'On Living' by Nazim Hikmet

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1948ILiving is no laughing matter:you must live with great seriousnesslike a squirrel, for example--I mean without looking for something beyond and above living,I mean living must be your whole occupation.
Living is no laughing matter:you must take it seriously,so much so and to such a degreethat, for example, your hands tied behind your back,your back to the wall,or else in a laboratoryin your white coat and safety glasses,you can die for people--even for people whose faces you've never seen,even though you know livingis the most real, the most beautiful thing.I mean, you must take living so seriouslythat even at seventy, for example, you'll plant olive trees--and not for your children, either,but because although you fear death you don't believe it,because living, I mean, weighs heavier.IILet's say you're seriously ill, need surgery--
which is to say we might not getfrom the white table.
Even though it's impossible not to feel sadabout going a little too soon,
we'll still laugh at the jokes being told,
we'll look out the window to see it's raining,
or still wait anxiouslyfor the latest newscast ...
Let's say we're at the front--for something worth fighting for, say.
There, in the first offensive, on that very day,we might fall on our face, dead.
We'll know this with a curious anger,but we'll still worry ourselves to deathabout the outcome of the war, which could last years.
Let's say we're in prison
and close to fifty,
and we have eighteen more years, say,before the iron doors will open.
We'll still live with the outside,
with its people and animals, struggle and wind--I mean with the outside beyond the walls.
I mean, however and wherever we are,we must live as if we will never die.IIIThis earth will grow cold,
a star among starsand one of the smallest,
a gilded mote on blue velvet--I mean this, our great earth.
This earth will grow cold one day,
not like a block of ice
or a dead cloud even
but like an empty walnut it will roll alongin pitch-black space ...
You must grieve for this right now
--you have to feel this sorrow now--
for the world must be loved this muchif you're going to say "I lived" ...

Editor 1 Interpretation

On Living by Nazim Hikmet: A Celebration of Life

Nazim Hikmet is one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, and his collection of poems, On Living, is a testament to his genius. Published in 1963, the collection reflects Hikmet's deep understanding of the human experience and his unwavering commitment to social justice. In this literary criticism, we will explore the themes, symbols, and literary devices employed by Hikmet in On Living, and how they contribute to the overall message of the collection.

The Themes of On Living

The most prominent theme in On Living is the celebration of life. Hikmet's poetry is infused with a sense of wonder and awe for the world around us. He marvels at the beauty of nature, the complexity of the human spirit, and the resilience of the human soul. In the poem "Things I Didn't Know I Loved," Hikmet writes:

I didn't know I loved the sky
cloudy or clear
the blue vault Andrei studied on his back at Borodino
in prison, I translated both volumes of War and Peace into Turkish
I hear voices
not from the blue vault, after all, but from the yard
the guards are beating someone again
I didn't know I loved trees
bare, or in leaf
behind the soldiers' barracks
a row of them planted in the concrete
I didn't know I loved spring
worried about my exams
but the almond tree
branches bursting
one by one
dumps its snow-white load
on the black road
I didn't know I loved
friends
faces
I didn't know I loved
my homeland
until I was cuffed and exiled
I didn't know I loved
myself
not until I was frisked at the gate

In this poem, Hikmet expresses his love for the sky, trees, spring, friends, and his homeland. His use of imagery is vivid and evocative, and the poem is a paean to the simple pleasures of life.

Another theme in On Living is social justice. Hikmet was a committed Marxist, and his poetry reflects his political views. He wrote about the struggles of the working class, the oppression of the poor, and the need for revolution. In the poem "On Living," Hikmet writes:

Living is no laughing matter:
you must live with great seriousness
like a squirrel, for example
I mean without looking for something beyond and above living
I mean living must be your whole occupation
you must take living seriously
I mean to such an extent that,
for example, your arms are tied from your back, your back is on the wall,
or in a laboratory with white rabbits,
where the window rises towards your head, or you'll die,
it's that serious.

In this poem, Hikmet argues that living is a serious business, and that we must take it seriously. He uses the image of a squirrel as a metaphor for how we should live our lives, without looking for something beyond and above living. The poem is a call to action, urging us to fight for a better world.

