'The Planet On The Table' by Wallace Stevens

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Ariel was glad he had written his poems.
They were of a remembered time
Or of something seen that he liked.Other makings of the sun
Were waste and welter
And the ripe shrub writhed.His self and the sun were one
And his poems, although makings of his self,
Were no less makings of the sun.It was not important that they survive.
What mattered was that they should bear
Some lineament or character,Some affluence, if only half-perceived,
In the poverty of their words,
Of the planet of which they were part.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Mysterious and Complex World of Wallace Stevens' "The Planet on The Table"

Poetry is one of the most powerful forms of human expression, and few poets were able to master it as well as Wallace Stevens did. His poem "The Planet on The Table" is a perfect example of how he managed to blend philosophical ideas and lyrical beauty in a single work.

Stevens was known for his complex and enigmatic poems, which often explored the relationship between reality and perception, the power of imagination, and the role of art in human life. "The Planet on The Table" is no exception, as it touches on all these themes and more.

The Poem's Structure and Language

On a first reading, "The Planet on The Table" might seem like a simple and straightforward poem. It consists of three stanzas, each with eight lines, and follows a regular rhyme scheme (AABBCCDD).

However, as one delves deeper into the poem, it becomes clear that there is much more going on beneath the surface. Stevens' language is rich and complex, filled with metaphors, allusions, and paradoxes. He plays with words and ideas in a way that demands careful attention from the reader.

For example, the first line of the poem, "Ariel was glad he had written his poems," might seem like a simple statement, but it actually contains several layers of meaning. "Ariel" is a reference to Shakespeare's play "The Tempest," in which Ariel is a spirit who serves the magician Prospero. This allusion sets the tone for the poem, suggesting that what follows will be a kind of magical or otherworldly experience.

The idea that Ariel is glad he has written his poems is also significant. It suggests that the act of creation is in itself a source of joy and fulfillment, regardless of whether the work is ever recognized or appreciated by others.

The second stanza of the poem is particularly rich in metaphors and paradoxes. Stevens writes:

The planet on the table is burning Because it is the planet on the table.

This seems like a nonsensical statement at first, but it actually contains a profound insight into the nature of reality. The planet on the table is both a physical object and a symbol of something greater. It exists in and of itself, but it also represents the vast and mysterious universe beyond our understanding.

The idea that the planet is burning also adds an element of danger and urgency to the poem. It suggests that the world we live in is fragile and in need of protection.

The Poem's Themes

One of the central themes of "The Planet on The Table" is the relationship between art and reality. Stevens believed that the act of creation was a way to transcend the limitations of everyday life and connect with something greater.

In the poem, the planet on the table is both a physical object and a symbol of the imagination. It represents the power of art to transform the world around us and make it more meaningful.

Stevens also explores the idea that reality is not fixed or absolute, but rather a product of our perceptions and beliefs. The planet on the table is burning not because it is actually on fire, but because we perceive it as such. This suggests that our understanding of the world is always subjective and incomplete.

Finally, the poem touches on the idea of mortality and the transience of life. The planet on the table is burning, but it will eventually go out. Our lives are similarly fleeting, and we must make the most of the time we have.

Interpretation and Criticism

"The Planet on The Table" is a deeply complex and thought-provoking poem that rewards careful reading and analysis. It is a testament to Stevens' skill as a poet that he is able to pack so much meaning into just 24 lines.

One possible interpretation of the poem is that it is a meditation on the power of imagination and the role of art in human life. Stevens seems to be suggesting that the act of creation is a way to connect with something greater than ourselves and to make sense of the world around us.

At the same time, Stevens also acknowledges the limitations of our understanding. The planet on the table is both a physical object and a symbol of something greater, but we can never fully comprehend what that something is.

Another interpretation of the poem is that it is a warning about the fragility of our world and the need for us to take better care of it. The fact that the planet on the table is burning suggests that our planet is in danger, and that we must take action to protect it before it is too late.

Finally, "The Planet on The Table" can be seen as a meditation on mortality and the fleeting nature of life. The fact that the planet will eventually go out reminds us that our lives are similarly fragile and that we must make the most of the time we have.

In terms of criticism, some may find the poem too abstract or difficult to understand. Stevens' language is often dense and complex, and he requires a lot from his readers in terms of careful attention and interpretation.

