One Word is Too Often Profaned Poem Analysis
"One Word is Too Often Profaned" is a poem written by the English Romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792-1822). This poem is a reflection on the concept of love and its transcendental nature, which Shelley believes should not be profaned by human associations.
The poem starts by stating that the word "love" is too often misused and associated with things that are unworthy of its true meaning. Shelley argues that the word is misapplied when it is used to describe the relationships between men and women, which are often transient and subject to change. In the second line, Shelley introduces the idea that there is something more profound and transcendent in love, which he refers to as "divine."
In the second stanza, the poet goes on to describe the transformative power of love, stating that it has the ability to "change all other sights." Love is portrayed as an all-encompassing force that can alter how we perceive the world around us. This transformative aspect of love is further emphasized in the next two lines, where Shelley compares love to "one another light," suggesting that it can illuminate our understanding of life.
The third stanza serves as a sort of climax in the poem, where Shelley expresses his desire to experience this transcendent form of love. He writes, "And if we should meet it with one another / The want is but to be equal to the need." Here, the poet acknowledges that it is possible for two people to share this profound connection, but the challenge lies in being able to recognize and reciprocate the intensity of such love.
In the final stanza, Shelley returns to the notion that love should not be profaned by unworthy associations. He reiterates the idea that this transcendent love is divine and should be treated with reverence. By ending the poem with the phrase "and then we are gods," Shelley emphasizes that experiencing this pure, transcendent love elevates us to a godlike status, reflecting the importance he placed on the concept of love in both his personal life and his poetry.
In summary, "One Word is Too Often Profaned" is a poem that explores the theme of love and its transcendental nature. Shelley emphasizes that true love should not be conflated with the more mundane and transient relationships that often pass for love in human interactions. Instead, he argues that a pure, divine love has the power to transform and elevate those who experience it, offering a profound and lasting connection between two individuals. The poem serves as a reminder of the sanctity of love and the potential it has to change the way we perceive the world and ourselves.