Edna St. Vincent Millay, a celebrated American poet, illuminated the world of literature with her eloquent verses that explored themes of love, feminism, individuality, and the beauty of nature. Her words continue to resonate with readers, offering insights into the complexities of human emotions and the essence of the human experience. In this article, we present a compilation of the top 10 quotes by Edna St. Vincent Millay that reflect her poetic brilliance, introspection, and timeless impact.
Top 10 Edna St. Vincent Millay Quotes
I am glad that I paid so little attention to good advice; had I abided by it I might have been saved from some of my most valuable mistakes.
In these words, Millay speaks to the value of personal experience and the growth that arises from embracing one’s own path.
My candle burns at both ends; / It will not last the night; / But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends— / It gives a lovely light!
Millay’s famous lines in “First Fig” capture her spirited approach to life and the idea of living fully, even if it’s intense and fleeting.
The world stands out on either side / No wider than the heart is wide; / Above the world is stretched the sky,— / No higher than the soul is high.
From “Renascence,” Millay’s verses evoke the vastness of the inner world and its connection to the external universe.
I shall forget you presently, my dear, / So make the most of this, your little day, / Be glad of it, and take it as from me.
In these lines from “What lips my lips have kissed, and where, and why,” Millay reflects on the transient nature of love and memory.
Time does not bring relief; you all have lied / Who told me time would ease me of my pain!
Millay’s poignant words in “Time Does Not Bring Relief” convey the enduring ache of heartbreak and the struggle to heal.
Life is not one thing after another. It’s the same damn thing over and over.
In this quote, Millay offers a wry reflection on the cyclical nature of life’s challenges and experiences.
Where you used to be, there is a hole in the world, which I find myself constantly walking around in the daytime, and falling in at night.
In “Grief,” Millay captures the sensation of loss and the emptiness left behind when someone we love is no longer present.
Upon this gifted age, in its dark hour, / Rains from the sky a meteoric shower / Of facts… they lie unquestioned, uncombined.
In these lines from “Conscientious Objector,” Millay critiques the overwhelming influx of information and the challenge of finding truth.
Beauty is whatever gives joy.
Millay’s simple yet profound assertion emphasizes the subjective nature of beauty and its connection to personal experience.
Euclid alone has looked on Beauty bare.
From “Euclid Alone Has Looked on Beauty Bare,” Millay’s lines contemplate the purity of mathematical truths in contrast to the complexities of human emotions.
In conclusion, Edna St. Vincent Millay’s quotes provide a glimpse into her poetic sensitivity and her ability to capture the nuances of the human condition. Her exploration of love, individuality, and the passage of time resonates with readers, inviting them to reflect on their own experiences and emotions. Millay’s legacy as a celebrated poet endures, reminding us of the enduring power of words to illuminate the complexities of life and evoke a profound sense of connection.