Explication of "I Like You and I Love You" by Oliver Wendell Holmes

The literal meaning to Holmes's poem, "I Like You and I Love You" is quite superficial and simple, but it provides a great setting for a darker, deeper meaning. The poem begins with two characters named I Like You and I Love You meeting on a narrow path. These two characters are implied to people men. I Like You simply smiles what seems to be a sort of evil smile, but I Love You cries out in sorrow because of this confrontation. I Love You attempts to leave this situation because he knows he must go to his wedding that day. However, I Like You does not let this happen; he does not even let I Love You turn back around. Finally, as they are both standing on this rocky ledge, I Like You pulls out a dagger, and he stabs I Love You. Once I Love You is dead, I Like You stabs and kills himself.

The poetic device of personification is the most prevalent in Holmes's poem. He gives the thoughts in his mind very human characteristics and actions. He depicts his thoughts of love and like as two people facing each other. He also utilizes imagery in his poem. He describes the rocky ledge in which they stand on vividly so as to set a more dramatic scene. Finally, Holmes uses stanza in his poem. This proves very useful in separating the "scenes" of his small story. It aids in the reader's understanding of the poem itself.

After understanding the figurative and literal meanings, it is clear to me that this poem reveals a very deep conflict set not only in Holmes, but in many people today. His thoughts about a certain woman, who is not revealed in the poem, are very conflicted. The character of I Love You obviously implies that one side of Holmes loves this woman passionately, but the character of I Like You stands for Holme's lesser thoughts of her. It is a classic conflict between simply liking someone as a friend or loving them. Before getting married, Holme's two different opinions of his lady have somewhat of a battle in his mind, and his love for the woman dies. One can infer that Holmes stops seeing this woman, and she is from then on seen as just an acquaintance. The meaning behind this poem should bring to light true and deep feelings of love in people and make them decide if their love for one another is real.