A Dialogue of Friendship Multiplied by Katherine Philips

Context

• A Dialogue of Friendship Multiplied by Katherine Philips was written in the mid-17th century, during a time when female literary expression was rare and often focused on themes of platonic love and friendship.
• Katherine Philips, also known by her pen name "Orinda", was renowned for her poetry celebrating deep, platonic relationships, particularly between women. This poem reflects the ideals of platonic friendship, which were highly valued during the period, and often seen as a pure and spiritual bond.
• The poem is part of Philips's broader exploration of the nature of friendship, emphasizing mutual respect, intellectual connection, and emotional support.

Structure and Form

Form, Meter, and Rhyme

• The poem is composed of 12 lines divided into three quatrains.
• It follows an ABAB rhyme scheme, which creates a balanced and harmonious rhythm, suitable for a poem that discusses the equilibrium and mutual reinforcement found in true friendship.
• The meter is primarily iambic pentameter, providing a regular and contemplative rhythm that mirrors the reflective nature of the poem.

Speaker and Setting

• The speakers are likely Philips herself and her close friend (referred to as "Lucasia" in her other works), engaging in a dialogue about the nature of their friendship.
• The setting is abstract and focuses on the intellectual and emotional exchange between the two friends rather than a specific physical location. The dialogue format emphasizes the collaborative and equal nature of their relationship.

Poetic Devices

Dialogue Form:

• The poem is structured as a conversation between two voices, representing the mutual exchange of thoughts and feelings that characterizes their friendship.
• This format underscores the poem's theme of equality and shared experience.

Metaphor:

• Philips uses metaphors to describe the strength and endurance of their friendship, likening it to a "doubled flame" that grows stronger when joined.
• "Our friendship, like two hearts which flame, / As one another's heat increase," emphasizes the reciprocal nature of their bond.

Alliteration:

• The use of alliteration, such as in "doubled" and "divided", adds to the musical quality of the poem and highlights key concepts.
• This device reinforces the theme of multiplication and shared experience in friendship.

Imagery:

• The poem employs imagery related to fire and heat to symbolize the passion and intensity of their friendship.
• The image of "flame" suggests a dynamic, living connection that strengthens both parties.

Key Themes

Platonic Friendship

• The poem explores the theme of platonic friendship, presenting it as a powerful and spiritual connection that transcends physical or romantic love.
• Philips celebrates the way their friendship enriches and empowers both individuals, making them stronger together than apart.

Unity and Multiplication

• A central theme of the poem is the idea that true friendship does not diminish but rather multiplies strength and virtue. The bond between friends is depicted as something that grows and intensifies when shared.
• "And while our souls together mix, / They higher rise, new strengths create," reflects the belief that friendship enhances the qualities of both individuals.

Mutual Support

• The poem emphasizes mutual support as a key element of friendship, where both friends contribute equally to each other's growth and well-being.
  • The dialogue form of the poem reinforces the concept of mutual exchange and the idea that each friend benefits from the other.

Similar Poems

• "To My Excellent Lucasia, on Our Friendship" by Katherine Philips: This poem similarly explores the theme of deep friendship between women, focusing on the spiritual and intellectual connection that defines their relationship.
• "The Good Morrow" by John Donne: Donne's poem celebrates the unity of souls in love, which echoes the Platonic ideals of friendship and spiritual connection found in Philips's poetry.
• "A Valediction of Weeping" by John Donne: Although centred on romantic love, Donne's poem explores the idea of deep emotional connections that transcend physical presence, similar to the spiritual bond in Philips's work.

Line by Line Analysis

Stanza 1

Lines 1-7

Musidorus Will you unto one single sense Confine a starry Influence? Or when you do the raies combine, To themselves only make them shine? Love that's engross'd by one alone, Is envy, not affection.

"Will you unto one single sense / Confine a starry Influence?"

• Musidorus begins by questioning whether it is right to limit the powerful, celestial influence of friendship ("starry Influence") to just one person or "sense."
• The metaphor of "starry Influence" suggests something vast and radiant, implying that it should not be restricted to a single direction or relationship.

"Or when you do the raies combine, / To themselves only make them shine?"

• Musidorus continues by asking if, when combining the rays of friendship, it is right to make them shine only for themselves, rather than spreading their light.
• This line suggests that the beauty and power of friendship should not be hoarded or kept within a closed circle but should be shared widely.

"Love that's engross'd by one alone, / Is envy, not affection."

• Musidorus asserts that love or friendship that is monopolized by one person is not true affection, but rather "envy", which implies jealousy and possessiveness.
• This line critiques the idea of exclusive relationships that limit the sharing of love, suggesting that such possessiveness is contrary to the true spirit of friendship.