However, for those willing to put in the effort, "The Planet on The Table" is a deeply rewarding and thought-provoking work. It is a testament to Stevens' skill as a poet and his ability to capture complex ideas in deceptively simple language.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "The Planet on The Table" is a masterpiece of poetic craft and philosophical insight. It explores the relationship between art and reality, the power of imagination, and the transience of life in a way that is both profound and poetic.

Stevens' language is dense and complex, but it rewards careful reading and interpretation. His use of metaphor and paradox is masterful, and he manages to pack a great deal of meaning into just 24 lines.

Overall, "The Planet on The Table" is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the complexity of the human experience and to provoke thought and reflection. It is a work that deserves to be read and appreciated by anyone interested in the art of poetry or the mysteries of life.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry has always been a medium for expressing the deepest emotions and thoughts of the human mind. It is a form of art that transcends time and space, and has the power to evoke strong emotions in the reader. One such poem that has stood the test of time is "The Planet On The Table" by Wallace Stevens. This poem is a masterpiece of modernist poetry, and is a perfect example of how poetry can be used to explore complex philosophical ideas.

The poem begins with the line, "Ariel was glad he had written his poems." Ariel is a reference to the spirit in Shakespeare's play "The Tempest." The fact that Ariel is glad he has written his poems suggests that poetry is a way of achieving immortality. The poet's words will live on long after he is gone, and will continue to inspire and move people.

The next line, "They were of a remembered time," suggests that the poems are from a time long gone. The poet is looking back on his life and reflecting on the poems he has written. The fact that he is reflecting on his past suggests that he is nearing the end of his life.

The next line, "They spoke of the heart's loneliness," is a powerful statement. It suggests that the poems are about the human condition, and the loneliness that we all feel at times. The fact that the heart is mentioned suggests that the poems are about emotions, and the way that we feel.

The next line, "The magician's vow of silence," is a reference to the magician's code of secrecy. Magicians are known for keeping their secrets to themselves, and not revealing how they perform their tricks. The fact that the poet is comparing himself to a magician suggests that he is keeping his own secrets, and not revealing everything about himself in his poems.

The next line, "In the testimony of parrots," is a reference to the way that parrots can mimic human speech. The fact that the poet is comparing his poems to the testimony of parrots suggests that he is questioning the authenticity of his own work. He is wondering whether his poems are truly his own, or whether he is simply repeating what others have said before him.

The next line, "The bird and the beast," is a reference to the natural world. The fact that the poet is mentioning the bird and the beast suggests that he is interested in the relationship between humans and nature. He is suggesting that there is a connection between the two, and that we should pay more attention to the natural world around us.

The next line, "And the significance of what happens together," is a powerful statement. It suggests that everything that happens in the world is connected, and that we should pay attention to the relationships between things. The fact that the poet is mentioning this suggests that he is interested in the interconnectedness of all things.

The next line, "A boy and a girl," is a reference to the human experience of love. The fact that the poet is mentioning this suggests that he is interested in the emotions that we feel as humans. He is suggesting that love is an important part of the human experience, and that we should pay attention to it.

The next line, "In the sailor's return," is a reference to the idea of coming home. The fact that the poet is mentioning this suggests that he is interested in the idea of home, and the sense of belonging that comes with it. He is suggesting that we should pay attention to the places that we call home, and the people that we share them with.

The next line, "And the exile's flight," is a reference to the idea of leaving home. The fact that the poet is mentioning this suggests that he is interested in the idea of leaving behind what is familiar, and venturing out into the unknown. He is suggesting that we should pay attention to the experiences that we have when we leave home, and the lessons that we learn along the way.

The final line of the poem, "It took so long to learn," is a powerful statement. It suggests that the poet has spent a long time learning about the world, and that he has gained a great deal of wisdom along the way. The fact that he is reflecting on his life in this way suggests that he is nearing the end of his journey, and that he is ready to pass on his wisdom to others.

In conclusion, "The Planet On The Table" is a powerful poem that explores complex philosophical ideas. It is a perfect example of how poetry can be used to express the deepest emotions and thoughts of the human mind. The poem is a reflection on the poet's life, and his experiences of love, home, and leaving behind what is familiar. It is a powerful statement about the interconnectedness of all things, and the importance of paying attention to the world around us. The fact that the poem has stood the test of time is a testament to its power and beauty, and its ability to move and inspire readers even today.

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