Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

The poem "All Influences Were in Vain" by Robert Louis Stevenson depicts a deeply personal and introspective journey of the speaker. It is an exploration of emotional turmoil, the struggle with disruptive thoughts and subsequent self-discovery and control over his mind.

The beginning of the poem presents the speaker's struggle with regret and an uncontrollable torrent of thoughts, which seem to crowd his mind like bats in a tower. There is a sense of being overwhelmed, as the speaker tries and fails to negotiate with these thoughts, to hold a "plebiscite" - a vote of all members. His thoughts are portrayed as unruly and wild, scattered like sheep.

The emotional turmoil becomes so intense that the speaker cries out to God, feeling weak and desperate. Interestingly, it is at this point of utter despair that he is granted relief. God gives him a thought - a purpose or an aim - that brings order to the chaotic crowd of thoughts in his mind. This represents the turning point in the poem where the speaker gains control over his mental state. He is now able to command his thoughts, and they align in order, signifying peace and order in his mind.

The second half of the poem then presents a stark contrast to the first half. Where earlier there was chaos, now there is calm and tranquility. The sea, which was restless earlier, now shines tranquil and steady, mirroring the speaker's newfound inner peace. The speaker's mind has moved past the surf of doubt and is now guided by the "pole-star" of his purpose.

In the end, the speaker's life is altered, the regret that once haunted him is now "advertising for a place," signifying that it is no longer a dominant emotion in his life. This reflects a personal growth and maturation that the speaker has undergone, learning to control his thoughts and find a purpose in life.

Thus, the poem serves as a narrative of the speaker's journey from despair to control, self-discovery, and peace. It shows that even in the face of overwhelming emotional turmoil, finding a purpose or aim can bring clarity and order, and that such personal growth often arises from the depths of despair.

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