'The Deer Lay Down Their Bones' by Robinson Jeffers

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1954I followed the narrow cliffside trail half way up the mountain
Above the deep river-canyon. There was a little cataract crossed the path,flinging itself
Over tree roots and rocks, shaking the jeweled fern-fronds, bright bubblingwater
Pure from the mountain, but a bad smell came up. Wondering at it I clam-bered down the steep stream
Some forty feet, and found in the midst of bush-oak and laurel,
Hung like a bird's nest on the precipice brink a small hidden clearing,
Grass and a shallow pool. But all about there were bones Iying in the grass,clean bones and stinking bones,
Antlers and bones: I understood that the place was a refuge for woundeddeer; there are so many
Hurt ones escape the hunters and limp away to lie hidden; here they havewater for the awful thirst
And peace to die in; dense green laurel and grim cliffMake sanctuary, and a sweet wind blows upward from the deep gorge.--Iwish my bones were with theirs.
But that's a foolish thing to confess, and a little cowardly. We know that life
Is on the whole quite equally good and bad, mostly gray neutral, and canbe endured
To the dim end, no matter what magic of grass, water and precipice, andpain of wounds,
Makes death look dear. We have been given life and have used it--not agreat gift perhaps--but in honesty
Should use it all. Mine's empty since my love died--Empty? The flame-haired grandchild with great blue eyes
That look like hers?--What can I do for the child? I gaze at her and wonderwhat sort of man
In the fall of the world . . . I am growing old, that is the trouble. My chil-dren and little grandchildren
Will find their way, and why should I wait ten years yet, having lived sixty-seven, ten years more or less,
Before I crawl out on a ledge of rock and die snapping, like a wolf
Who has lost his mate?--I am bound by my own thirty-year-old decision:who drinks the wine
Should take the dregs; even in the bitter lees and sediment
New discovery may lie. The deer in that beautiful place lay down theirbones: I must wear mine.

Editor 1 Interpretation

A Deep Dive into Robinson Jeffers' "The Deer Lay Down Their Bones": A Literary Criticism

Robinson Jeffers' "The Deer Lay Down Their Bones" is a hauntingly beautiful work of poetry that invites readers to explore the depths of the natural world and contemplate the mysteries and complexities of life. Written in 1937, the poem resonates with readers even today, showcasing Jeffers' ability to capture the essence of humanity and the world around us.

This literary criticism will delve into the themes, imagery, and language of "The Deer Lay Down Their Bones," exploring how Jeffers uses these elements to convey his philosophical ideas about nature and humanity.

Background

Before discussing the poem itself, it's important to understand the context in which it was written. Jeffers was a poet and philosopher who lived in California during the first half of the 20th century. He was known for his love of nature and his belief that humanity was a destructive force that threatened the natural world. He often wrote about the beauty and power of nature, as well as the dangers of human arrogance and hubris.

"The Deer Lay Down Their Bones" was published in 1937, during a time of great social and political upheaval in the United States. The country was still reeling from the Great Depression, and the threat of war was looming on the horizon. Jeffers' poem can be seen as a response to this uncertain and tumultuous time, as he grapples with the big questions of life and the role that humanity plays in the world.

Themes

One of the central themes of "The Deer Lay Down Their Bones" is the idea of mortality and the cyclical nature of life. Jeffers uses the image of the deer's bones to symbolize the passage of time and the inevitability of death. The idea that everything must come to an end is a recurring motif throughout the poem, as Jeffers explores the transience of life and the impermanence of all things.

Another important theme in the poem is the relationship between humans and nature. Jeffers portrays humans as a destructive force that threatens the natural world, and he uses the image of the deer as a representation of the purity and innocence of nature. By contrasting the fragility of the deer with the destructive power of humans, Jeffers highlights the danger that humanity poses to the natural world.

Finally, the poem touches on the idea of spirituality and the possibility of transcendence. Jeffers suggests that there is something more to life than just the physical world, and he uses the image of the deer's bones rising up into the sky to suggest that there is a spiritual realm beyond our physical existence.

