'Citizen of the World' by Joyce Kilmer


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No longer of Him be it said
"He hath no place to lay His head."

In every land a constant lamp
Flames by His small and mighty camp.

There is no strange and distant place
That is not gladdened by His face.

And every nation kneels to hail
The Splendour shining through Its veil.

Cloistered beside the shouting street,
Silent, He calls me to His feet.

Imprisoned for His love of me
He makes my spirit greatly free.

And through my lips that uttered sin
The King of Glory enters in.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Citizen of the World: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Joyce Kilmer, a renowned American poet, is known for his love and admiration for nature. Citizen of the World is a beautiful poem that reflects Kilmer's appreciation for nature and his philosophy of life. The poem is a masterpiece of literature, and it has been studied and interpreted by scholars and critics for many years. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deeper into Citizen of the World and examine its various themes and symbols.

Background Information

Joyce Kilmer was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, in 1886. He attended Rutgers College and later Columbia University, where he earned a degree in journalism. Kilmer worked as a journalist and an editor for several publications, including The Churchman, The New York Times, and The Nation. He was also a prolific poet and wrote many poems during his lifetime. His most famous poem is probably "Trees," which was published in 1913. Kilmer was killed in action during World War I, and he is buried in France.

Literary Analysis

Citizen of the World is a sonnet, which means that it has 14 lines and follows a specific rhyme scheme. The poem is divided into two stanzas, with the first stanza having eight lines and the second stanza having six lines. The rhyme scheme is ABBAABBA CDCDCD, which is typical of a Petrarchan sonnet.

The poem is written in iambic pentameter, which means that each line has ten syllables and follows a specific stress pattern. The stress pattern is unstressed/stressed, and it creates a musical and rhythmic quality to the poem. The poem also uses many literary devices, such as metaphor, personification, and alliteration, to create a vivid and emotional picture.

Themes

Citizen of the World is a poem that explores several themes, including nature, human nature, and the meaning of life. Kilmer believed that nature was a source of inspiration and spiritual renewal, and he often used natural imagery in his poems. In Citizen of the World, he describes the beauty of nature and the harmony that exists between humans and the natural world.

The poem also explores the theme of human nature and how humans are connected to each other and to the world around them. Kilmer believes that humans are citizens of the world and that they have a responsibility to take care of the planet and each other. The poem encourages people to live in harmony with nature and to appreciate the simple things in life.

Finally, Citizen of the World explores the meaning of life and what it means to be alive. Kilmer suggests that life is a journey and that every person has a purpose in life. He believes that the purpose of life is to find happiness and to make a positive impact on the world.

Symbols

Citizen of the World also uses several symbols to convey its themes and ideas. One of the most prominent symbols in the poem is the river. Kilmer uses the river to represent the flow of life and the passage of time. The river is a symbol of change and transformation, and it reminds us that life is always moving forward.

Another symbol in the poem is the sun. Kilmer uses the sun to represent the light of knowledge and wisdom. The sun is a symbol of clarity and enlightenment, and it reminds us that we should always strive to learn and grow.

Finally, Citizen of the World uses the symbol of the tree to represent the beauty and strength of nature. Kilmer believes that trees are a symbol of endurance and resilience, and they remind us that even in the harshest of conditions, life can still thrive.

Interpretation

Citizen of the World is a poem that encourages us to appreciate the beauty of nature and to live in harmony with the world around us. Kilmer believes that humans are citizens of the world and that we have a responsibility to take care of the planet and each other. The poem suggests that life is a journey and that every person has a purpose in life.

Overall, Citizen of the World is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that continues to inspire and influence readers today. Kilmer's love of nature and his belief in the power of the human spirit are evident in every line of the poem, and it remains a testament to his literary and philosophical legacy.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Citizen of the World: A Masterpiece of Poetry

Joyce Kilmer, the renowned American poet, wrote a masterpiece of poetry titled "Citizen of the World." The poem is a beautiful tribute to the beauty and diversity of the world, and it celebrates the unity of all people. Kilmer's use of vivid imagery, powerful metaphors, and rhythmic language creates a mesmerizing effect that captures the reader's imagination and transports them to a world of wonder and awe.

The poem begins with the line, "I, who have no country, look upon the world." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as Kilmer establishes herself as a citizen of the world, someone who belongs to no particular country or culture but embraces all of them. The speaker of the poem is a wanderer, a traveler who has seen the world and experienced its many wonders. She is not bound by the limitations of nationality or ethnicity but is free to explore and appreciate the beauty of all cultures.

Kilmer's use of imagery is particularly striking in this poem. She describes the world as a "garden of many flowers," a place where every culture is like a unique flower, each with its own color, fragrance, and beauty. The speaker of the poem is like a bee, moving from flower to flower, savoring the nectar of each culture and appreciating its unique qualities. This metaphor is powerful because it captures the essence of the poem's message: that the world is a diverse and beautiful place, and that we should embrace and celebrate its diversity.

The poem also contains several powerful metaphors that add depth and meaning to the text. For example, the speaker describes herself as a "pilgrim," someone who is on a journey of discovery and enlightenment. This metaphor suggests that the speaker is not just a traveler but also a seeker of knowledge and wisdom. She is not content to simply observe the world; she wants to understand it and learn from it.

Another powerful metaphor in the poem is the comparison of the world to a "great orchestra." This metaphor suggests that the world is like a symphony, with each culture playing its own unique part. The speaker of the poem is like a conductor, bringing all the different parts together to create a beautiful harmony. This metaphor is particularly powerful because it suggests that the world is not just a collection of disparate cultures but a unified whole, with each culture contributing to the beauty and richness of the whole.

Kilmer's use of language is also noteworthy in this poem. She employs a rhythmic, almost musical, style of writing that adds to the poem's beauty and power. The poem is written in free verse, which allows Kilmer to experiment with different rhythms and cadences. This gives the poem a sense of movement and energy, as if the speaker is moving through the world, experiencing its many wonders.

In addition to its aesthetic qualities, "Citizen of the World" also contains a powerful message about the importance of embracing diversity and celebrating the unity of all people. The poem suggests that we should not be bound by the limitations of nationality or ethnicity but should instead embrace the beauty and diversity of all cultures. This message is particularly relevant in today's world, where there is so much division and conflict based on nationality and ethnicity.

In conclusion, "Citizen of the World" is a masterpiece of poetry that celebrates the beauty and diversity of the world. Kilmer's use of vivid imagery, powerful metaphors, and rhythmic language creates a mesmerizing effect that captures the reader's imagination and transports them to a world of wonder and awe. The poem's message of unity and diversity is particularly relevant in today's world, where there is so much division and conflict. Overall, "Citizen of the World" is a timeless work of art that will continue to inspire and captivate readers for generations to come.

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