Literary Analysis

Of Love
By: Khalil Gibran

Group Members
Leader:

Raziah Lee Torres

Members:

Benedict Armenio
Bryan James Perla
Michell Feruela
Cyrus Jaranilla
Gert Arrence Balaan
Jan Gustilo
Jessa Marie Borja
Joseph Adorador
Keziah Honey Gardose
Nikolai Gasapo
I. Summary

 The poem shows how Kahlil Gibran can survive because of love. He does everything
for love even he has to leave his dreams. Love here means how Kahlil Gibran follows his
heart to make better future and find his path and his true love, free for life or choose
something.

 Essentially the prose poetry presents the idea about love. Love is life, so if we miss love,
we miss life, love is needed in our life. It is so hard for us to give the actual meaning of love.
We know how it feels but we do not know how to explain it. In particular, the theme of the
poem is love. As a human, we cannot get away from love. Romantic love is important to us
because it is the way in which individuals can make a refuge of the natural within society.
Marriage, however, is suspect because it is the way in which society controls and warps the
pure and natural realm of sexual romantic love. Gibran believed that the bonds of love,
devotion and friendship would bring together these endlessly reborn beings. In the same
manner, animosity, evil and hatred have the same effect of reassembling groups of entities
from one cycle to another.

Like the Master, Jesus, Gibran taught eternal life in parable and metaphor when he wrote
“When you love you should not say, “God is in my heart,”but rather, I am in the heart of God.”

II. Author

Kahlil Gibran was a Lebanese-American writer,poet and visual artist; he was also
considered a philosopher, although he himself rejected the title. He is best known as the author
of The Prophet, which was first published in the United States in 1923 and has since become one
of the best-selling books of all time, having been translated into more than 100 languages.

Though he considered himself to be mainly a painter, lived most of his life in the United
States, and wrote his best-known works in English, he was the key figure in a Romantic
movement that transformed Arabic literature in the first half of the twentieth century. Educated
in Beirut, Boston, and Paris, Gibran was influenced by the European modernists of the late
nineteenth century. His early works were sketches, short stories, poems, and prose poems written
in simple language for Arabic newspapers in the United States. These pieces spoke to the
experiences and loneliness of Middle Eastern immigrants in the New World. For Arab readers
accustomed to the rich but difficult and rigid tradition of Arabic poetry and literary prose, many
of the forms and conventions of which went back to pre-Islamic Bedouin poetry, Gibran’s simple
and direct style was a revelation and an inspiration. His themes of alienation, disruption, and lost
rural beauty and security in a modernizing world also resonated with the experiences of his
readers.

He wrote The Prophet which is consist of 26 poems, including Of Love. The theme of his
book is how unshakeble love is. It is said that he got the inspiration to write it after meeting
Abdu'l-Bahá which is the head of Baháʼí Faith, a islamic religion.
III. Analysis

A. Vocabulary Enrichment

1. Beckon - call by gesture

2. Quiver - (v) tremble; (n) case of arrows
3. Gratitude - thankful appreciation
4. Naugth - nothing
5. Pliant - flexible , adaptable
6. Meditate - think deeply
7. Sift - pass through a sieve, as to separate
8. Sheaf - bundle of stalks
9. Ecstasy - overpowering joy
10. Ascend - climb,go up
11. Yield - surrender give away
12. Fragment - incomplete part
13. Shatter - destroy completely
14. Pruning - trimming
15. Thresh - beat out from its husk

B. Gaining Insights

1. What is the central theme of the poem?

"On Love" by Kahlil Gibran examines love's enormous effects on human life. Love's
transformational power and potential to create purpose, progress, and spiritual fulfillment are its
main themes. Gibran explores love's joy, anguish, longing, independence, and self-discovery.
Love transforms souls and relationships, the book concludes.

2. What aspects of love does Gibran emphasize?

 Freedom, Joy, Sadness, Self-discovery, Transform, Unite and Divine Love.

 Freedom: Gibran emphasizes letting love be free. He stresses that love should empower and
not enslave the beloved.

 Joy and sadness: Gibran acknowledges that joy and sadness are intertwined in love. He
stresses that true joy and grief are necessary to comprehend love.

 Love is self-discovery for Gibran. He suggests that loving others reveals hidden parts of
ourselves and increases our capacity to love.

