'Fear Is What Quickens Me' by James Wright
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1
Many animals that our fathers killed in America
Had quick eyes.
They stared about wildly,
When the moon went dark.
The new moon falls into the freight yards
Of cities in the south,
But the loss of the moon to the dark hands of Chicago
Does not matter to the deer
In this northern field.2
What is that tall woman doing
There, in the trees?
I can hear rabbits and mourning dovees whispering together
In the dark grass, there
Under the trees.3
I look about wildly.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry, Fear Is What Quickens Me by James Wright: A Literary Criticism
Introduction
When it comes to poetry, few names evoke the kind of reverence and admiration as James Wright's. His works are celebrated for their elegance, beauty, and emotional depth. "Fear Is What Quickens Me" is one of his most famous poems, and for good reason. It is a stunning piece that captures the complexities of the human experience. Through a close reading of the poem, this literary criticism will explore the themes, motifs, and literary devices that make "Fear Is What Quickens Me" a masterpiece of contemporary poetry.
Analysis
Theme of Fear
The title of the poem itself is a clear indication of the central theme: fear. Wright begins the poem by stating, "I have been so afraid of everything." This line is repeated twice in the first stanza, emphasizing the power of fear in the speaker's life. The fear is not specific- it is all-encompassing- a feeling that many can relate to. Wright's use of repetition also creates a sense of urgency and anxiety, reflecting the speaker's own state of mind.
The theme of fear is further developed in the second stanza when the speaker describes the "terrible weight of all the dead." This line is a metaphor for the speaker's past traumas- experiences that continue to haunt him. Wright's use of imagery is visceral; the weight of the dead is not just a metaphor, but a physical sensation that the speaker feels. The line "I have carried it like a mother" is particularly poignant, suggesting that the speaker feels responsible for the weight he carries.
Motif of Nature
Throughout the poem, nature is used as a motif to evoke a sense of both beauty and terror. The first stanza begins with the image of a "red fox" which the speaker watches "through the dark smell of branches." The use of sensory imagery creates a vivid picture in the reader's mind. The fox is a symbol of wildness- a reminder that nature is not always benign. The second stanza contains an even more powerful image- that of a "great black horse." Again, the use of sensory imagery is striking- the reader can feel the "heavy hooves" pounding the ground. The horse is an ominous presence- a reminder that even the most beautiful elements of nature can be dangerous.
Literary Devices
Wright's use of literary devices also contributes to the power of the poem. The repetition of the line "I have been so afraid of everything" creates a sense of urgency and anxiety. The use of imagery- such as the weight of the dead and the smell of branches- creates a visceral experience for the reader. The use of metaphor- such as the weight of the dead as a burden carried like a mother- adds emotional depth to the poem. The use of the natural world- such as the red fox and the great black horse- adds a sense of beauty and terror.
Tone
Finally, it is worth considering the tone of the poem- one that is both melancholic and defiant. The speaker acknowledges his fear and the weight of his past, but he also declares "I am alive, I am alive." This line is a declaration of survival- a reminder that despite the fear, the speaker has not been defeated. The final line of the poem is also significant- "I am going to stand here in the middle of the field, fear is what quickens me." The speaker is not running from his fear but embracing it. The tone is one of acceptance- a recognition that fear is a part of the human experience, but it does not have to define us.
Conclusion
"Fear Is What Quickens Me" is a powerful poem that captures the complexities of the human experience. Through its use of themes, motifs, and literary devices, James Wright creates a visceral and evocative experience for the reader. The poem is both melancholic and defiant, acknowledging the weight of the past but refusing to be defined by it. It is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the beauty and terror of the world around us.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Fear Is What Quickens Me: A Deep Dive into James Wright's Classic Poetry
James Wright's poem "Fear Is What Quickens Me" is a haunting and powerful piece of literature that explores the complex relationship between fear and creativity. Written in 1963, the poem is a reflection on the poet's own struggles with anxiety and the ways in which this fear has fueled his artistic pursuits. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language of this classic poem, and examine how it continues to resonate with readers today.
The poem begins with a stark declaration: "Fear is what quickens me." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as Wright immediately establishes fear as a central force in his life and work. The word "quickens" is particularly significant here, as it suggests that fear is not just a negative emotion to be avoided or overcome, but rather a source of energy and vitality that drives the poet forward. This idea is reinforced in the second line, where Wright describes fear as "something all artists know." Here, he is suggesting that fear is not just a personal struggle, but a universal experience shared by all creative individuals.
As the poem continues, Wright explores the ways in which fear manifests itself in his life and work. He describes how fear "whips my blood" and "fills my lungs with breath." These vivid images convey the physical and emotional intensity of fear, and suggest that it is a force that cannot be ignored or suppressed. Wright goes on to describe how fear "drives me into poetry," suggesting that his artistic pursuits are a way of channeling and transforming his fear into something productive and meaningful.
Throughout the poem, Wright uses a range of powerful and evocative imagery to convey the complex emotions and experiences associated with fear. For example, he describes fear as a "black tree" that "shudders with the wind," suggesting that it is a dark and ominous presence that is constantly in motion. He also describes fear as a "wild horse" that "gallops headlong," suggesting that it is a force that cannot be tamed or controlled. These images are both beautiful and unsettling, and they help to convey the intensity and unpredictability of fear.
One of the most striking aspects of "Fear Is What Quickens Me" is the way in which Wright uses language to convey the emotional and psychological impact of fear. He uses short, sharp phrases and repetition to create a sense of urgency and intensity. For example, he repeats the phrase "I am afraid" several times throughout the poem, each time adding a new layer of meaning and emotion. This repetition creates a sense of momentum and builds towards the poem's climactic final lines.
The final lines of the poem are particularly powerful, as Wright describes how fear "drives me toward the future" and "makes me want to live." These lines suggest that fear is not just a negative force to be overcome, but rather a source of inspiration and motivation. They also suggest that fear is not something to be avoided or suppressed, but rather something to be embraced and transformed.
In conclusion, "Fear Is What Quickens Me" is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the complex relationship between fear and creativity. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, James Wright conveys the intensity and unpredictability of fear, and suggests that it is a force that can be harnessed and transformed into something positive and meaningful. This poem continues to resonate with readers today, as it speaks to the universal human experience of fear and the ways in which we can use it to fuel our own creative pursuits.
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