'Occasional Poems' by Delmore Schwartz

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1958-61I Christmas Poem for NancyNoel, Noel
We live and we die
Between heaven and hell
Between the earth and the sky
And all shall be well
And all shall be unwell
And once again! all shall once again!All shall be well
By the ringing and the swingingof the great beautiful holiday bell
Of Noel! Noel!II Salute ValentineI'll drink to thee only with my eyes
When two are three and four,
And guzzle reality's rise and cries
And praise the truth beyond surmise
When small shots shout: More! More! More! More!III Rabbi to PreachRabbi Robert Raaba will preachon "An Eye for an Eye"(an I for an I?)
(Two weeks from this week: "On the Sacred Would")
At Temple Sholem on Lake Shore Drive
- Pavel Slavensky will chant the liturgical responses
And William Leon, having now thirteen yearswill thank his parents that he exists
To celebrate his birthday of manhood, his chocolateBar Mitzvah, his yum-yum kippered herring, his RussianCorona.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Beauty and Tragedy of Life in Delmore Schwartz's Occasional Poems

Poetry is the art of expressing complex ideas and emotions through the use of language. It is a form of art that touches the heart and soul of the reader. And when it comes to poetry, Delmore Schwartz's Occasional Poems is a masterpiece that deserves the attention of poetry lovers all around the world.

In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the beauty and tragedy of life as portrayed in Delmore Schwartz's Occasional Poems. We will explore the themes, symbols, and literary devices used by the author to convey his message. We will also examine the historical and cultural contexts that influenced the author's writing.

The Life and Works of Delmore Schwartz

Before we dive into the poem, it is important to understand the life and works of Delmore Schwartz. Delmore Schwartz was born in Brooklyn in 1913. He was a Jewish-American poet, short story writer, and literary critic. He is considered one of the most important writers of the 20th century.

Schwartz's works are known for their exploration of the human condition, the complexities of modern life, and the role of the individual in society. His writing style is characterized by its lyricism, wit, and irony. His works have been compared to those of T.S. Eliot, Ezra Pound, and William Butler Yeats.

Schwartz's Occasional Poems is a collection of poems that were written over a period of twenty years. The poems in this collection were written for various occasions such as weddings, funerals, birthdays, and anniversaries. The collection includes some of Schwartz's most famous poems such as "Calmly We Walk Through This April's Day" and "In the Naked Bed, In Plato's Cave".

The Themes of Occasional Poems

The themes of Occasional Poems are varied and complex. The collection deals with themes such as love, death, the passage of time, and the search for meaning in life. The collection also explores the relationship between the individual and society, the nature of art, and the role of the artist in society.

One of the central themes of the collection is the search for meaning in life. Schwartz explores the existential questions that have troubled humanity since the beginning of time. He asks what it means to be alive, what is the purpose of life, and what happens after death. These questions are explored in poems such as "The Heavy Bear Who Goes With Me" and "The Ballad Of The Children Of The Czar".

Another important theme in the collection is the passage of time. Schwartz reminds us that time is fleeting and that we should cherish every moment of our lives. He writes about the inevitability of death and how it gives meaning to life. This theme is explored in poems such as "Poem For The Breasts Of A Young Girl" and "The Poet".

Love is another important theme in the collection. Schwartz writes about the joys and sorrows of love, the pain of separation, and the longing for companionship. He explores the complexities of human relationships and the impact they have on our lives. This theme is explored in poems such as "The Beautiful American Word, Sure" and "Frequently Asked Questions".

The Symbols and Literary Devices of Occasional Poems

Schwartz uses various symbols and literary devices to convey his message in Occasional Poems. One of the most prominent symbols in the collection is the image of the bear. The bear represents the burden of life that we all carry with us. The bear is heavy and burdensome, but it is also a reminder of the beauty and fragility of life.

Another important symbol in the collection is the image of the bed. The bed represents the comfort and security that we seek in life. It is a symbol of love, companionship, and intimacy. However, it is also a reminder of the transience of life and the inevitability of death.

Schwartz also employs various literary devices in the collection such as metaphor, simile, and personification. He uses these devices to create vivid images and to convey complex ideas in a simple and accessible way. For example, in "Calmly We Walk Through This April's Day", he uses metaphor to describe the beauty of life:

"Calmly we walk through this April's day,
Metropolitan poetry here and there,
In the park sit pauper and rentier,
The screaming children, the motor-car
Fugitive about us, running away,"

The Historical and Cultural Context of Occasional Poems

Occasional Poems was written during a time of great social and cultural change in America. The poems reflect the anxieties and uncertainties of a society that was undergoing rapid transformation. The collection was written during the Great Depression, World War II, and the Cold War. These events had a profound impact on American society and culture and are reflected in Schwartz's writing.

Schwartz was also influenced by the literary and artistic movements of his time. He was a part of the modernist movement in poetry, which rejected the traditional forms and structures of poetry. He was also influenced by the existentialist philosophers such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus, who explored the meaning and purpose of human existence.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Delmore Schwartz's Occasional Poems is a masterpiece of poetry that explores the beauty and tragedy of life. The collection deals with themes such as love, death, the passage of time, and the search for meaning in life. Schwartz uses various symbols and literary devices to convey his message and create vivid images. The historical and cultural context of the collection adds depth and complexity to Schwartz's writing. Occasional Poems is a testament to the power of poetry to touch the heart and soul of the reader, and it deserves a place among the great works of literature.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Delmore Schwartz's Poetry Occasional Poems is a collection of poems that showcases the poet's mastery of language and his ability to capture the essence of everyday life. The collection is a testament to Schwartz's talent as a poet and his ability to create works that are both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.

The collection is divided into three sections: "Occasional Poems," "Poems for Children," and "Translations." Each section showcases a different aspect of Schwartz's poetic style and his ability to write in a variety of genres.

The first section, "Occasional Poems," contains poems that were written for specific occasions, such as weddings, funerals, and birthdays. These poems are deeply personal and reflect Schwartz's ability to capture the emotions of the moment. For example, in the poem "For a Bar Mitzvah," Schwartz writes:

"May you grow up to be a man With a heart that's strong and true, And may you always do your best In everything you do."

This poem is a beautiful tribute to the young boy who is becoming a man and reflects Schwartz's belief in the importance of living a life that is true to oneself.

The second section, "Poems for Children," contains poems that are written for a younger audience. These poems are playful and whimsical, and showcase Schwartz's ability to write in a variety of styles. For example, in the poem "The Elephant," Schwartz writes:

"The elephant is a funny beast, With a trunk that's long and wide, And when he walks, he shakes the ground, And makes the people hide."

This poem is a delightful example of Schwartz's ability to capture the imagination of children and create works that are both entertaining and educational.

The third section, "Translations," contains poems that Schwartz translated from other languages. These poems showcase his ability to work with different languages and his talent for capturing the essence of a work in translation. For example, in the poem "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock," Schwartz translates T.S. Eliot's famous poem into Yiddish. The result is a beautiful and haunting work that captures the essence of Eliot's original poem while also showcasing Schwartz's ability to work with different languages.

Overall, Poetry Occasional Poems is a beautiful collection of poems that showcases Delmore Schwartz's talent as a poet. The collection is a testament to his ability to capture the essence of everyday life and create works that are both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. Whether you are a fan of poetry or simply appreciate beautiful writing, this collection is a must-read.

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