In the realm of 18th-century literature, Lady Mary Chudleigh's poem Song stands out as a sharp and engaging piece that blends moral instruction with playful repetition. This week, we delve into this work, which addresses a besotted young man named Damon with words of stern yet sunny advice, urging him to look beyond mere physical allure.
The Poem's Core Message
Song opens with the insistent line, "Why, Damon, why, why, why so pressing?", immediately setting a tone of gentle rebuke. Chudleigh argues that the heart Damon seeks is not worth possessing, as it belongs to a woman whose charms are superficial—each look, word, and smile is affected, with inward qualities neglected. She advises him to scorn this fleeting beauty and sigh no more in vain, highlighting the worthlessness of fading physical attributes.
Chudleigh's Proto-Feminist Perspective
Born in Devon in 1656 and active until 1710, Lady Mary Chudleigh is rightly regarded as a proto-feminist. Her broader works, such as the poem To the Ladies and the prose Essay on Knowledge, advocate for women's education and critique gender roles. In Song, she extends this critique to relationships, emphasising rational values over superficial ones. The poem appeals to Damon's vanity and reason, suggesting that pursuing a woman lacking "inward Charms" will lead to ridicule and despair.
Literary Devices and Tone
Chudleigh employs repetition masterfully throughout the poem, creating a rhythmic and engaging flow. The repeated "why" in the first line conveys impatience, while "no more" later mimics a sigh of resignation. In the middle verse, the line "Till she, till she thinks fit to prize him" cleverly echoes the love object's dallying nature. Despite its didactic tone, the poem maintains a brisk and sunny touch, avoiding heavy-handedness.
Valuing Wit and Virtue
In the final verse, Chudleigh shifts focus to what truly matters: wit and virtue. She writes, "Wit and Virtue claim your Duty, / They're much more worth than Gold and Beauty." Here, "wit" encompasses both knowledge and sprightly humour, reflecting Chudleigh's own intellectual prowess. By pairing it with virtue, she advocates for a balanced appreciation of inner qualities, aiming for Damon's happiness as much as his moral improvement.
Historical Context and Legacy
Chudleigh was a devout Anglican who self-taught in science, blending her knowledge with biblical narratives in works like The Song of the Three Children, Paraphras'd. Prof Kevin Killeen notes this poem as a view of the entire universe, showcasing her interdisciplinary approach. In Song, her sociable writing style allows for clear argumentation, making it accessible and thought-provoking for modern readers.
While the poem critiques artificial femininity, it does so with sympathy for Damon, demonstrating Chudleigh's nuanced gender politics. It remains a testament to her ability to combine rational thought with Christian ethics, offering timeless advice on love and value.
