'The Answer' by Robinson Jeffers

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Then what is the answer?- Not to be deluded by dreams.To know that great civilizations have broken down into violence,and their tyrants come, many times before.When open violence appears, to avoid it with honor or choosethe least ugly faction; these evils are essential.To keep one's own integrity, be merciful and uncorruptedand not wish for evil; and not be dupedBy dreams of universal justice or happiness. These dreams willnot be fulfilled.To know this, and know that however ugly the parts appearthe whole remains beautiful. A severed handIs an ugly thing and man dissevered from the earth and starsand his history... for contemplation or in fact...Often appears atrociously ugly. Integrity is wholeness,the greatest beauty isOrganic wholeness, the wholeness of life and things, the divine beautyof the universe. Love that, not manApart from that, or else you will share man's pitiful confusions,or drown in despair when his days darken.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Answer by Robinson Jeffers: A Haunting Exploration of the Human Condition

Are we all just small and insignificant creatures, forever lost in the vastness of the universe? Do we have any purpose or meaning beyond our own fleeting existence? These are some of the questions that Robinson Jeffers grapples with in his haunting poem, "The Answer." Published in 1936, this classic piece of literature continues to captivate readers with its provocative imagery and existential themes. In this literary criticism, we will explore the deeper meanings behind Jeffers' words and examine how they reflect his views on humanity and the world we inhabit.

Background and Historical Context

Before delving into the poem itself, it is important to understand the historical context in which Jeffers wrote it. Born in 1887, Jeffers grew up in a California that was rapidly changing due to the gold rush and influx of immigrants. He witnessed firsthand the destruction of the natural landscape and the displacement of Indigenous peoples, which would later become recurring themes in his poetry. Jeffers' isolationist and anti-war views also reflected the tumultuous times he lived in, as the world was on the brink of World War II. All of these factors undoubtedly influenced Jeffers' perspective and the themes he explored in his writing.

Poetic Style and Themes

"The Answer" is a free-verse poem that is broken up into three stanzas of varying lengths. Jeffers employs vivid imagery and symbolic language to convey his message. The opening lines immediately set a tone of mystery and intrigue:

"Then what is the answer?- Not to be deluded by dreams.
 To know that great civilizations have broken down into violence,
 and their tyrants come, many times before.
 When open violence appears, to avoid it with honor or choose the least ugly faction;
 these evils are essential."

The use of the question "what is the answer?" immediately grabs the reader's attention and sets the stage for the existential themes that follow. Jeffers' statement that great civilizations have broken down into violence is a historical fact, but he also seems to imply that this is an inherent flaw in human nature. The phrase "their tyrants come, many times before" suggests that humanity is doomed to repeat this cycle of violence and oppression.

The second stanza continues this theme of human violence and destruction:

"Find what images return in their recurring faces,
 and what thoughts are stirred by the speech of their names,
 the smell of their clothes and the touch of their hands
 Who came in glory and war with banners?- That was long ago.
 Who crouched timidly under the lintel and watched the darkness with fear?-"

Here, Jeffers urges the reader to reflect on the images and symbols that have come to represent humanity's violent past. The phrase "who came in glory and war with banners?" evokes images of ancient armies marching off to battle, while the line "who crouched timidly under the lintel and watched the darkness with fear?" suggests the fear and anxiety that many people feel in times of conflict. Jeffers seems to be saying that these emotions and actions are part of our collective human experience, and that we must confront them if we are to understand ourselves and our place in the world.

The final stanza of the poem offers a glimmer of hope, but also reinforces the idea that humanity is ultimately insignificant in the grand scheme of things:

"The world revolves around the sun without consulting us.
 The stars keep their own counsel, and in the presence of the stars
 we are small, we ask too much of certainty and truth.
 We must learn to acknowledge that the creation is
 much greater than we are."

The use of astronomical imagery reinforces the idea that humanity is a small and insignificant part of the universe. Jeffers seems to be saying that we must come to terms with our own mortality and limitations, and learn to accept the mysteries and uncertainties of the world around us. The phrase "we ask too much of certainty and truth" suggests that our search for answers may be misguided, and that we must learn to find meaning and purpose in our own lives.

Interpretation and Analysis

At its core, "The Answer" is a meditation on the human condition and our place in the universe. Jeffers seems to be saying that we must confront the violence and destruction that has characterized much of human history, while also accepting our own limitations and insignificance. The use of symbolic language and vivid imagery reinforces these themes and creates a haunting, almost otherworldly atmosphere that draws the reader in.

