Exploring Love in " The Owl and The Pussycat"

Imagination and Imagery: Exploring Love in The Owl and the Pussycat

 Poetry is an expression of thoughts that evoke feelings that stimulate the imagination of the five senses in a rhythmic arrangement (Pradopo, 2014, p.7). Imagination and imagery are powerful tools used in poetry to evoke emotion, capture the essence of a moment, and convey complex themes. Nugroho (2009) states that the imagery of poetry is a description of objects in the form of words, phrases, or sentences contained in poetry or prose. Interesting imagery development will convey the themes in the poem well to the readers. Themes usually tell about good moral values, such as; friendship, patience, compassion, etc. One theme that is often intertwined with imaginative descriptions is love. In this analysis, we will investigate Edward Lear's immortal poem, The Owl and the Pussycat (1871), to explore how imaginative imagery enhances depictions of love. Through the poet's whimsical characters, vivid scenery, and delightful narrative, Lear weaves a love story that transcends boundaries. This analysis will highlight critical examples of imaginative imagery and its profound influence on the depiction of love in The Owl and the Pussycat.

Altenbernd (in Pradopo, 2014, p. 79 - 80) states that imagery are images in the mind and the language that describes them. This thought image is an effect in the mind very resembling (the image) produced by perceiving a visible object, the optic nerve, and the highly connected areas of the brain. Illustrated in the quote below:

"The Owl and the Pussycat went to sea
In a beautiful pea-green boat" ( Lear, 1871, p. 1).

This image shows the two chose to go sailing together, demonstrating their desire to share experiences and adventures. It reflects the bond and affection that exists between them. According to Muhardi (1986, p. 64), affection refers to love for God, love for fellow human
beings, and love between men and women (biological). Thus, compassion refers to feelings of love for fellow human beings, both to themselves and to others.

"They took some honey, and plenty of money
Wrapped up in a five-pound note"( Lear, 1871, p.1).

Their act of bringing honey and money on their journey shows their care and preparation to ensure that the two will have what they need. It shows practical affection and concern for the partner's comfort. The energy of affection and love in human beings encourages
them to act, act, and take the initiative to glorify the humanity of others. Apart from that, through this, you also humanize yourself (Dahler, 1976, p. 132). The result is that the actions that the pussy cat and owl do to prepare to go sailing together are a form of the influence of the loving energy they have.

"They danced by the light of the moon"( Lear, 1871, p,1).

It shows an intimate moment where they dance together under the moonlight. It creates a romantic atmosphere and shows the intimacy between them. Woods (2014) states that romantic relationships are relationships between individuals who perceive that they will be a significant and ongoing part of each other's lives. Thus, a couple in a romantic relationship are two people who mutually recognize and consider each other as a romantic partner who will be a significant and ongoing part of each other's life. What distinguishes between family relationships, friendships, and romantic relationships is that romantic relationships involve
intimacy and sexual feelings that are usually not shared by relationships with friends or relationships between family members (Woods, 2014). Another distinction between family relationships, friendships, and romantic relationships is that romantic relationships are considered the primary and lasting relationships for these two individuals (Woods, 2014).

"They sailed away, for a year and a day,
To the land where the bong-tree grows"( Lear, 1871, p. 1).

Their decision to go on long voyages for a year and a day shows their willingness to
sacrifice their time and comfort for their love. It depicts the strong dedication and commitment
that exists between them.

CONCLUSION

In Edward Lear's poem, The Owl and the Pussycat, imaginative imagery plays a vital role in enhancing the depiction of love. Through whimsical characters, vivid scenery, and a delightful narrative, Lear creates a love story that transcends boundaries and captures the
readers' hearts. The imagery in the poem evokes emotions and stimulates the readers' imagination. The image of the owl and the pussycat sailing together in a pea-green boat illustrates their desire to share experiences and adventures, reflecting the bond and affection between them. The act of bringing honey and money on their journey shows practical affection and concern for each other's comfort. Dancing under the moonlight portrays an intimate moment, emphasizing the romantic and intimate nature of their relationship. Their decision to embark on a long voyage demonstrates their dedication and commitment to their love.
Through these imaginative images, Lear effectively conveys the theme of love, showcasing its various aspects such as companionship, care, intimacy, and sacrifice. The poem celebrates the unconventional nature of love, highlighting that true love knows no boundaries
and can be found in unexpected places. In conclusion, the imaginative imagery in The Owl and the Pussycat enhances the portrayal of love, inviting readers to immerse themselves in a whimsical world where love knows no limits. Lear's mastery of imagery creates a captivating and enduring love story that resonates with readers of all ages.

REFERENCES

Dahler, Franz, & Chandra, J. (1976) . Asal dan Tujuan Manusia. Kanisius.

Lear, E. (1871). The Owl and the Pussycat. In R. Williams (Ed.), The Complete Nonsense of Edward Lear (pp. 45-47). Penguin Classics

Muhardi. 1986. "Homo Humanus". Department of Language Education and Indonesian Literature FPBS IKIP Padang.

Nugroho, Ernest. (2009). Goedang Bahasa dan Sastra. gubukbahasasastra.blogspot.com

Pradopo, Rahmat Djoko. (2014). Pengkajian Puisi. Gajah Mada University Press.

Wood, J. T. (2014). Interpesoonal Comunication:Everyday Encounter Eight Edition. Cengage Learning