'I died for beauty but was scarce'

Please note that the following post is my perception and remains MY perception, as such sweet class-men/women, Judge tenderly of me !

Belonging:
The beginning line,"I died for beauty, but was scarce", suggests that the persona refused to give up beauty (as we have discussed in class it is a symbolism for Art/poetry) which is limited and "scarce". It may be to reveal that it is the most important value of the persona and is maintained until death. This to a moderate extent reveals that the persona does not desire to belong by compromising and forfeiting their treasured value, in this case the beauty(art). The use of rhetorical question in the line,"He questioned softly why I failed?", engages the reader and allow the time for self reflection of the ideas presented in the first stanza. The "failed" may also be to symbolise the persona's inadequacy to reach a sense of belonging. However, in the later lines, "the two are one; We brethren are", suggests that through sustaining of one's value, at some point individuals will reach a state of harmony. But in the final stanza this idea is challenged through the symbolism in the lines, "until the moss had reached our lips, And covered up our names". The line, "moss had reached our lips", suggests that attachment through shared values and not compromisation does not advance as the "moss" will reach their lips. This would soon cover up the "name" and identity of the individuals and as a result bring a conclusion to the individual's existence.(eg: death/ denial of belonging)

It should be noted that in order to acheive a sense of belonging it is inevitable to sacrifice a part of individuality to allow compromisation between individuals. This would create somewhat of a mutual understanding between the individuals and is what would enable them to experience a sense of belonging and acceptance. The desire to maintain the important individual value can been seen as hubris and what ultimately prevents acceptance. It can also suggest the notion of fear of rejection by others which lead to self-isolation and the failure to obtain a sense of belonging. The impression of obtaining "true-belonging" from shared values causes individuals to uphold their values which may lead to conflict or death. This consequently restricts individuals from permeating and denies the possibilities for innovation and change in union.