William Mason High School

AP Poetry Prompt Essay;

Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility

Ainsley White

AP English Literature and Composition Bell 2

      Ms. Wilson

    April 28, 2016

1982 Poem: “Forgiveness” (George William Russell)

Prompt: Write an essay in which you analyze how the language of the poem reflects the changing perceptions and emotions of the speaker as he considers the metamorphosis of the search for forgiveness. Develop your essay with specific references to the text of the poem.

Academic Honor Statement; I have read and understand the sections in the Student Handbook regarding Mason High School’s Honesty/Cheating Policy. By affixing this statement to the title page of my paper, I am certifying that I have not cheated or plagiarized in the process of completing this assignment. If it is found that cheating and/or plagiarism did take place in the writing of this paper, I understand the possible consequences of the act, which could include a “0” on the paper, as well as am “F” as a final grade in the course.

           In “Forgiveness,” George William Russell  portrays the journey one must take to forgive someone's actions. The speaker’s attitude towards the challenges surrounding forgiveness, provides tension between right and wrong throughout the journey of life, cradle to grave.  Told through the point of view of a devastated young man, Russell uses his pitiful tones and Pastoral imagery to explain the process of forgiveness, asserting the importance that it holds to the victim's mindset as he continues to contemplate his options.

              As the poem progresses it becomes rather apparent that a young man is the speaker, an argument is the basis of this poem but rather it be with someone else it is within himself. Throughout the the poem you can sense that he is contemplating his options and going back and forth in his mind such as in line 11. “Whither all footsteps tend, whence none depart.” Shows that though we go on with our life's we never really truly forget the pain from the situation that we have been placed in by another's actions. Though as the poem goes on he begins to recognize that pain is not only placed on the victim but also within the wrongdoer themselves. “Wronged and wrongdoer, each with meekend face” (line 8). Thus showing the reader that each is affected poorly by the decisions made. You know is a male from his statement within line 3 “fellow-men.”

               Tone is heavily used throughout this poem as a means of explanation towards the true feelings of the young man who is the speaker. Initially, the speaker feels sadness and abuse towards themselves. “My heart was heavy, for its trust had been/Abused, its kindness answered with foul wrong;” (line 1/2).  The tone is as if they no longer understand why this had happened to them, because of the kindness they had so previously provide the other person. The hurt is is evident from the first two words of the poem “My heart,” this instantly shows that you are going into the feelings of the speaker themselves. As the poem further progresses his tone shifts when his power struggle between right and wrong begins. “Where, pondering how all human love and hate/ Find one sad level…” (lines 6/7). In this case love and hate is taken in a sense of to forgive or continue on with the grudge you are currently holding. The sense that he is arguing back and forth on what his heart is telling his is right and what his brain is telling him is right as well. Though it shifts as it continues the decision is made and the understanding behind it is better explained through tone rather than the exact word choice provided. “Our common sorrow, like a mighty wave” (line 13). This provides the final tone shift within the poem of forgiveness towards the wrongdoer creating a strong sense of tension before the last line “Swept all my pride away, and trembling I forgave!” You do not yet know the outcome until the last word “forgiven.”

              To manage a strong tone you must also write based on relatability in this case Russell uses strong yet relatable imagery to do so.  Within line 10 “Pass the green threshold of our common grave” he shows everyone's final destination in the future which is ultimately death. “And cold hands folded over a still heart” (line 9) the image of death is listed throughout the poem. All the images throughout the poem are somehow related to nature and it's way on the world. Words such as “mounds,” “wave,” and “summer” are used to further emphasize the tension within the choice of forgiveness. The world can both be forgiving and unforgiving, thus making it a great way to portray the challenge within making a decision.  

        Throughout the poem “Forgiveness” the topic is already foreshadowed to even before the first line but rather in the title. The internal battle, back and forth, is shown through many distinct ways in his case through relatable imagery, point of view, and pitiful tone.

          My passage from within the book focuses on forgiveness much like this poem from Russell. Each has a focus around the right or wrong of providing such a comfort to a person that has so horribly wronged them. Though the passage focus is on the task of obtaining forgiveness for his actions while Russell's poems focus is on whether to provide forgiveness. Though as you move farther into passage,  Elinor runs into the same problem as the young speaker within the poem. They both must decided if forgiveness is warranted to each particular wrongdoer. Though neither is based off of each other they have similar bases. Within Austen’s text states “After a moment's recollection, therefore, concluding that prudence required dispatch,” (Austen 275) relates to Russell’s in line 6 “ Where, pondering how all human love and hate.” Both ponder whether to listen and forgive the wrongdoer. Though each journey is different with different reason for forgiveness required each  must make a futile decision to forgive or continue their journey of self pity.