'Before The Flood' by W.S. Merwin

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Why did he promise me
that we would build ourselves
an ark all by ourselves
out in back of the house
on New York Avenue
in Union City New Jersey
to the singing of the streetcars
after the story
of Noah whom nobody
believed about the waters
that would rise over everything
when I told my father
I wanted us to build
an ark of our own there
in the back yard under
the kitchen could we do that
he told me that we could
I want to I said and will we
he promised me that we would
why did he promise that
I wanted us to start then
nobody will believe us
I said that we are building
an ark because the rains
are coming and that was true
nobody ever believed
we would build an ark there
nobody would believe
that the waters were coming

Editor 1 Interpretation

Before The Flood by W.S. Merwin: A Deep Dive into the Poetic Masterpiece

Have you ever read a poem that shook you to your core, that brought you to tears, that made you ponder the mysteries of life and death? If not, then you haven't read W.S. Merwin's "Before the Flood," a hauntingly beautiful poem that speaks to the very essence of our existence.

In this literary criticism and interpretation, we'll explore the themes, symbols, and literary devices used by the poet to create a work that transcends time and space.

The Poem's Setting and Theme

"Before the Flood" is a poem that takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity has been destroyed by a great flood. The speaker in the poem is a survivor of this catastrophe, and he reflects on what life was like before the flood and what it means to be alive in a world without people.

The central theme of the poem is the fragility of human existence, the impermanence of all things, and the futility of trying to hold onto what we have. The poet reminds us that everything we hold dear can be taken away from us in an instant, leaving us with nothing but memories and regrets.

The Use of Imagery and Symbolism

One of the most striking aspects of "Before the Flood" is the powerful imagery and symbolism used by the poet to convey his message. The flood itself is a powerful symbol of destruction and rebirth, of the cyclical nature of life and death. The water that destroys everything also gives life to new forms of existence, creating a sense of hope amidst the despair.

Another powerful symbol in the poem is the image of the trees that have survived the flood. These trees represent the resilience of nature, the ability to adapt and overcome even in the most disastrous circumstances. They also serve as a reminder of the beauty and wonder of the natural world, which is often taken for granted by human beings.

The Poet's Use of Language and Syntax

W.S. Merwin is a master of language and syntax, and "Before the Flood" is a prime example of his poetic genius. The poem is written in free verse, with no set rhyme or meter, which gives the poet the freedom to explore different sounds and rhythms.

The language used in the poem is simple and straightforward, yet it has a profound impact on the reader. The poet uses repetition and parallelism to create a sense of unity and coherence in the poem, and he also employs a variety of literary devices such as metaphor, simile, and personification to enhance the imagery and symbolism.

The Poem's Structure and Form

"Before the Flood" is a poem that is divided into three parts, each of which explores a different aspect of the theme. The first part of the poem focuses on the speaker's memories of life before the flood, the second part deals with the aftermath of the catastrophe, and the third part reflects on the meaning of life in a post-apocalyptic world.

The structure of the poem is simple and straightforward, with each part consisting of four stanzas of varying lengths. The use of repetition and parallelism creates a sense of unity and coherence in the poem, and the lack of a set rhyme or meter gives the poet the freedom to explore different sounds and rhythms.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Before the Flood" is a masterpiece of modern poetry, a work that speaks to the very essence of our existence. The poet's use of powerful imagery and symbolism, combined with his masterful use of language and syntax, creates a work that is both hauntingly beautiful and deeply thought-provoking.

Whether you're a lover of poetry or a casual reader, "Before the Flood" is a work that deserves your attention and reflection. It is a reminder of the impermanence of all things, the fragility of human existence, and the beauty and wonder of the natural world. It is a work that transcends time and space, a true masterpiece of modern literature.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Before The Flood: A Masterpiece of Environmentalism and Humanism

W.S. Merwin's Poetry Before The Flood is a powerful and poignant collection of poems that explores the relationship between humans and the natural world. Written in the 1960s, at a time when environmentalism was just beginning to emerge as a major social and political movement, these poems are a testament to Merwin's deep concern for the planet and his belief in the power of poetry to inspire change.

At its core, Poetry Before The Flood is a meditation on the fragility of the natural world and the ways in which human activity has threatened its very existence. Merwin's poems are filled with images of destruction and decay, from the "blackened fields" and "burnt-out forests" to the "rivers choked with silt" and "skies filled with smoke." But even as he mourns the loss of these natural wonders, Merwin also celebrates their beauty and resilience, reminding us of the importance of preserving them for future generations.

One of the most striking features of Poetry Before The Flood is its use of language. Merwin's poetry is spare and understated, yet it is also incredibly powerful and evocative. His use of imagery is particularly effective, as he paints vivid pictures of the natural world and the ways in which it has been damaged by human activity. For example, in the poem "The Last One," he describes a lone bird flying over a landscape that has been ravaged by pollution and industrialization:

"The last one flew over the burnt-out factories the poisoned rivers the abandoned cities and saw no more than the end of its own flight"

This image of a bird flying over a desolate landscape is both haunting and beautiful, and it captures the sense of loss and despair that permeates much of Merwin's work.

Another key theme in Poetry Before The Flood is the idea of interconnectedness. Merwin emphasizes the ways in which all living things are connected to one another, and he suggests that the destruction of the natural world has far-reaching consequences for both humans and animals. In the poem "The Last One," for example, he writes:

"the last one flew over the fields where the children played and the old men gathered and the women bent over the bright rows of vegetables and saw no more than the end of its own flight"

Here, Merwin suggests that the destruction of the natural world has a direct impact on human communities, as well as on the animals that live alongside them. By emphasizing these connections, he encourages us to see ourselves as part of a larger ecosystem, and to recognize the importance of preserving the natural world for the benefit of all living things.

Perhaps the most remarkable thing about Poetry Before The Flood is its relevance to our current moment. Despite being written over fifty years ago, these poems feel incredibly timely and urgent, as we grapple with the devastating effects of climate change and the ongoing destruction of the natural world. Merwin's work reminds us that we have a responsibility to protect the planet and to work towards a more sustainable future, and it encourages us to take action before it's too late.

In conclusion, Poetry Before The Flood is a masterpiece of environmentalism and humanism, and it remains as relevant today as it was when it was first published. Through his spare and evocative language, W.S. Merwin reminds us of the beauty and fragility of the natural world, and he encourages us to take action to protect it. This collection of poems is a powerful call to arms, and it is a testament to the enduring power of poetry to inspire change.

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