'The Abnormal Is Not Courage' by Jack Gilbert

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Views of Jeopardy1962The Poles rode out from Warsaw against the GermanTanks on horses.Rode knowing, in sunlight, with sabers,A magnitude of beauty that allows me no peace.And yet this poem would lessen that day. QuestionThe bravery. Say it's not courage. Call it a passion.Would say courage isn't that. Not at its best.It was impossib1e, and with form. They rode in sunlight,Were mangled. But I say courage is not the abnormal.Not the marvelous act. Not Macbeth with fine speeches.The worthless can manage in public, or for the moment.It is too near the whore's heart: the bounty of impulse,And the failure to sustain even small kindness.Not the marvelous act, but the evident conclusion of being.Not strangeness, but a leap forward of the same quality.Accomplishment.The even loyalty.But fresh.Not the Prodigal Son, nor Faustus. But Penelope.The thing steady and clear. Then the crescendo.The real form. The culmination. And the exceeding.Not the surprise. The amazed understanding. The marriage,Not the month's rapture.Not the exception.The beautyThat is of many days. Steady and clear.It is the normal excellence, of long accomplishment.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Abnormal Is Not Courage: A Masterpiece of Poetry

Jack Gilbert's "The Abnormal Is Not Courage" is a poem that transcends time and touches the human soul. With its powerful imagery, vivid language, and profound insights, this poem has become a classic in the world of literature. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, metaphors, and language of this masterpiece and uncover its hidden meanings.

Overview

"The Abnormal Is Not Courage" is a poem that explores the theme of courage and its relationship with the abnormal. The poem opens with a powerful statement: "The Poles rode out from Warsaw against the German/Tanks on horses." This image of soldiers riding horses into battle against modern tanks sets the tone for the rest of the poem. It highlights the idea that courage is not about being normal or conforming to society's expectations. Instead, it is about standing up for what is right, even when it is difficult or unconventional.

The poem then moves on to explore the idea of abnormality and its relationship to courage. It suggests that being abnormal, or different from the norm, can sometimes require more courage than conforming to societal expectations. The poem uses a variety of metaphors and images to convey this message, including references to animals, nature, and mythology.

Themes

One of the key themes of "The Abnormal Is Not Courage" is the idea that courage is not about conforming to societal norms. The poem suggests that true courage often requires going against the grain and standing up for what is right, even when it is unpopular or unconventional. This theme is illustrated in the opening lines of the poem, where the Polish soldiers ride out on horses against modern tanks. It is also echoed later in the poem, where the speaker describes "The abnormal as courage." This line suggests that being abnormal, or different from the norm, can sometimes require more courage than conformity.

Another important theme of the poem is the idea that courage is linked to authenticity. The poem suggests that true courage comes from being true to oneself and following one's own path, even if it is difficult or unconventional. This theme is illustrated in the final lines of the poem, where the speaker describes "The hero whose insight into what is/is going on makes it possible/for him to change it; not by force,/but by the choice of his own being." This passage suggests that true heroes are those who have the courage to be authentic and follow their own path.

Metaphors

"The Abnormal Is Not Courage" uses a variety of metaphors to convey its message. One of the most powerful is the image of soldiers riding horses into battle against tanks. This metaphor highlights the idea that courage is not about having the latest technology or conforming to societal norms. Instead, it is about standing up for what is right, even when it is difficult or unconventional.

Another powerful metaphor in the poem is the image of the "hero" who has the insight to change things "by the choice of his own being." This metaphor suggests that true heroes are those who have the courage to be authentic and follow their own path, rather than conforming to societal expectations.

The poem also uses a variety of animal metaphors to convey its message. For example, the line "the lion who breaks the enemy's ranks" suggests that courage is linked to strength and power. Similarly, the line "the horse who stands in the corner of his stall" suggests that being abnormal or different can sometimes make one feel isolated or alone.

Language

"The Abnormal Is Not Courage" is written in a simple, straightforward style that is nonetheless powerful and evocative. The poem uses vivid language and powerful imagery to convey its message. For example, the line "The hero whose insight into what is/is going on makes it possible/for him to change it" is a powerful statement that conveys the idea that true heroes are those who have the courage to see things as they really are and take action to change them.

The poem also uses a variety of rhetorical devices, such as repetition and parallelism, to create a sense of rhythm and momentum. For example, the repetition of the phrase "The abnormal is not courage" reinforces the central message of the poem and creates a sense of urgency.

Conclusion

"The Abnormal Is Not Courage" is a masterpiece of poetry that explores the complex relationship between courage, abnormality, and authenticity. With its powerful imagery, vivid language, and profound insights, this poem has become a classic in the world of literature. It challenges us to think deeply about what it means to be courageous and to follow our own path, even when it is difficult or unconventional. As such, it is a timeless work that speaks to the human spirit and inspires us to be our best selves.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Abnormal Is Not Courage: A Poetic Exploration of Life's Struggles

Jack Gilbert's poem, "The Abnormal Is Not Courage," is a powerful and thought-provoking piece that delves into the complexities of human existence. Through vivid imagery and poignant language, Gilbert explores the idea that true courage lies not in the avoidance of pain and suffering, but in the willingness to confront and embrace life's challenges head-on.

At its core, "The Abnormal Is Not Courage" is a meditation on the nature of courage and the human experience. Gilbert begins the poem by stating that "the Poles rode out from Warsaw against the German/Tanks on horses." This image sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it highlights the idea that true courage often involves facing seemingly insurmountable odds. The Poles, vastly outnumbered and outgunned, still chose to fight, demonstrating a bravery that transcends the normal bounds of human behavior.

From there, Gilbert moves on to explore the idea that true courage often involves embracing the abnormal and the unconventional. He writes, "Love your crooked neighbor/With your crooked heart." This line is particularly powerful, as it suggests that true courage involves accepting and loving those who are different from ourselves, even if it means confronting our own prejudices and biases.

Throughout the poem, Gilbert uses vivid and often startling imagery to drive home his points. For example, he writes, "Breathe with unconditional breath/The unconditioned air." This line suggests that true courage involves embracing life in all its messiness and complexity, rather than trying to control or manipulate it. Similarly, he writes, "The miracle is not to walk on water./The miracle is to walk on the green earth,/dwelling deeply in the present moment/and feeling truly alive." This image highlights the idea that true courage involves being fully present in the moment, rather than constantly striving for some unattainable ideal.

One of the most striking aspects of "The Abnormal Is Not Courage" is its use of paradox. Gilbert writes, "To let the dishes lie in the sink/and not to answer the doorbell." This line suggests that true courage involves prioritizing our own needs and desires, rather than constantly trying to please others. Similarly, he writes, "To be able to say, 'I love you,'/not only when it is easy/but when it is difficult and dangerous." This line suggests that true courage involves being vulnerable and open, even when it means risking rejection or hurt.

Overall, "The Abnormal Is Not Courage" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that challenges us to rethink our ideas about courage and the human experience. Through vivid imagery and poignant language, Gilbert explores the idea that true courage involves embracing the abnormal and the unconventional, and being fully present in the moment, even when it means confronting pain and suffering. In a world that often values conformity and control over authenticity and vulnerability, Gilbert's poem is a powerful reminder that true courage lies not in the avoidance of life's struggles, but in the willingness to face them head-on.

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