Would anyone want to help me figure out the tone of this poem?
Since there's no help, come let us kiss and part.
Nay, I have done, you get no more of me.
And I am glad, yea glad with all my heart
That thus so cleanly I myself can free.
Shake hands forever, cancel all our vows,
And when we meet at any time again,
Be it not seen in either of our brows
That we one jot of former love retain.
Now at the last gasp of Love's latest breath,
When, his pulse failing, Passion speechless lies,
When Faith is kneeling by his bed of death,
And Innocence is closing up his eyes—
Now, if thou wouldst, when all have given him over,
From death to life thou mightst him yet recover.
I think it's a sad acceptance and possibly even hope that it's not really over. He seems a little condescending in the first part also.
To determine the tone of a poem, it's essential to analyze its language, imagery, and overall message. In the case of this poem, titled "Song: Since There's No Help" by Michael Drayton, the tone appears to be a mix of resignation, bitterness, and a hint of hope.
The poem begins with the lines "Since there's no help, come let us kiss and part," which immediately conveys a sense of resignation and acceptance that a separation is inevitable. The speaker then goes on to state that they are glad to free themselves cleanly from the situation, suggesting a degree of bitterness or relief.
The lines "Shake hands forever, cancel all our vows" further emphasize the speaker's desire to sever all ties and erase any remnants of their former love. This reinforces the tone of resignation and bitterness.
However, towards the end of the poem, there is a shift in tone. The speaker references Love's "death" and implies that there may still be hope for a rekindling of the relationship by saying that, even at the last breath of Love, it might be possible to revive it.
In conclusion, the tone of the poem can be described as a combination of resignation, bitterness, and a glimmer of hope. The speaker accepts the necessity of parting ways, expresses some bitterness or relief, but also holds a small hope for the potential revival of their love.