'Be Angry At The Sun' by Robinson Jeffers

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Be Angry At The Sun1941That public men publish falsehoods
Is nothing new. That America must accept
Like the historical republics corruption and empire
Has been known for years.Be angry at the sun for setting
If these things anger you. Watch the wheel slope and turn,
They are all bound on the wheel, these people, those warriors.
This republic, Europe, Asia.Observe them gesticulating,
Observe them going down. The gang serves lies, the passionate
Man plays his part; the cold passion for truth
Hunts in no pack.You are not Catullus, you know,
To lampoon these crude sketches of Caesar. You are far
From Dante's feet, but even farther from his dirty
Political hatreds.Let boys want pleasure, and men
Struggle for power, and women perhaps for fame,
And the servile to serve a Leader and the dupes to be duped.
Yours is not theirs.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Be Angry at the Sun by Robinson Jeffers

*“That public men publish falsehoods

Is nothing new. That America must accept

Like the historical republics corruption and empire

Has been known for years.”*

These lines from Robinson Jeffers’ poem “Be Angry at the Sun” are a reflection of the poet’s disillusionment with the state of the world. The poem is a powerful critique of America’s imperial ambitions and the corruption that comes with it. Jeffers was a writer who believed in the power of nature and the importance of living in harmony with the natural world. In “Be Angry at the Sun,” he reflects on the consequences of human greed and the destruction caused by man’s attempts to conquer nature.

A Brief Overview of Robinson Jeffers

Before delving into the poem itself, it is important to provide a brief background on Robinson Jeffers. Born in 1887 in Pennsylvania, Jeffers spent most of his life in California where he built and lived in a stone house on the coast. He was a prolific writer, publishing over 20 volumes of poetry, as well as plays, essays, and translations. Jeffers’ poetry is marked by his love of nature and his belief in the importance of preserving it. He was also deeply concerned about the destructive impact of civilization on the natural world.

Jeffers’ poetry is often characterized by its dark and pessimistic tone. He was deeply critical of the modern world and believed that humanity was on a destructive path. His poetry is filled with images of natural beauty, but also with violent and apocalyptic imagery. Jeffers’ work was not widely recognized during his lifetime, but he has since been recognized as one of America’s most important poets.

Analysis of “Be Angry at the Sun”

“Be Angry at the Sun” is a poem that is both highly critical of the world and deeply concerned about the fate of humanity. The poem is structured in four stanzas, each of which is comprised of four lines. The poem begins with the lines quoted above, in which Jeffers acknowledges the fact that politicians lie and that America’s empire is built on corruption. The speaker then goes on to say that this knowledge is not enough, and that we must “be angry at the sun” for allowing such a world to exist.

The second stanza of the poem is filled with vivid images of destruction. The speaker describes “the old South rotting” and “the Asian mountains” disappearing. He also notes that the sea is filled with dead fish and that the sky is polluted with smoke. The speaker’s anger is directed at the sun, which he accuses of being complicit in the destruction of the earth.

In the third stanza, the speaker turns his attention to the future. He describes a world in which “the cities lie / At the monster’s feet” and “the earth is a cripple with frost.” He also notes that “the white streams / Of the north go seaward and the nights rage.” The speaker’s anger is directed at humanity for allowing this future to come to pass.

The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most hopeful. The speaker suggests that if we can learn to live in harmony with nature, we can avoid the destruction that is predicted in the third stanza. He suggests that if we can “learn to praise” the natural world, we can “stop the time machine” and avoid the apocalyptic future that is predicted.

Themes in “Be Angry at the Sun”

“Be Angry at the Sun” is a poem that is concerned with a number of themes, including the destructive impact of humanity on the natural world, the dangers of imperialism and corruption, and the importance of living in harmony with nature.

One of the central themes of the poem is the destructive impact of humanity on the natural world. The poem is filled with vivid images of destruction, from the rotting South to the disappearing Asian mountains. The speaker’s anger is directed at the sun, which he accuses of being complicit in the destruction of the earth. This theme is echoed in many of Jeffers’ other poems, which are marked by his love of nature and his concern for its preservation.

Another theme of the poem is the dangers of imperialism and corruption. The poem acknowledges the fact that politicians lie and that America’s empire is built on corruption. The speaker’s anger is directed at the sun, which he sees as complicit in this corruption. This theme is particularly relevant today, as we continue to see the destructive impact of imperialism and corruption around the world.

Finally, the poem is concerned with the importance of living in harmony with nature. The final stanza of the poem suggests that if we can learn to live in harmony with nature, we can avoid the destruction that is predicted in the third stanza. The poem suggests that if we can “learn to praise” the natural world, we can “stop the time machine” and avoid the apocalyptic future that is predicted.

Conclusion

“Be Angry at the Sun” is a powerful critique of the state of the world and a call to action for humanity to live in harmony with nature. The poem is filled with vivid images of destruction and apocalyptic futures, but it also holds out hope that we can avoid this fate if we can learn to live in harmony with nature. Jeffers’ poetry is marked by his love of nature and his concern for its preservation, and “Be Angry at the Sun” is a testament to this belief. It is a poem that remains relevant today, as we continue to see the destructive impact of imperialism and corruption around the world.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Be Angry At The Sun: A Powerful and Provocative Poem by Robinson Jeffers

Robinson Jeffers, one of the most influential poets of the 20th century, was known for his powerful and provocative poetry that challenged conventional beliefs and values. His poem, "Be Angry At The Sun," is a prime example of his unique style and perspective.

At first glance, the poem may seem like a simple expression of frustration and anger towards the sun, which is often associated with warmth, light, and life. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that Jeffers is using the sun as a metaphor for the destructive forces of nature and human civilization.

The poem begins with a bold and confrontational statement: "That public men publish falsehoods / Is nothing new." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a scathing critique of the lies and deceit that are often perpetuated by those in power. Jeffers is essentially saying that we should not be surprised or complacent when we encounter falsehoods in the world, but rather we should be angry and motivated to take action.

The next few lines of the poem describe the destructive power of the sun, which "burns the skin and dries the bones." This imagery is meant to convey the idea that nature can be both beautiful and deadly, and that we must be aware of its power and respect it accordingly. Jeffers is also suggesting that the sun represents the destructive forces of human civilization, which can be just as deadly and destructive as natural disasters.

The poem then takes a more philosophical turn, with Jeffers questioning the very nature of existence and the purpose of life. He asks, "If the imagination has stirred at all in you, / If the song you have so often heard echoes within you / Still, why not make yourself / As the sea is, in the wind's arms?" This passage is open to interpretation, but it seems to suggest that we should embrace the chaos and unpredictability of life, rather than trying to control or dominate it.

The final lines of the poem are perhaps the most powerful and memorable: "Be angry at the sun, for setting / If these things anger you." Jeffers is essentially saying that we should be angry at the natural and human forces that cause pain and suffering in the world, but we should also be motivated to take action and make a difference. We should not simply accept the status quo, but rather we should strive to create a better world.

Overall, "Be Angry At The Sun" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that challenges us to question our assumptions and beliefs about the world. Jeffers uses vivid imagery and metaphorical language to convey his message, and his words are just as relevant today as they were when he first wrote them. Whether you are a fan of poetry or not, this poem is sure to leave a lasting impression and inspire you to think more deeply about the world around you.

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