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(N.B: The coloured text refers to the specific lines, presented in the same colour, in the poem below: the tiny arrows at the end of each coloured section will take you directly to the appropriate section of the poem, and the tiny arrows in the poem will return you here.)
In manuscript form, this poem is untitled: it was
given the title 'If This Be All' for publication in Poems by Currer,
Ellis and Acton Bell: there are a few minor differences between the
two - both are presented below (the manuscript copy is first). The poem
was written several weeks before Anne finally gave up her post at Thorp
Green, and expresses her total despair at all the goings-on at the 'Hall'.
Anne had made attempts, in her own way, to curb the
relationship between Branwell and Mrs. Robinson, but had failed miserably;
and this she expresses in the poem.
123
Once again, she declares that the only
'bliss' she can experience is in her dreams.
The following is Edward Chitham's account of this poem:
'In this poem Anne reaches an unprecedented depth of despondency in which she asks for death. There are apparently three causes of misery:
(i) Decay of friendship and absence of love;
(ii) Grief in watching vice and sin outside and within;
(iii) Lack of 'freshening dew' from God.
The friendship in decay is unlikely to be that of Emily, since the sisters' poems at this time show similarity, perhaps co-operation. It is possible that the friendship is with Branwell, but it is most probably that of Mary Robinson, who in 'trying her wings' this year may have seemed to Anne to be rejecting her governess.' 124
(See also: Chitham, 'The Poems of Anne Brontë', p.111 & p.183)
Untitled
If This Be All
| O God! if this indeed be all That Life can show to me; If on my aching brow may fall No freshening dew from Thee, -- If with no brighter light than this If friendship's solace must decay, Wandering and toiling without gain, Grieving to look on vice and sin, While all the good I would impart, If clouds must ever keep
from sight If life must be so full of care, Acton |
 'Dreams' |
'If This Be All' | 'Confidence'  |
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