'Mail Call' by Randall Jarrell
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The letters always just evade the hand
One skates like a stone into a beam, falls like a bird.
Surely the past from which the letters rise
Is waiting in the future, past the graves?
The soldiers are all haunted by their lives.
Their claims upon their kind are paid in paper
That established a presence, like a smell.
In letters and in dreams they see the world.
They are waiting: and the years contract
To an empty hand, to one unuttered sound --
The soldier simply wishes for his name.
Editor 1 Interpretation
"Mail Call" by Randall Jarrell: A Marvel in War Poetry
Randall Jarrell's "Mail Call" is a masterpiece of war poetry that encapsulates the emotions and experiences of soldiers during World War II. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of human nature, Jarrell depicts the joy, pain, and longing that soldiers feel when receiving letters from home. In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, symbols, and techniques used by Jarrell in "Mail Call" to create a powerful and moving portrait of the soldier's life.
The Poem's Structure and Style
"Mail Call" is a sonnet, a fourteen-line poem that follows a specific rhyme scheme and meter. The poem's form is significant as it reflects the disciplined and structured nature of military life. The first part of the sonnet comprises the octave, with the rhyme scheme ABBAABBA. The second part, known as the sestet, has the rhyme scheme CDECDE. Jarrell uses this sonnet structure to convey the contrast between the excitement of receiving letters and the harsh reality of war.
The sonnet's meter is iambic pentameter, with ten syllables in each line. Jarrell's use of iambic pentameter gives the poem a natural rhythm that mimics the soldier's heartbeat, emphasizing the emotional intensity of the experience. The use of enjambment, where a line of poetry runs over into the next without a pause, creates a sense of urgency and flow in the poem, reflecting the ever-changing emotions of the soldiers.
The Themes of "Mail Call"
The central theme of "Mail Call" is the yearning for connection and communication in a time of war. Through his use of imagery and symbolism, Jarrell explores the emotional impact of receiving letters from loved ones while in combat. The poem also touches on the themes of hope, loss, and sacrifice, which are all prevalent in war poetry.
Jarrell's words paint vivid pictures of the soldiers' experiences, their anticipation as they wait for the mail to arrive, their elation when they receive letters, and the despair that comes with receiving bad news. The poem's emotional impact is heightened by the contrast between the soldiers' longing for home and the reality of war, where death and destruction are ever-present.
Symbolism and Imagery in "Mail Call"
Symbolism plays a crucial role in "Mail Call," as Jarrell uses various images to convey the soldiers' emotions and experiences. One of the most significant symbols in the poem is the "mailbag," which represents hope and connection. The bag, filled with letters from home, is a lifeline for the soldiers, giving them a sense of purpose and belonging.
The imagery in "Mail Call" is vivid and evocative. Jarrell describes the soldiers reading their letters "by the green tent-flare's pulsing light," creating a picture of soldiers huddled together in the dark, sharing their experiences and emotions. The use of light and dark imagery highlights the soldiers' vulnerability, emphasizing the contrast between the safety of home and the danger of war.
Techniques Used in "Mail Call"
Jarrell employs various literary techniques in "Mail Call" to create a powerful and impactful poem. One such technique is repetition, which he uses to emphasize the soldiers' longing for home. The repetition of the phrase "anything from home" throughout the poem creates a sense of desperation, highlighting the soldiers' need for connection and communication.
Another technique used by Jarrell is allusion, where he references a well-known historical event to create a deeper meaning in the poem. In "Mail Call," he alludes to the Battle of Midway, a pivotal naval battle in World War II. The allusion adds depth to the poem, highlighting the soldiers' sacrifice and the importance of their mission.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Mail Call" is a beautiful and moving poem that captures the emotions and experiences of soldiers during World War II. Jarrell's use of symbolism, imagery, and literary techniques creates a vivid and impactful portrayal of the soldier's life. The poem's structure and style reinforce the disciplined and structured nature of military life, highlighting the contrast between the soldiers' longing for home and the harsh reality of war.
Jarrell's words remind us of the sacrifices made by soldiers, and the importance of communication and connection in times of war. "Mail Call" is a powerful reminder of the human cost of conflict, and the enduring need for hope and connection in the face of adversity.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Mail Call: A Masterpiece by Randall Jarrell
Poetry is a form of art that has the power to move people, to make them feel emotions they never knew existed. It is a medium that can express the deepest of human emotions, and Randall Jarrell's Poetry Mail Call is a perfect example of this. This poem is a masterpiece that captures the essence of human emotions and the power of poetry.
The poem is set in a military camp during World War II, where soldiers are waiting for their mail. The poem starts with the soldiers eagerly waiting for their letters, hoping to hear from their loved ones. The first stanza sets the tone for the poem, with the soldiers' anticipation and excitement palpable. The use of the word "waiting" in the first line emphasizes the soldiers' eagerness, and the repetition of the word "mail" in the second line emphasizes the importance of the letters to the soldiers.
The second stanza of the poem is where the magic happens. The soldiers start reading their letters, and the power of poetry is revealed. The first soldier reads a letter from his wife, and the words in the letter come alive. The letter is described as "a poem, a treasure, a mine," and the soldier is transported to a different world. The use of the word "poem" to describe the letter is significant, as it shows the power of poetry to express emotions and feelings. The soldier's reaction to the letter is also noteworthy, as he is described as "shaking with joy." This shows the impact that poetry can have on a person's emotions.
The second soldier's letter is from his mother, and it is described as "a letter, a love, a home." The use of the word "love" to describe the letter is significant, as it shows the power of love to transcend distance and time. The soldier's reaction to the letter is also noteworthy, as he is described as "crying with joy." This shows the impact that love can have on a person's emotions.
The third soldier's letter is from his girlfriend, and it is described as "a letter, a kiss, a promise." The use of the word "promise" to describe the letter is significant, as it shows the power of promises to give hope and strength. The soldier's reaction to the letter is also noteworthy, as he is described as "laughing with joy." This shows the impact that promises can have on a person's emotions.
The fourth soldier's letter is from his father, and it is described as "a letter, a pride, a hope." The use of the word "pride" to describe the letter is significant, as it shows the power of pride to give strength and courage. The soldier's reaction to the letter is also noteworthy, as he is described as "smiling with joy." This shows the impact that pride can have on a person's emotions.
The fifth soldier's letter is from his sister, and it is described as "a letter, a laugh, a memory." The use of the word "memory" to describe the letter is significant, as it shows the power of memories to give comfort and solace. The soldier's reaction to the letter is also noteworthy, as he is described as "sighing with joy." This shows the impact that memories can have on a person's emotions.
The final stanza of the poem brings the soldiers back to reality. The letters are put away, and the soldiers go back to their duties. However, the impact of the letters and the power of poetry stay with them. The use of the word "treasure" in the final line emphasizes the importance of the letters to the soldiers, and the use of the word "heart" emphasizes the emotional impact that the letters have had on them.
In conclusion, Poetry Mail Call is a masterpiece that captures the essence of human emotions and the power of poetry. The poem shows how poetry can express the deepest of human emotions and how it can have a profound impact on a person's emotions. The use of imagery and repetition in the poem emphasizes the importance of the letters to the soldiers and the emotional impact that they have had on them. Poetry Mail Call is a timeless poem that will continue to move people for generations to come.
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