| 18 | Stretch our bones | Lie down, die | लेटना, मरना |
| 18 | Still gloomy valley | Quiet, dark valley | शांत उदास घाटी |
| 19 | Dainty sweet | Delicately pleasant | नाजुक मीठा |
