Pipatsorn Cheewachatchawarn (Mint) 1201

In the Place des Vosges by William Wenthe Analysis

William Wenthe used antithesis in his poem, In the Place des Vosges, to emphasize
the return of the narrators passion for his wife. The sun is setting. The narrator is reading in
the Places des Vosges across from his wife. He is so absorbed to the book that he is not aware
of the time passing until the light gleams on his wedding ring. Then the narrator raises his
eyes and sees his wife still reading. He describes there on a bench, in shadow grays, / my
wife is reading (8-9). The shadow he sees represents the dullness in their marriage life.
Then, he sees A beam of just-caught/ reflected sunlight arrows a chestnut: (9-10). The light
is brightening and turning the monochrome world of his long marriage life to what its used
to be. The narrator mentions full boughs darkening behind her, / the inner limbs a blush of
embers (11-12). The light reveals what is hidden inside the dark shadow all along: the
glowing embers waiting to be lit and turn into a fire again. The narrator discovers again his
smothered passion for his wife. With the help of the light, the narrators passion for his wife
is kindled again.