Poetry · Chapter
To Aubrey de Vere explained
The speaker addresses Aubrey de Vere, reflecting on the nature of their bond and shared purpose.
What happens
The speaker addresses Aubrey de Vere, reflecting on the nature of their bond and shared purpose. Despite not knowing Aubrey's physical form or circumstances, the speaker expresses a deep spiritual kinship, affirming that they both ultimately seek to align their wills with God's will.
Themes in this chapter
Love as Ultimate Strength
The speaker's love for Aubrey de Vere is expressed as a bond that transcends physical knowledge, rooted in shared spiritual purpose.
Spiritual Struggle and Doubt
The speaker acknowledges uncertainty about Aubrey's life and circumstances, yet finds assurance in their mutual commitment to God's will.
Characters to notice
Key passages
“We must be brothers, Aubrey, thou and I: We mean the same thing—will the will of God!”
We are destined to be brothers, Aubrey, because we share the same ultimate goal: to align our desires with God's will.
The speaker declares a profound spiritual kinship based on shared devotion to divine purpose.