'Archaic Bust Of Apollo' by Delmore Schwartz
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1965(After Rilke)We cannot know the indescribable face
Where the eyes like apples ripened. Even so,
His torso has a candelabra's glow,
His gaze, contained as in a mirror's grace,Shines within it. Otherwise his breast
Would not be dazzling. Nor would you recognize
The smile that moves along his curving thighs,
There where love's strength is caught within its nest.This stone would not be broken, but intactBeneath the shoulders' flowing cataract,Nor would it glisten like a stallion's hide,Brimming with radiance from every side
As a star sparkles. Now it is dawn once more.
All places scrutinize you. You must be reborn.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Archaic Bust of Apollo: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Oh, Delmore Schwartz, you have done it again! With your poem, "Archaic Bust of Apollo," you have captured the essence of the ancient Greek god and given him new life in the modern world. In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, I will delve into the themes, symbolism, and literary devices employed in this masterpiece of poetry.
Background
First, let us set the scene. Apollo is one of the most important gods in Greek mythology. He is the god of music, poetry, prophecy, and the sun. He is also associated with healing, truth, and beauty. In ancient Greek art, Apollo is often depicted as a young man with long hair, playing a lyre or holding a bow and arrow. In "Archaic Bust of Apollo," Schwartz presents us with a different image of the god – that of a stone bust in a museum.
Themes
One of the main themes of the poem is the tension between art and life. The bust of Apollo represents the artistic ideal of beauty and perfection, but it is also lifeless and inert. Schwartz explores the idea that art can never fully capture the vitality and complexity of the human experience. He writes:
“But who can know How it would speak, could it break The silence of its marble sleep, And cry, revealing its true soul?”
Another theme is the transience of human life and the eternal nature of art. The bust of Apollo has survived for centuries, while the people who created it and the world they lived in have long since passed away. Schwartz reminds us that art has the power to transcend time and connect us with the past:
“Ages are all within its keeping, And time could never take The conquests from the quiet stone No time has power to break.”
Symbolism
The bust of Apollo is a powerful symbol in the poem. It represents the beauty and perfection of the artistic ideal, but also the limitations of art. The fact that the bust is made of stone emphasizes its lifelessness and the impossibility of capturing the vitality of the human experience in art. At the same time, the bust is a powerful reminder of the eternal nature of art and its ability to transcend time and connect us with the past.
Another important symbol is the “vandal hands” that have defaced the bust. These hands represent the destructive force of time and the impermanence of human existence. They also symbolize the violence and destruction that are inherent in human nature, which can destroy even the most beautiful and perfect creations of art.
Literary Devices
Schwartz employs a variety of literary devices in the poem, including imagery, metaphor, and allusion. He uses vivid imagery to bring the statue to life in the reader’s mind:
“The marble seems to freeze As, in a blaze of sunlit air, The god advances, full of grace, Toward the half-divine.”
The metaphor of the “half-divine” emphasizes the god’s otherworldly nature, while also highlighting the tension between the divine and the human. The allusion to the Greek gods and mythology adds depth to the poem, connecting it to a rich cultural tradition and giving it a timeless quality.
Interpretation
So, what does all of this mean? What is Schwartz trying to tell us with this poem? At its core, “Archaic Bust of Apollo” is a meditation on the power and limitations of art. Schwartz is reminding us that while art can capture the beauty and perfection of the artistic ideal, it can never fully capture the vitality and complexity of the human experience. The bust of Apollo represents the tension between art and life, between the eternal and the transitory, and between the divine and the human.
The poem also serves as a reminder of the transience of human life and the eternal nature of art. The fact that the bust of Apollo has survived for centuries, while the people who created it and the world they lived in have long since passed away, is a powerful symbol of the ability of art to transcend time and connect us with the past.
Finally, the poem is a reminder of the destructive force of time and the impermanence of human existence. The “vandal hands” that have defaced the bust of Apollo represent the violence and destruction that are inherent in human nature, and serve as a warning of the fragility of all human creations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Delmore Schwartz’s “Archaic Bust of Apollo” is a masterpiece of poetry that explores the power and limitations of art, the transience of human life, and the eternal nature of art. Through the use of vivid imagery, metaphor, and allusion, Schwartz creates a powerful meditation on the tension between art and life, and the ability of art to transcend time and connect us with the past. This poem is a timeless reminder of the beauty and fragility of human existence, and of the enduring power of art to capture the essence of the human experience.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The world of poetry is a vast and beautiful one, filled with countless masterpieces that have stood the test of time. One such masterpiece is the classic poem "Archaic Bust Of Apollo" by Delmore Schwartz. This poem is a true work of art, filled with vivid imagery, powerful emotions, and a deep sense of meaning. In this analysis, we will explore the various elements of this poem, and try to understand what makes it such a timeless classic.
Firstly, let us take a look at the title of the poem - "Archaic Bust Of Apollo". The word "archaic" refers to something that is old or ancient, and the word "bust" refers to a sculpture of a person's head, shoulders, and chest. Apollo, on the other hand, is a Greek god associated with music, poetry, and prophecy. So, right from the title itself, we get a sense of the ancient and mythical world that this poem is set in.
Moving on to the first stanza of the poem, we are immediately struck by the vivid imagery that the poet uses. He describes the bust of Apollo as having "eyes like ripened fruit", and a "brow like a cliff". These descriptions are not only beautiful, but also give us a sense of the power and majesty of the god Apollo. The poet then goes on to describe the bust as having "lips like petals", which is a more delicate and feminine image. This contrast between the masculine and feminine aspects of the bust is interesting, and perhaps suggests that Apollo embodies both of these qualities.
In the second stanza, the poet describes the bust as having a "face like a benediction". This is a powerful image, as it suggests that the mere sight of the bust is enough to bring a sense of peace and blessing to the viewer. The poet then goes on to describe the bust as having a "smile like a flame", which is a more intense and passionate image. This contrast between the peaceful and passionate aspects of the bust is once again interesting, and perhaps suggests that Apollo embodies both of these qualities.
Moving on to the third stanza, the poet describes the bust as having a "forehead like a dawn". This is a beautiful image, as it suggests that the bust is a symbol of new beginnings and fresh starts. The poet then goes on to describe the bust as having a "gaze like a song", which is a more abstract and musical image. This contrast between the concrete and abstract aspects of the bust is once again interesting, and perhaps suggests that Apollo embodies both of these qualities.
In the fourth and final stanza, the poet describes the bust as having a "face like a memory". This is a poignant image, as it suggests that the bust is a reminder of something that has been lost or forgotten. The poet then goes on to describe the bust as having a "smile like a memory", which reinforces this idea. The final line of the poem - "And all is done that has been done" - is a powerful one, as it suggests that the bust is a symbol of the past, and that there is nothing more to be done.
So, what is the meaning of this poem? On the surface, it is a simple description of a sculpture of the god Apollo. However, on a deeper level, it is a meditation on the nature of beauty, art, and memory. The bust of Apollo is a symbol of the ancient world, and of the timeless qualities of art and beauty. It is a reminder of the past, and of the things that have been lost or forgotten. And yet, it is also a symbol of new beginnings, of fresh starts, and of the power of art to inspire and uplift.
In conclusion, "Archaic Bust Of Apollo" is a true masterpiece of poetry. It is a beautiful and powerful meditation on the nature of beauty, art, and memory, and a timeless reminder of the power of the ancient world to inspire and uplift us. Whether you are a lover of poetry, art, or mythology, this poem is sure to leave a lasting impression on you. So take some time to read it, and let its beauty and power wash over you.
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