Hello! A hearty welcome to all my fellow Janeites as well as those who are joining our ranks for the very first time. This year, the Jane Austen Summer Program is dedicating this space to exploring all of Jane Austen’s literary works in honor of her 250th birthday celebration. We have elected to start with the fragments and bits that were cobbled together during her youth and are now lovingly referred to as her Juvenilia. And so, with that in mind, we turn our attentions to Jane Austen’s dramatic poem, Ode to Pity.
Synopsis
The author delights in treading through the trials that come along with being in love, even when they end in disappointment. In the second stanza, the moon shines from behind a cloud and brings new glory to things that were once lackluster or have grown aged. This leaves the reader with a feeling of hope, knowing that life will get better.
Analysis
This poem is rich with symbolism. It begins with the mentioning of a myrtle grove. Historically, the Romans associated myrtle with Venus, the goddess of love. Other cultures celebrated myrtle trees and flowers as plants that harnessed immortality and were the emblems of love and desire. In some societies, posts were ringed with myrtle wreaths when couples were wed.
The story of Philomel (or Philomela, depending on the interpretation you use) is at the heart of this poem. In short, Philomel was a Greek woman whose tongue was cut out, but then she was transformed into a nightingale and gifted with the ability to communicate through her songs. She is meant to embody a spirit of resilience.
The hawthorn bush, on which the bird sits, is a Celtic symbol of love and protection. And while most people will recognize the universal representative of peace that is embodied by the dove, it is interesting to realize that the thrush is known to be the icon for inner peace or a tranquil vision connecting a person to having peace in their mind.
By choosing the images so carefully, it can be conjectured that Austen meant to convey a sense of perseverance and restore harmony with this work. Based on the reading of the dedication, one might figure she was using these words to bolster her sister’s spirit after Cassandra suffered a heartbreak.
What do you think? Did Jane intend to soothe her sister’s soul with this writing, or might there have been another purpose? If you’ve got a clue, please feel free to drop your reactions in the comment space below.
We’re nearing the end of our exploration through Jane Austen’s Juvenilia, but we haven’t reached the conclusion just yet. Do join us, as the fun continues.
Listen to the audio recording here.
Images: A Wizened and Gnarled Beauty: 2023: Photo Taken By Mindy Killgrove-Harris
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