The scholar offered a (subtle and complex)
reading of the poem, arguing that its joy was only (brief)
. Over time, several interpretations began to (come together into a whole)
into a broader theory, eventually (replacing)
older views. A new edition helped by (increasing emphasis on)
the poet’s irony, though some said the publisher was (ruining, letting fall into decay)
the original structure by (cutting off)
whole sections. In one dramatic illustration, a warrior is shown (drawing from its cover)
a sword beneath a sky filled with (emptiness, lack of thought)
. A narrow (opening)
in the ruined wall lets in the only light.