From That Time to This Time vs. So Long as

Attribute	From That Time to This Time	So Long as
Meaning	Since then until now	As long as
Duration	Indefinite period	Conditional period
Usage	Describes a continuous timeframe	Describes a condition or requirement

Themes

Both "From That Time to This Time" and "So Long as" explore themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. In "From That Time to This Time," the speaker reflects on a past love and the ways in which it has shaped their life. The poem delves into the complexities of memory and nostalgia, highlighting the bittersweet nature of looking back on a relationship that has ended. Similarly, "So Long as" also deals with themes of love and loss, but from a more philosophical perspective. The poem contemplates the enduring nature of love and the ways in which it can transcend time and space.

Tone

The tone of "From That Time to This Time" is wistful and reflective. The speaker looks back on their past with a sense of longing and nostalgia, reminiscing about the moments shared with their former lover. There is a sense of melancholy in the poem, as the speaker grapples with the passage of time and the inevitability of change. In contrast, the tone of "So Long as" is more hopeful and optimistic. The poem celebrates the enduring power of love, suggesting that it can withstand the test of time and remain a constant presence in our lives.

Imagery

Both poems use vivid imagery to evoke emotions and create a sense of atmosphere. In "From That Time to This Time," the speaker describes scenes from their past relationship with a keen eye for detail. The imagery is often nostalgic and romantic, painting a picture of a love that was once vibrant and alive. In "So Long as," the imagery is more abstract and philosophical. The poem uses metaphors and symbols to convey the idea of love as a timeless and transcendent force, weaving together images of nature and the cosmos to illustrate its enduring nature.

Structure

The structure of "From That Time to This Time" is more traditional, with a clear narrative arc that follows the speaker's reflections on their past love. The poem is divided into stanzas, each containing a distinct thought or memory. In contrast, "So Long as" has a more free-form structure, with shorter lines and a less linear progression. The poem meanders through different ideas and images, creating a sense of fluidity and movement that mirrors the theme of love's eternal presence.

Conclusion

While "From That Time to This Time" and "So Long as" both explore themes of love, loss, and the passage of time, they do so in different ways. "From That Time to This Time" takes a more personal and introspective approach, focusing on the speaker's individual experience of love and memory. In contrast, "So Long as" adopts a more universal and philosophical perspective, considering love as a timeless and transcendent force that connects us all. Both poems offer unique insights into the complexities of human emotion and the enduring power of love.