Stanza 2

Lines 8-12

Orinda No, Musidorus, this would be But Friendship's prodigality; Union in raies does not confine, But doubles lustre when they shine,

"No, Musidorus, this would be / But Friendship's prodigality;"

• Orinda responds to Musidorus, disagreeing with the idea that sharing friendship broadly would be wasteful ("Friendship's prodigality").
• She suggests that the concern Musidorus raises is unfounded, as sharing friendship does not diminish its value or intensity.

"Union in raies does not confine, / But doubles lustre when they shine,"

• Orinda argues that uniting the rays of friendship does not limit their reach but instead increases their brightness and brilliance.
• This metaphor emphasizes that when friendship is shared among many, its beauty and impact are enhanced, not diminished.

Lines 13-16

And souls united live above Envy, as much as scatter'd Love. Friendship (like Rivers) as it multiplies In many streams, grows weaker still and dies.

"And souls united live above / Envy, as much as scatter'd Love."

• Orinda asserts that when souls are united in friendship, they transcend envy, unlike "scatter'd Love", which is divided and weakened.
• This line suggests that true friendship is immune to the jealousy that can arise in less secure or divided relationships.

"Friendship (like Rivers) as it multiplies / In many streams, grows weaker still and dies."

• Orinda concludes with a simile comparing friendship to rivers, which become weaker as they divide into multiple streams, ultimately leading to their dissolution.
• This line warns that while sharing friendship can enhance its brilliance, there is a limit; if spread too thin, friendship can lose its strength and vitality, much like a river that loses its force when it is divided into many smaller streams.

Stanza 3

Lines 17-21

Musidorus Rivers indeed may lose their force, When they divide or break their course; For they may want some hidden Spring, Which to their streams recruits may bring:

"Rivers indeed may lose their force, / When they divide or break their course;"

• Musidorus concedes that rivers can lose their power when they divide into smaller streams or deviate from their natural course.
• This acknowledgement refers to the weakening of friendship when it is spread too thin or scattered among many people, as discussed by Orinda earlier.

"For they may want some hidden Spring, / Which to their streams recruits may bring:"

• Musidorus suggests that rivers might lack a "hidden Spring" that would replenish their waters and sustain their flow.
• This metaphor implies that if a friendship lacks a deep, underlying source of strength or renewal, it can diminish over time when divided or diluted.

Lines 22-25

But Friendship's made of purest fire, Which burns and keeps its stock entire Love, like the Sun, may shed his beams on all, And grow more great by being general.

"But Friendship's made of purest fire, / Which burns and keeps its stock entire"

• Musidorus contrasts the earlier metaphor of rivers with a new metaphor of friendship as "purest fire", suggesting that true friendship is enduring and self-sustaining.
• The "purest fire" symbolizes a kind of friendship that remains strong and intact, regardless of how widely it is shared.

"Love, like the Sun, may shed his beams on all, / And grow more great by being general."

• Musidorus draws a comparison between love and the Sun, both of which can spread their influence widely ("shed his beams on all") without losing their power.
• This line suggests that love and friendship can become stronger and more magnificent ("grow more great") when they are shared generously with others.

Stanza 4

Lines 26-30

Orinda The purity of friendship's flame Proves that from simpathy it came, And that the hearts so close do knit, They no third partner can admit;

"The purity of friendship's flame / Proves that from simpathy it came,"

• Orinda responds by emphasizing that the "purity" of true friendship originates from "sympathy", a deep emotional connection and mutual understanding.
• This line underscores the idea that true friendship is born out of a genuine, heartfelt bond between individuals.

"And that the hearts so close do knit, / They no third partner can admit;"

• Orinda argues that such a deep and pure friendship creates a bond so strong and intimate that it cannot accommodate a third party.
• This suggests that true friendship, while pure and powerful, is also exclusive, implying that the deepest connections are often between just two people.

Lines 31-34

Love, like the Sun, does all inspire, But burns most by contracted fire Then though I honour every worthy guest, Yet my Lucasia only rules my breast.

"Love, like the Sun, does all inspire, / But burns most by contracted fire"

• Orinda acknowledges that love, like the Sun, can inspire and warm everyone, but it is most intense and powerful when focused ("by contracted fire").
• This metaphor implies that while love can be widespread, its greatest strength and heat come from a concentrated, intimate connection.

"Then though I honour every worthy guest, / Yet my Lucasia only rules my breast."

• Orinda concludes by stating that while she respects and honours all worthy individuals ("every worthy guest"), her deepest affection and loyalty belong solely to Lucasia.
• This line reaffirms the exclusivity and intensity of her friendship with Lucasia, portraying it as the central and most important relationship in her life.