Here's a breakdown of the poem's meaning and key themes:
Aesthetics of Language:
Wylie begins by highlighting the pleasing sound of certain words, using examples like "Babylon," "alabaster," and "catafalque." She notes how these words have a musical quality that appeals to our senses, regardless of their semantic content.
Contrast Between Sound and Meaning:
The poem then contrasts the aesthetic charm of words with their inherent emptiness. Wylie suggests that these words may lack genuine feeling or weight, like "a tinkling cymbal or a sounding brass." This contrast highlights the idea that words can sound pleasing without conveying significant meaning.
Empty Phrases and Rhetoric:
Wylie goes on to criticize the overuse of empty phrases and eloquent rhetoric, drawing attention to how these can sound beautiful yet lack depth and authenticity. She dismisses them as "pretty words," suggesting that they might be pleasant to the ear but lack substance.
Emotional Resonance and Truth:
The poem then explores the limitations of words in capturing genuine emotions and truths. Wylie reflects on the difficulty of expressing true anguish or joy through mere words, emphasizing that genuine feelings often lie beyond the reach of language.
The Paradox of Language:
Wylie concludes the poem by acknowledging the paradoxical nature of language—its beauty and emptiness, its ability to charm and deceive. She observes that while pretty words may not convey truth or emotion, they have their place in the human experience, offering solace and comfort even in their inadequacy.
In essence, "Pretty Words" examines the tension between the aesthetic allure of language and its capacity to communicate genuine meaning and emotion. It underscores the importance of substance and authenticity while recognizing the captivating beauty of words, even when they fall short in revealing profound truths.