A poetic elegy for a bygone era, Lionel Johnson's 'Renegade' is a poignant lament for an ideal lost to disillusionment and defeat. The poem's refrain, a repeated yet varied invocation ("For all that now is over"), serves as a stark reminder of the irreversibility of loss, leaving only echoes in its wake.
In this elegiac verse, Johnson masterfully weaves together threads of classicism, personal identity, and the Decadent movement, imbuing his work with a distinct Welsh-Irish sensibility. Through the eyes of the speaker, a 'merchant of earth's market-place' rather than a lover, we are transported to a world where memories of a transcendent "Holy Land" refuse to fade.
Yet what is this "Holy Land," and how has it been irreparably lost? Johnson's poetry often carries hints of suppressed homosexuality, though here the speaker's longing seems more broadly associated with an ideal rather than explicitly erotic. The lines "charmed communion with high things unseen" and "banished secret" allude to a realm beyond the mundane, one that may be linked to Catholicism or another spiritual practice.
Johnson's dedication to his friend Arthur Chamberlain, though enigmatic, reinforces the sense of intimacy and shared experience. As in 'The Precept of Silence,' which conveys a similar sense of confessional trust, the speaker seems to draw upon this bond for solace.
In its masterful deployment of language, cadence, and imagery, 'Renegade' serves as a powerful exploration of loss, longing, and the enduring power of memory. Johnson's use of pararhyme in the opening lines underscores the certainty of loss, while his evocation of an ancient market scene injects a haunting sense of timelessness into the poem.
Through the speaker's inner world, we see a complex interplay between public appearance and private pain. This tension allows Johnson to create a richly nuanced portrait that is both deeply personal and universally relatable, a true testament to the timeless power of his lyric verse.
In this elegiac verse, Johnson masterfully weaves together threads of classicism, personal identity, and the Decadent movement, imbuing his work with a distinct Welsh-Irish sensibility. Through the eyes of the speaker, a 'merchant of earth's market-place' rather than a lover, we are transported to a world where memories of a transcendent "Holy Land" refuse to fade.
Yet what is this "Holy Land," and how has it been irreparably lost? Johnson's poetry often carries hints of suppressed homosexuality, though here the speaker's longing seems more broadly associated with an ideal rather than explicitly erotic. The lines "charmed communion with high things unseen" and "banished secret" allude to a realm beyond the mundane, one that may be linked to Catholicism or another spiritual practice.
Johnson's dedication to his friend Arthur Chamberlain, though enigmatic, reinforces the sense of intimacy and shared experience. As in 'The Precept of Silence,' which conveys a similar sense of confessional trust, the speaker seems to draw upon this bond for solace.
In its masterful deployment of language, cadence, and imagery, 'Renegade' serves as a powerful exploration of loss, longing, and the enduring power of memory. Johnson's use of pararhyme in the opening lines underscores the certainty of loss, while his evocation of an ancient market scene injects a haunting sense of timelessness into the poem.
Through the speaker's inner world, we see a complex interplay between public appearance and private pain. This tension allows Johnson to create a richly nuanced portrait that is both deeply personal and universally relatable, a true testament to the timeless power of his lyric verse.
i mean he talks about memories and loss and stuff but also about how it's hard to separate what's public and private 
It's like, you know when you're lost in the past and can't help but think about what's gone? It's like that with 'Renegade' - it's all nostalgic vibes and memories that just won't fade away. The way the author, Lionel Johnson, weaves together these threads of classicism and personal identity is so masterful 
. And I love how he uses imagery to transport us to this world where memories of a transcendent "Holy Land" are still alive. It's like you can almost smell the earthy market scene 
. What really gets me, though, is how he explores the tension between public appearance and private pain - it's like, we're all trying to put on this brave face but secretly hurting inside 
.
this poem feels like a reflection on how things used to be, but can never go back to that point anymore... it's all about holding onto memories and experiences, even when they're painful or bittersweet 
! The way he weaves together these classicism and Decadent vibes is so unique, it's like a breath of fresh air. I love how the speaker's longing for something "Holy Land"-like isn't explicitly about sex, but more about an ideal or connection to something deeper. It's super relatable, you know? Like when you're feeling lost and just wanna escape to this beautiful place in your mind 
just read this poem 'Renegade' by Lionel Johnson & I'm still trying to process it 
like is he saying its a lost love or something more? 
the imagery is so vivid tho, reminded me of my fave poem 'The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock' by T.S. Eliot 
btw has anyone else read 'Renegade'? 
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The way he uses language and imagery to convey that sense of private pain and public appearance... it's just masterful, man.
. And I'm intrigued by the hints of... well, whatever's going on beneath the surface 
. Overall, it's a masterful piece of poetry that stays with you long after you've finished reading it 
it's like he's speaking straight to my soul about how we all lose something precious when we grow up & become more "mature"... I mean, who hasn't felt that ache of leaving behind the magic of childhood or youth? 
But what really resonates with me is how Johnson explores the idea of this "Holy Land" – is it a place of spiritual refuge, or just a symbol of something we're all searching for? 
I'm also intrigued by the way he uses imagery & metaphor to convey this sense of longing... the "merchant of earth's market-place" is such a great image! 
And that line about the "banished secret"... so cryptic, yet so revealing... what do you guys think it means? 
his use of language is, like, totally masterful 
, it's like a musical echo effect that really drives home the sense of loss and longing. The use of pararhyme in the opening lines is genius 
, it adds this sense of urgency and finality to the poem. And I love how the author weaves together all these different threads of classicism, personal identity, and spirituality 
, it creates this rich tapestry that's both deeply personal and universally relatable. The layout is so clean and simple, it really lets the words shine 
, and the way the poem flows from one stanza to the next is like a masterclass in pacing and tension 
. Overall, I think this poem is a real masterpiece 
, it's like a beautifully crafted puzzle that comes together to create something truly beautiful and moving 
I think it's really interesting how Lionel Johnson weaves together these different threads of classicism, personal identity, and Decadent movement in 'Renegade'. The way he explores the idea of this "Holy Land" that's been lost is so hauntingly relatable. It feels like a metaphor for something we've all experienced - the pain of losing our sense of purpose or idealism.