"Where the new grass flames as it has flamed often before but not with the cold fire that closes round me this year"
In the quote above, a paradox is seen in "cold fire." It is hard to understand how fire can be cold, so I'd like to try to explain clearly. Before the words "cold fire," grass is said to flame. Flame can be used as a verb, meaning to burn brightly. The grass isn't literally on fire, but it radiates its impressive beauty. By association with this use of the word flame, I believe "cold fire" is used to describe the mood the widow gives off. She radiates mourn and gloom intensely just as the beautiful plant life of the spring radiates is splendor. This provides for an effective juxtaposition in the poem. The spring live represents magnificent, cheerful beauty while the women is characteristic of lifeless brooding.
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