 Love transforms, according to Gibran. He highlights how love can mold and refine our
characteristics, fostering spiritual growth and a greater connection with ourselves.
 Love unites all things, according to Gibran. He believes love unites people and breaks down
barriers.

 Divine Love: Gibran describes divine love as a transcendent spiritual energy. He proposes a
universal love that transcends human connections.

3. Explain the line, “You shall laugh, but not all of your laughter, and weep but not all of your
tears”.

 Kahlil Gibran's "On Love" statement "You shall laugh, but not all of your laughter, and
weep but not all of your tears" captures the idea that love involves both joy and sadness but
does not absorb or define our feelings. Gibran's "You shall laugh, but not all of your
laughter" says that love brings happiness and joy into our life, but it doesn't decide our
laughter or joy. Love enhances our laughter and enjoyment, but it does not define it.

 "And weep but not all of your tears," Gibran says, implying that love includes sadness and
tears but not all of them. Love may cause sadness, but it does not cause all our pain. We cry
for various reasons.This sentence stresses that love brings happiness and misery, but it does
not determine our laughter or tears. It acknowledges that love is one of many human
experiences.

4. How does the author compare the concept of love to the harvesting of corn.
Explain your view.

 "And think not that you can direct the course of love," Gibran continues, "for love, if it finds
you worthy, directs your course." Love, like corn harvesting, has its own inherent rhythm
that humans cannot regulate. People, like corn farmers, can't control their feelings. Love
takes a unique route.

 Gibran employs this example to emphasize the need of allowing love to flow and accepting
its unpredictability. He believes that love, like vegetables, should be cultivated and grown
naturally. People must cultivate their hearts, plant seeds, and wait for love to grow, just as
farmers do.

5. Pick out the passages similar to the saying, “The presence of love does not guarantee the
absence of pain.”

 "When love beckons to you, follow him, though his ways are hard and steep... For even as
love crowns you, so shall he crucify you. Even as he is for your growth, so is he for your
pruning." These passages suggest that love includes joy and grief without simply stating it.
They recognize that love may bring great happiness and suffering. They underline love's
depth and multifaceted emotions.

6. Which passage impressed you the most? Why?

 Kahlil Gibran's "On Love" statement "Love knows not its own depth until the hour of
separation" conveys the idea that love's entire depth and intensity are sometimes realized and
completely appreciated in periods of separation or loss.

Separation typically intensifies longing for the lover. During absence and desire, people
realize the depth of their love and commitment. The anguish of separation deepens their love.

Gibran's phrase says that separation is a revelation, a period of realization and contemplation that
shows love's strength and significance. These moments allow people to fully appreciate and
uncover new aspects of their relationship.

The sentence implies that isolation or the potential of separation frequently reveals love's full
depth and breadth. Longing and separation reveal the depth and intensity of love.

7. Give your own interpretation of the passage, “Love gives naught but itself and takes naught
but itself.”

In my opinion, the phrase "Love gives naught but itself and takes naught but itself" from
Kahlil Gibran's "On Love" best summarizes the self-contained and independent character of love.

According to the text, love is not something that can be bought or sold. It's not interested
in material success or advancement. Love, on the other hand, is not something that needs to be
added to or supplemented in any way. Its sole purpose is to be experienced and shared with
others. The idea that love "takes naught but itself" refers to the fact that it is not interested in
acquiring or forcing anything from the people it encounters. Love doesn't require or anticipate
anything in return. It is not an attempt to own or dominate the beloved.

IV. Refelection

SIMILIRITIES DIFFERENCES
1. They share a common theme of Style and Format: "1 Corinthians Chapter
exploring the nature and essence of love. 13" is a passage from the Bible,
While they approach the subject from specifically a letter written by the Apostle
different perspectives and styles, there are Paul. It follows a more traditional and
several similarities between the two. religious tone, presenting love in a
didactic and instructive manner. On the
other hand, Gibran's "On Love" is a
poetic work, characterized by lyrical and
metaphorical language. It expresses love
in a more abstract and artistic way.
2. Love transforms in both passages. "1 Context and Audience: "1 Corinthians
Corinthians Chapter 13" depicts love as Chapter 13" is written within the context
patient, gentle, and selfless, emphasizing of Christian teachings and is intended
its power to improve people and primarily for a religious audience. It
relationships. Gibran's poetry depicts love addresses the Corinthian community and
as a force that enhances and fulfills provides guidance on the virtues and
human life. importance of love within the Christian
faith. Gibran's poem, however, has a
broader scope and is intended for a
general audience. It explores love in a
universal and philosophical sense,
appealing to a wider range of readers.

