The poem “On My Return” by Pierre de Ronsard is a sonnet from his collection “The Loves of Astrée” (1578). It expresses a feeling of bitterness and romantic disillusionment through a striking image:
Main Themes:
Romantic Disillusionment: Ronsard expresses his disappointment at the welcome he receives from his beloved. The kiss he had been eagerly awaiting turns out to be cold and tasteless, symbolizing a faded or indifferent love.
Contrasts: The poet contrasts the passion he feels with his lady’s indifference. He compares her kiss to those of mythological characters or ordinary couples, thus emphasizing the absence of love in their relationship.
Appeal to Passion: Ronsard implores his mistress to rediscover the passion of the past. He asks her to either kiss him ardently or to stop kissing him altogether.
Stylistic Analysis:
Vivid Imagery: The poem is marked by strong and contrasting images (icy kiss, kiss of the dead, pigeons making love).
Rhythm and Meter: The sonnet follows the traditional French sonnet form, with its quatrains and tercets. The regular rhythm underlines the poem’s emotional tension.
Formal Language: Ronsard uses formal language rich in stylistic devices (comparisons, antitheses), characteristic of the poetry of the Pléiade.
Possible Interpretations:
Portrait of an Indifferent Woman: The poem can be seen as a critique of the beloved woman, accused of indifference and coldness.
Expression of Romantic Suffering: The poet expresses here a profound suffering in the face of the indifference of his beloved.
Reflections on Love and Passion: Beyond the personal story, the poem poses universal questions about the nature of love, passion, and disillusionment.