Mild Was The Air Castro Analysis

Though it is known that death is a natural part of life, many still struggle to understand that death is not necessarily the end of life, but rather the creation of a new form or cycle of life. This internal struggle is illuminated in Rosalia de Castro’s poem [Mild Was the Air], along with various other works of romantic poetry. In this poem, Castro discusses the intricate relationship between the frequently explored romantic topics of nature and death. Moreover, the romantic poet especially focuses on the importance of feelings and spirituality in guiding individuals to a profound insight about the nature of life (“Continental Romantic Lyrics: A Selection” 764). In regards to [Mild Was the Air], the relationship between nature and death is brought about following the passing of one of Castro’s children on a particularly mild day. Following her son’s
However, Castro’s perception changes in the third stanza of [Mild Was the Air], exhibiting a vital epiphany within the poem. This epiphany occurs when the poet chooses to let go of her child’s earthly existence through the religious act of burial, imploring, “Throw earth upon the unburied body . . . earth! / Before corruption fastens on his flesh” (11-12). In this instance, Castro’s religious faith allows her to move past the death of her son and recognize that his soul can now be at peace and free of any “corruption.” Consequently, the poet is also able to feel at peace because the spirit of her deceased son will continue to live on within her. This inner peace is illustrated in the third stanza when Castro expresses, “Be calm; the grave is covered now” (13). Therefore, it is evident that the epiphany illustrated in the third stanza of [Mild Was the Air] supports the overall message of the poem that death should be seen as a natural part of life that can in turn generate some form of new