Imagery

One of the most striking aspects of "The Deer Lay Down Their Bones" is its use of imagery. Jeffers paints vivid pictures with his words, evoking the beauty and power of the natural world. He uses imagery to convey his philosophical ideas, creating a world in which the deer's bones serve as a powerful symbol of mortality and the cyclical nature of life.

One of the most memorable images in the poem is the line "The fur peeled off showing the bones shiny as frost." This image is both beautiful and haunting, suggesting the fragility and transience of life while also highlighting the beauty of the natural world.

Another powerful image in the poem is the description of the deer's bones rising up into the sky. This image is both surreal and spiritual, suggesting the possibility of transcendence and the existence of a world beyond our physical reality.

Language

Jeffers' use of language in "The Deer Lay Down Their Bones" is both poetic and philosophical. He weaves together words and ideas to create a complex tapestry of meaning, inviting readers to contemplate the mysteries of life and the world around us.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is the way in which Jeffers uses repetition to reinforce his ideas. The phrase "the deer lay down their bones" appears multiple times throughout the poem, creating a sense of rhythm and continuity that underscores the cyclical nature of life.

Jeffers' language is also marked by a sense of reverence and awe for the natural world. He uses words like "sacred" and "holy" to describe the deer's bones, elevating them to a level of spiritual significance that suggests the existence of something beyond our physical reality.

Conclusion

In "The Deer Lay Down Their Bones," Robinson Jeffers uses imagery, language, and themes to explore the complexities of life and the natural world. He invites readers to contemplate the fragility and transience of life, the dangers of human arrogance and hubris, and the possibility of transcendence.

The poem is a masterpiece of philosophical and poetic expression, showcasing Jeffers' ability to use words to capture the essence of humanity and the world around us. It is a work of beauty and power that continues to resonate with readers even today, reminding us of the importance of our connection to the natural world and the mysteries that lie beyond our physical existence.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Deer Lay Down Their Bones: A Poetic Masterpiece by Robinson Jeffers

Robinson Jeffers, an American poet, is known for his unique style of poetry that reflects his love for nature and his philosophical beliefs. One of his most famous works, The Deer Lay Down Their Bones, is a masterpiece that captures the essence of nature and the cycle of life and death.

The poem is divided into three parts, each of which explores a different aspect of nature. The first part describes the beauty of the natural world, with its mountains, rivers, and forests. Jeffers uses vivid imagery to paint a picture of the landscape, describing the "white peaks" and "green valleys" that make up the world around us. He also emphasizes the importance of nature in our lives, stating that "we need the tonic of wildness."

The second part of the poem focuses on the cycle of life and death. Jeffers uses the metaphor of the deer to illustrate this cycle, describing how they "lay down their bones" in the earth and become part of the natural world once again. He also touches on the idea of reincarnation, suggesting that the deer may be reborn in another form. This idea is reinforced by the line "the deer lay down their bones: the great hills are their bones," which suggests that the deer are part of the landscape itself.

The final part of the poem is perhaps the most philosophical, exploring the idea of human existence and our place in the natural world. Jeffers suggests that we are not separate from nature, but rather a part of it. He writes, "we are nature, long have we been absent, but now we return." This line is particularly powerful, as it suggests that we have been disconnected from nature for too long, and that it is time for us to reconnect with the natural world.

Throughout the poem, Jeffers uses a variety of poetic techniques to convey his message. He uses vivid imagery to paint a picture of the natural world, and his use of metaphor and symbolism adds depth and complexity to the poem. He also uses repetition to emphasize certain ideas, such as the cycle of life and death.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of language. Jeffers' writing is both beautiful and powerful, with lines such as "the great hills are their bones" and "we are nature" sticking in the reader's mind long after the poem has been read. His use of language is both poetic and philosophical, making the poem a true masterpiece of literature.

In conclusion, The Deer Lay Down Their Bones is a poetic masterpiece that captures the essence of nature and the cycle of life and death. Robinson Jeffers' use of vivid imagery, metaphor, and symbolism creates a powerful and thought-provoking work of literature that encourages us to reconnect with the natural world. The poem is a testament to Jeffers' skill as a poet and his love for nature, and it continues to inspire readers to this day.

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