Read ancient poems by Sappho and answer the questions - Essay Example

Poems by Sappho In her works, Sappho expounds on two realities regarding the of marriage. Initially, both spouses are eager to enjoy what awaits them mainly pictured in their imaginations. However, their union, which they deemed would end loneliness, seems to augment it due to life’s responsibilities. Hence, the line “….To any army wife, in Sardis” (Sappho, 2002, line 1), which proves utter separation despite the spouses’ core intention was to stay together initially (the husband writes while in a military mission).

Besides, the wife contends of untold loneliness, which is contrary to the picture she had before their union. This is evident in her words while stating, “….The hours, the hours, drift by” (Sappho, 2010, line 3), “…..And here I lie” (Sappho, 2010, line 4) and “Alone” (Sappho, 2010, line 5) thus proving lonesomeness in the marriage. This gives the institution a different picture differing with that of companionship, which couple had envisioned before their union. According to Sappho, the marriage institution is like having something precious, but it is hard to enjoy to the fullest because of numerous responsibilities that entangle each spouse especially the man.

However, being with children seems to fill the loneliness’ “hollow” inside the woman, though, not as a husband would have done when he is with her. The poet states, “…listens intimately” (Sappho, 2002, line 5), “….to the sweet murmur of” (Sappho, 2002, line 6) and “….your voice, the enticing” (Sappho, 2002, line 7) while expounding a woman’s contentment when she is with her husband. Besides, she depicts motherhood as an involving activity that utterly prompts people to differ due to its responsibilities.

She utilizes the myth “Leto and Niobe” (Sappho, 2002, line 2) in her emphasis, whereby before or during the onset of their motherhood, the women are friends, but due to jealousy and other aspects end up parting. Sappho’s works depict both motherhood and marriage differently, which renders the two institutions having no relation. Since, they have diverse demands and drives that drive them. References Sappho. (2002). He is more than a hero. Retrieved on 19Th December 2012 from http://www.

poemhunter.com/poem/he-is-more-than-a-hero/Sappho. (2010). Loneliness. Retrieved on 19Th December 2012 from http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/loneliness-210/ Sappho. (2002). To any army wife, in Sardis. Retrieved on 19Th December 2012 from http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/to-any-army-wife-in-sardis/Sappho. (2002). Before they were mothers. Retrieved on 19Th December 2012 from http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/before-they-were-mothers/