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'The Old And The New Masters' by Randall Jarrell


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1965About suffering, about adoration, the old mastersDisagree. When someone suffers, no one else eatsOr walks or opens the window--no one breathesAs the sufferers watch the sufferer.In

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Old and the New Masters: A Timeless Ode to Poetry

As the great poet T.S. Eliot once said, "Poetry is not a turning loose of emotion, but an escape from emotion; it is not the expression of personality, but an escape from personality." And indeed, poetry has always been a medium of escape and transcendence, a way for human beings to connect with something greater than themselves, to tap into the universal truths that underlie all existence. And few poems capture this essence of poetry as well as Randall Jarrell's "The Old and the New Masters," a masterful essay on the art and craft of verse that explores the relationship between the past and the present, the classical and the modern, the traditional and the experimental.

At its core, "The Old and the New Masters" is a celebration of the diversity and richness of the poetic tradition, a tribute to the great masters of the past who have shaped and inspired generations of poets, from Homer and Virgil to Shakespeare and Milton, and an acknowledgement of the innovative and daring voices of the present, who are pushing the boundaries of what poetry can do and say. But more than that, the poem is an invitation to the reader to join in this ongoing conversation, to become part of the living tradition of poetry by studying and appreciating the works of the old and the new masters, and by adding their own voices to the mix.

One of the most striking things about "The Old and the New Masters" is the way in which Jarrell combines critical analysis with personal reflection, weaving together his own experiences as a poet and reader with his insights into the poems he discusses. This gives the poem a sense of intimacy and immediacy, as if the reader is sitting down with Jarrell over a cup of coffee and discussing poetry with him in real time. We get a sense of his passion for the subject, his deep knowledge of the history and craft of poetry, and his ability to articulate complex ideas in a clear and engaging manner.

One of the key themes of the poem is the tension between tradition and innovation, between the desire to honor the past and the need to break free from it. Jarrell acknowledges that this tension is inherent in the very nature of poetry, which is both a product of its time and a reflection of something eternal. He writes:

"There is a sense in which everything that is said in poetry is said by somebody else. Poetry is a kind of language that, if we are patient with it, will reveal to us the deep structures of our own thinking and feeling; but it is also a language that has been shaped and reshaped by generations of poets before us, each one adding his or her own voice to the chorus of voices that makes up the poetic tradition. And so, when we read a poem, we are not only hearing the voice of the poet, but also the echoes of all the poets who have come before."

This idea of poetry as a conversation, a dialogue between the past and the present, the old and the new masters, is at the heart of Jarrell's approach to the subject. He sees each new poet as building on the work of those who came before, adding his or her own unique perspective and voice to the ongoing conversation. And he argues that this conversation is essential to the vitality and relevance of poetry as an art form:

"The old masters are the foundation upon which the new masters build; they are the source of inspiration and guidance, the models to be studied and emulated. But the new masters are the ones who keep the tradition alive, who keep it fresh and relevant, who bring new insights and perspectives to the table. Without the old masters, there would be no tradition to draw upon; without the new masters, the tradition would become stagnant and lifeless."

This idea of poetry as a living, evolving art form is especially relevant in our modern age, when the rapid pace of technological and cultural change can make us feel disconnected from the past and uncertain about the future. Jarrell reminds us that poetry has always been a way of connecting with something timeless and universal, something that transcends the particularities of our own moment in history. By studying and appreciating the works of the old and the new masters, we can tap into this timeless essence of poetry and find meaning and solace in a world that can often seem chaotic and ephemeral.

Another key theme of "The Old and the New Masters" is the importance of form in poetry, and the way in which form and content are inextricably linked. Jarrell argues that form is not just a superficial aspect of a poem, but an essential part of its meaning and impact:

"Form is the skeleton upon which the flesh of poetry hangs; it is the structure that gives meaning and coherence to the words. A good poem is not just a collection of beautiful images and phrases, but a carefully crafted work of art that uses form to convey its message in the most effective and moving way possible."

Jarrell goes on to explore the various forms and traditions of poetry, from the sonnet and the villanelle to free verse and experimental poetry. He shows how each form has its own strengths and limitations, its own unique way of expressing a particular kind of emotion or idea. And he argues that the best poets are those who are able to use form in an innovative and creative way, to push the boundaries of what poetry can do while still honoring the traditions that came before.

Overall, "The Old and the New Masters" is a masterpiece of literary criticism and interpretation, a timeless ode to poetry that speaks to readers of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you are a seasoned poet or a curious novice, there is something in this poem that will inspire and challenge you, that will deepen your understanding of the art and craft of verse, and that will remind you of the power and magic of poetry to transform and transcend our everyday lives. So take a deep breath, open your heart and mind, and join the conversation of the old and the new masters. You won't regret it.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry has always been a medium of expression for the human soul. It is a form of art that has been passed down from generation to generation, with each era producing its own set of masters. In his essay, "The Old and the New Masters," Randall Jarrell explores the differences between the poets of the past and the present. He argues that while the old masters were concerned with the universal truths of life, the new masters are more focused on the individual experience.

Jarrell begins his essay by discussing the poets of the past. He notes that these poets were concerned with the big questions of life, such as love, death, and the meaning of existence. They wrote in a way that was accessible to everyone, using simple language and imagery that could be easily understood. Jarrell argues that these poets were able to connect with their readers on a deep level because they were writing about things that were universal.

However, Jarrell notes that the poets of the present are more concerned with the individual experience. They write about their own personal struggles and emotions, often using complex language and imagery that can be difficult to understand. Jarrell argues that this focus on the individual experience has led to a fragmentation of poetry, with each poet writing in their own unique style.

Despite this fragmentation, Jarrell argues that there is still value in the poetry of the present. He notes that these poets are able to capture the complexity of the modern world in a way that the old masters could not. They are able to explore the nuances of human emotion and experience, creating a rich tapestry of poetry that reflects the diversity of the human experience.

Jarrell also notes that the poets of the present are more experimental in their approach to poetry. They are willing to break the rules and push the boundaries of what is considered acceptable in poetry. This experimentation has led to the creation of new forms of poetry, such as free verse and concrete poetry.

However, Jarrell argues that this experimentation can also be a double-edged sword. While it can lead to new and exciting forms of poetry, it can also lead to a lack of coherence and structure in poetry. Jarrell notes that many modern poets struggle with finding a balance between experimentation and structure, leading to poetry that can be difficult to understand.

In conclusion, Jarrell's essay "The Old and the New Masters" explores the differences between the poets of the past and the present. While the old masters were concerned with the universal truths of life, the new masters are more focused on the individual experience. Despite this fragmentation, there is still value in the poetry of the present, as it is able to capture the complexity of the modern world in a way that the old masters could not. However, this experimentation can also lead to a lack of coherence and structure in poetry. Overall, Jarrell's essay is a thought-provoking exploration of the evolution of poetry over time.

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