3. Both scriptures emphasize freedom and Cultural and Religious Perspective: "1
respect in love. "1 Corinthians Chapter Corinthians Chapter 13" reflects the
13" emphasizes that love does not control Christian perspective on love,
or manipulate, while Gibran's verse urges emphasizing its connection to faith and
love to flow freely. Both emphasize the virtues of Christian living. It is
respect and avoiding possessiveness in influenced by biblical teachings and the
love. religious context of early Christianity. In
contrast, Gibran's poem draws from a
broader range of cultural and
philosophical influences, encompassing
themes from various religious and
spiritual traditions. It offers a more
inclusive and diverse perspective on love.
4. Both of them acknowledge love's Length and Detail: "1 Corinthians
problems and vulnerabilities. "1 Chapter 13" is a relatively short passage
Corinthians Chapter 13" states that love is within a larger biblical context. It
unshakeable. Gibran's poetry emphasizes provides a concise overview of love's
the fortitude and perseverance needed to characteristics and importance, focusing
overcome love's sorrow and hardships. on its attributes and behaviors. Gibran's
"On Love" is a longer poem, allowing for
a more extensive exploration of love in
different dimensions and aspects. It
delves into love's challenges, expressions,
and spiritual connections in greater detail.
5. Finally, both scriptures emphasize
love's spirituality. "1 Corinthians Chapter
13" links love to faith and hope,
emphasizing its divine origin and
importance. Gibran's poetry depicts love
as a spiritual energy that links souls and
transcends worldly limits, leading to
heavenly comprehension and connection.
V. References

 The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2023, April 6). Khalil Gibran | Biography, Poems,
Art, & Books. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Khalil-
Gibran
 Das Gupta, S. (2021). On Love by Kahlil Gibran. Poem Analysis.
https://poemanalysis.com/kahlil-gibran/on-love/
 Issa, M. (2018, June 17). Everything We Need to Know About Love in a Khalil Gibran
Poem. Medium. https://writingcooperative.com/everything-we-need-to-know-about-love-in-
a-khalil-gibran-poem-5c22c8248d72
 On Love (Gibran). (2011, December 29). What Is Real True Love?
https://realtruelove.wordpress.com/on-love-gibran/
 Nasreldin, F. (2020). 5 Lessons Khalil Gibran Taught us about Love. | elephant journal.
Elephant Journal | Daily Blog, Videos, E-newsletter & Magazine on Yoga + Organics +
Green Living + Non-new Agey Spirituality + Ecofashion + Conscious Consumerism=It’s
About the Mindful Life. https://www.elephantjournal.com/2020/03/five-fundamental-
lessons-khalil-gibran-taught-us-about-love/
 Three Lessons for Students from the Film “The Prophet.” (n.d.). Greater Good.
https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/three_lessons_for_students_from_the_prophet
 Saviuc, L. D. (2021, September 1). 25 Life-Changing Lessons to Learn from Khalil Gibran -
Purpose Fairy. Purpose Fairy. https://www.purposefairy.com/73816/life-lessons-learn-
khalil-gibran/
 IV. Reflection

1 CORITHIANS CHAPTER 13 OF LOVE BY KHALIL GIBRAN

Both of them talk about love and how it is the greatest and
how love can heal and break you at the same time. They
thought us what love is, and that you need to be patient and
cherish it for love last longer than anything. The Prophet
where Of Love came from, is inspired by islamic religion
and God which explain the same thought in 1 Corithians.

1 Corithians is written in the bible Of Love, is a poem written by Khalil

and it’s about love but not like Of Gibran. While 1 Corithians states
love. It’s about how you should love, what love should be and follow God.
imitating God by, serving and loving Of Love states through it’s methapor
each other because we are his that love has ups and downs. It state
followers. It states how love is that someone can be your strength
patience, proud and not toxic. while being your weakness at the
same time.