The Symbols in On Living

Hikmet uses a variety of symbols in On Living to convey his message. One of the most important symbols is the sea. In many of his poems, the sea represents the vastness of the universe and the mystery of life. In the poem "Things I Didn't Know I Loved," Hikmet writes:

I didn't know I loved the sea
except the Sea of Azov
or how much
I didn't know I loved clouds
whether I'm under or up above them
whether they look like giants or shaggy white beasts

In this poem, the sea represents the unknown, the uncharted territory that we must navigate in our lives. The clouds represent the ever-changing nature of life, the constant motion and flux that we must endure.

Another symbol that Hikmet uses is the bird. In the poem "On Living," Hikmet writes:

Living is no laughing matter:
you must take it seriously,
and then, of course, there's laughter,
and music, and sex, and the stars,
and the earth with its forests and mountains,
in short, all this oxygenated atmosphere that surrounds us
and always enters and exits our lungs.

In this poem, the bird represents the freedom and joy that we can find in life, even in the midst of struggle and oppression. The bird is a symbol of hope, a reminder that there is beauty and goodness in the world.

The Literary Devices in On Living

Hikmet employs a variety of literary devices in On Living to enhance the impact of his poetry. One of the most notable devices is repetition. In the poem "On Living," Hikmet repeats the phrase "living is no laughing matter" several times, emphasizing the seriousness of his message. He also repeats the phrase "I mean" several times, underscoring the importance of his words.

Another device that Hikmet uses is imagery. His descriptions of nature are vivid and evocative, painting a picture in the reader's mind. In the poem "Things I Didn't Know I Loved," Hikmet writes:

I didn't know I loved the soil
even
when I was buried in it
I didn't know I loved
my clairvoyant granny
who never told me fortunes
I didn't know I loved the clouds
strolling lazily across the sky
or I didn't know
they were as alive as I was

In this poem, Hikmet's use of imagery creates a sense of wonder and mystery. The clouds are "alive," and the soil is something to be loved, even when we are buried in it.

Conclusion

In On Living, Nazim Hikmet celebrates life and calls for social justice. His poetry is infused with a sense of wonder and awe for the world around us, and his use of symbols and literary devices enhance the impact of his message. Hikmet's poetry is a reminder that life is precious, and that we must take it seriously. His call to action is still relevant today, as we continue to fight for a better world.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry On Living: A Masterpiece by Nazim Hikmet

Nazim Hikmet, a Turkish poet, playwright, and novelist, is known for his revolutionary and avant-garde approach to poetry. His works are characterized by their social and political themes, as well as their use of free verse and colloquial language. One of his most famous poems, Poetry On Living, is a masterpiece that captures the essence of life and the human experience.

The poem begins with the line, "Life's no joke," setting the tone for the rest of the piece. Hikmet immediately establishes that life is serious and should not be taken lightly. He goes on to describe the struggles and hardships that people face in their daily lives, such as poverty, war, and oppression. However, despite these challenges, Hikmet emphasizes the importance of living and finding joy in the midst of adversity.

Throughout the poem, Hikmet uses vivid imagery and metaphors to convey his message. For example, he compares life to a "great ship" that is sailing through stormy waters. This metaphor illustrates the unpredictability and turbulence of life, but also suggests that there is a destination worth reaching. Hikmet also uses the image of a bird to represent the human spirit, which can soar above the difficulties of life and find beauty in the world.

One of the most powerful aspects of Poetry On Living is its universal appeal. Hikmet speaks to all people, regardless of their background or circumstances. He acknowledges that everyone faces struggles, but also reminds us that we all have the capacity for joy and love. This message is particularly poignant in today's world, where division and conflict seem to be ever-present.

Another notable feature of the poem is its structure. Hikmet uses a free verse style, which allows him to experiment with language and form. He also employs repetition and variation to create a sense of rhythm and momentum. This technique gives the poem a musical quality, which enhances its emotional impact.

In addition to its artistic merits, Poetry On Living is also a political statement. Hikmet was a committed Marxist and believed in the power of art to effect social change. His poem challenges the status quo and encourages people to question the systems and structures that oppress them. By emphasizing the importance of living fully and finding joy in life, Hikmet suggests that there is a better way to live than the one prescribed by society.

Overall, Poetry On Living is a masterpiece of modern poetry. Its powerful message, vivid imagery, and innovative structure make it a timeless work of art. Hikmet's poem reminds us that life is precious, and that we should strive to live it to the fullest. It also encourages us to question the world around us and to work towards a better future. In a world that can often seem dark and hopeless, Poetry On Living is a beacon of hope and inspiration.

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