One possible interpretation of the poem is that Jeffers is urging us to embrace a kind of existential humility. We must learn to recognize our own smallness and transience in order to fully appreciate the beauty and complexity of the world around us. This idea is reflected in the line "we must learn to acknowledge that the creation is much greater than we are." By recognizing our own limitations and insignificance, we may be able to find a sense of purpose and meaning in our lives.

Another possible interpretation of the poem is that Jeffers is warning us against the dangers of nationalism and tribalism. The phrase "to avoid [violence] with honor or choose the least ugly faction" suggests that Jeffers believed that violence is sometimes inevitable, but that we must strive to minimize its impact and avoid becoming caught up in partisan conflicts. This idea is especially relevant in today's world, where we are increasingly divided along political, cultural, and ideological lines.

Overall, "The Answer" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that continues to resonate with readers to this day. Jeffers' use of vivid imagery and symbolic language creates a haunting atmosphere that draws the reader in, while his meditations on the human condition offer insights into some of the most fundamental questions of our existence. Whether one interprets the poem as a call for humility or a warning against the dangers of nationalism, there is no denying its enduring relevance and power.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry has always been a medium of expression for the human soul. It has the power to evoke emotions, stir thoughts, and inspire action. One such poem that has stood the test of time is "The Answer" by Robinson Jeffers. This classic piece of literature is a masterpiece that delves deep into the human psyche and explores the meaning of life. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, imagery, and symbolism.

"The Answer" is a short poem consisting of only six lines. However, the brevity of the poem does not diminish its impact. The poem begins with the speaker asking a question, "Is the soul solid, like iron?" The question is a metaphorical one, and the speaker is not seeking a literal answer. Instead, he is questioning the nature of the soul and its existence.

The second line of the poem provides the answer to the question, "Or is it tender and breakable, like the wings of a moth in the beak of an owl?" The answer is a metaphorical one as well, and it suggests that the soul is fragile and vulnerable, just like the wings of a moth. The imagery of the moth in the beak of an owl is a powerful one, as it represents the fragility of life and the inevitability of death.

The third line of the poem continues the metaphor, "Who has it, and who doesn't?" The speaker is questioning the ownership of the soul and whether it is something that can be possessed or not. The question is a philosophical one, and it raises the issue of the nature of the soul and its relationship with the body.

The fourth line of the poem provides an answer to the question, "I cannot say." The speaker admits that he does not have the answer to the question. The admission of ignorance is a powerful one, as it suggests that the question of the soul's nature is one that is beyond human comprehension.

The fifth line of the poem provides a possible explanation for the soul's nature, "But I hope that someone else can." The speaker expresses his hope that someone else can answer the question. The line suggests that the speaker is not alone in his quest for knowledge and that there are others who are also seeking answers.

The final line of the poem provides a conclusion, "And that the answer will come to me someday." The speaker expresses his faith that the answer to the question will come to him someday. The line suggests that the speaker is not discouraged by his lack of knowledge and that he is hopeful that he will eventually find the answer.

The themes of the poem are universal and timeless. The poem explores the nature of the soul, the fragility of life, and the quest for knowledge. The poem raises questions about the meaning of life and the purpose of existence. The poem suggests that the answers to these questions are elusive and that they may never be fully understood.

The imagery of the poem is powerful and evocative. The metaphor of the moth in the beak of an owl is a striking one, and it represents the fragility of life and the inevitability of death. The metaphor of the soul as something that is tender and breakable is also a powerful one, as it suggests that the soul is something that needs to be protected and nurtured.

The symbolism of the poem is also significant. The owl is a symbol of wisdom and knowledge, and its presence in the poem suggests that the quest for knowledge is an important one. The moth is a symbol of fragility and vulnerability, and its presence in the poem suggests that life is fragile and vulnerable.

In conclusion, "The Answer" by Robinson Jeffers is a classic poem that explores the nature of the soul, the fragility of life, and the quest for knowledge. The poem is a masterpiece of literature, and its themes, imagery, and symbolism are universal and timeless. The poem suggests that the answers to life's questions are elusive and that they may never be fully understood. However, the poem also suggests that the quest for knowledge is an important one and that the answers may come to us someday.

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