'Return' by Robinson Jeffers

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1935A little too abstract, a little too wise,
It is time for us to kiss the earth again,It is time to let the leaves rain from the skies,
Let the rich life run to the roots again.
I will go to the lovely Sur Rivers
And dip my arms in them up to the shoulders.
I will find my accounting where the alder leaf quivers
In the ocean wind over the river boulders.
I will touch things and things and no more thoughts,
That breed like mouthless May-flies darkening the sky,
The insect clouds that blind our passionate hawks
So that they cannot strike, hardly can fly.
Things are the hawk's food and noble is the mountain, Oh noble
Pico Blanco, steep sea-wave of marble.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Return by Robinson Jeffers: A Literary Criticism

Robinson Jeffers' poem "Return" is an evocative piece that delves into the themes of nature, life, and death. At its core, the poem reflects on the transitory nature of human existence and the eternal cycles of the natural world. Written during the era of modernism, the poem is characterized by a unique mix of symbolism and imagery, which help to create an atmosphere of both beauty and despair.

Overview of the Poem

"Return" is a lengthy poem, divided into five parts or stanzas, each of which explores a different aspect of the central themes. In the opening lines, Jeffers sets the tone for the poem, describing the desolate landscape of the California coast:

"Slowly the rock's shadow lengthened over Half the surf, Death's shadow, not to be Thought of as evil or good, but from the rocks' eyes Indifferent; and the human spirit Must cast its own shade and no other's."

The first stanza sets the stage for the rest of the poem, gradually building up the sense of foreboding and melancholy that permeates the work.

Symbolism and Imagery

One of the most striking features of "Return" is the use of vivid and powerful imagery to convey the themes of the poem. Throughout the work, Jeffers employs a variety of symbols and metaphors, each serving to highlight a different aspect of human existence. For instance, in the second stanza, he compares the life of humans to that of a wave:

"A wave's tired crests, a tide-line left by the sea's retreat, A portion of life outworn, the sea Will take it back to renew itself. So, as one wave to another, passed on to the next, We live, and are forgotten, and take part In the immemorial human story."

The image of the wave is a powerful one, representing the cyclical nature of life and death, as well as the constant ebb and flow of the natural world. Similarly, the rocks and the sea are recurring symbols throughout the poem, representing both the permanence of nature and the transitory nature of human existence.

Themes and Interpretation

At its core, "Return" is a meditation on the nature of life and death, and the relationship between humans and the natural world. Throughout the poem, Jeffers emphasizes the impermanence of human existence, and the ultimate futility of our efforts to leave a lasting mark on the world:

"We build our cities, and we leave them, And our empires rise and fall, And we who build them are forgotten As though we had never been."

At the same time, however, the poet also celebrates the enduring power of nature, and the way in which it transcends the limitations of human life:

"The rock and the sea endure forever, And the sea-wind and the rock-wind, the wind of the mountain, The wind of the desert, the wind of the plain, And the wind of the sea, are one wind; And the stars and the sun and the moon, And the clouds and the sky, and the sea and the land, And the mountains and the valleys, are one thing."

Ultimately, the poem suggests that while humans may come and go, the natural world endures, and it is this enduring power that gives meaning to our lives.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Robinson Jeffers' "Return" is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the themes of nature, life, and death. Through its use of vivid imagery and symbolism, the poem highlights the cyclical nature of existence and the enduring power of the natural world. At the same time, however, the work also suggests that while humans may be transient, our lives are still meaningful, precisely because we are part of this larger, eternal cycle of life and death. Overall, "Return" is a timeless work of poetry that remains relevant and inspiring to this day.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Robinson Jeffers’ “Return” is a classic poem that explores the themes of nature, time, and the human condition. The poem is a reflection on the cyclical nature of life and the inevitability of death. Jeffers’ use of vivid imagery and powerful language creates a sense of awe and wonder, while also conveying a sense of melancholy and resignation.

The poem begins with a description of a hawk circling in the sky, “the hawk, the hawk,/ the circling hawk in the sky.” The hawk is a symbol of freedom and power, and its circling flight suggests a sense of purpose and direction. The hawk is also a reminder of the natural world, which is a recurring theme in Jeffers’ poetry. The natural world is a source of inspiration and wonder, but it is also a reminder of our own mortality.

The second stanza of the poem introduces the theme of time, “Time, time,/ the clock in its tower.” The clock is a symbol of the passage of time, and its ticking reminds us of the fleeting nature of life. The clock also suggests a sense of order and structure, which contrasts with the chaotic and unpredictable nature of the natural world.

The third stanza of the poem introduces the theme of the human condition, “Man, man,/ the creature of sorrow.” Jeffers’ use of the word “sorrow” suggests a sense of sadness and despair, which is a recurring theme in his poetry. The human condition is one of struggle and suffering, and Jeffers’ poetry often reflects this reality.

The fourth stanza of the poem returns to the theme of nature, “Nature, nature,/ the mother of all.” Nature is a source of life and vitality, but it is also a reminder of our own mortality. The cyclical nature of life is reflected in the changing seasons, which are a recurring theme in Jeffers’ poetry.

The fifth stanza of the poem introduces the theme of death, “Death, death,/ the end of all things.” Jeffers’ use of the word “end” suggests a sense of finality and closure, which is a recurring theme in his poetry. Death is a natural part of life, but it is also a reminder of our own mortality.

The final stanza of the poem brings together all of the themes that have been introduced throughout the poem, “Life, life,/ the beginning and end.” Jeffers’ use of the word “beginning” suggests a sense of hope and renewal, which is a recurring theme in his poetry. Life is a precious gift, but it is also a reminder of our own mortality.

In conclusion, Robinson Jeffers’ “Return” is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the themes of nature, time, and the human condition. Jeffers’ use of vivid imagery and powerful language creates a sense of awe and wonder, while also conveying a sense of melancholy and resignation. The poem is a reminder of the cyclical nature of life and the inevitability of death, but it is also a celebration of the beauty and wonder of the natural world.

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