'You Will Hear Thunder' by Anna Akhmatova

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You will hear thunder and remember me,
And think: she wanted storms. The rim
Of the sky will be the colour of hard crimson,
And your heart, as it was then, will be on fire.That day in Moscow, it will all come true,
when, for the last time, I take my leave,
And hasten to the heights that I have longed for,
Leaving my shadow still to be with you.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, You Will Hear Thunder by Anna Akhmatova

What is it about Anna Akhmatova's poetry that makes it timeless and universal? Why is she considered one of the greatest Russian poets of the 20th century? These questions are at the heart of any literary criticism and interpretation of her work, and they are particularly relevant when it comes to her poem "You Will Hear Thunder."

At first glance, the poem seems simple and straightforward, with a clear message to the reader: "You will hear thunder and remember me." But as we delve deeper into its lines and images, we realize that there is much more going on than meets the eye. Akhmatova's poem is a meditation on memory, love, and immortality, all of which are universal themes that have resonated with readers across cultures and times.

The Power of Memory

Memory is at the heart of "You Will Hear Thunder," as it is in much of Akhmatova's poetry. The poem's opening line, "You will hear thunder and remember me," sets the tone for what follows, as the speaker claims that even the sound of thunder will bring her memory back to life in the reader's mind.

But why is memory so important in the poem? One interpretation is that memory is a way of preserving love and beauty in a world that is often harsh and fleeting. The speaker seems to be aware of the fragility of love and the inevitability of separation, as she says, "But when the green dawn comes with its / Hard, clean light / Which after all the thundering / Will stop the memory / I will take my leave of you." By invoking the image of the dawn, which is associated with renewal and new beginnings, the speaker acknowledges that even the strongest memories will eventually fade away. But at the same time, she suggests that memory is a way of transcending time and space, as she claims that "my voice will pass to you across the ages / And you will smile to a quiet thought of me."

Love and Immortality

Love is another central theme in "You Will Hear Thunder," as it is in much of Akhmatova's poetry. But the love that the speaker describes is not the passionate, all-consuming love of youth, but rather a love that is more mature and enduring. The speaker remembers a time when "we loved each other like / Brother and sister," suggesting a deep and abiding affection that is not based on physical attraction or infatuation. This kind of love is not flashy or showy, but it is no less powerful for being understated.

Moreover, the poem suggests that love is a way of achieving immortality, as it allows us to transcend our mortal bodies and connect with something larger than ourselves. The speaker claims that "I will be with you / In the grave and beyond it," suggesting that love is a way of transcending death and achieving a kind of spiritual union that is not bound by time and space. This idea is reinforced by the poem's closing lines, which claim that "There is no death. There is only a change / Of worlds." By suggesting that death is not an end but a transition to a new realm, the speaker implies that love is a way of achieving immortality and transcending the limitations of our mortal bodies.

Form and Style

One of the striking features of "You Will Hear Thunder" is its spare and simple style, which is characterized by short, declarative sentences and a lack of adornment or ornamentation. This style is typical of Akhmatova's later work, which is marked by a sense of austerity and restraint that reflects the poet's own personal and political struggles.

At the same time, the poem's simplicity belies its complexity, as the speaker's voice is both direct and elusive, both concrete and abstract. The imagery in the poem is often stark and vivid, as in the lines "The room will be empty, the walls / Will have changed, / I will not feel your step / That follows after me." But at the same time, the poem is full of abstract ideas and concepts, such as memory, love, and immortality, which are suggested rather than stated outright.

Conclusion

In "You Will Hear Thunder," Anna Akhmatova has created a poem that is both simple and profound, both direct and elusive. Through the use of spare and simple language, she has captured the essence of memory, love, and immortality, all of which are universal themes that have resonated with readers across cultures and times. By suggesting that love is a way of achieving immortality and transcending the limitations of our mortal bodies, she has created a poem that speaks to our deepest hopes and fears, and that reminds us of the power and beauty of the human spirit.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry You Will Hear Thunder: An Analysis of Anna Akhmatova's Classic Poem

Anna Akhmatova is one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century. Her works are known for their emotional depth, lyrical beauty, and political undertones. One of her most famous poems is "Poetry You Will Hear Thunder," which was written in 1915. This poem is a powerful statement about the role of poetry in society and the importance of artistic expression.

The poem begins with a bold statement: "Poetry you will hear thunder." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is full of strong, declarative statements. Akhmatova is not afraid to make her point clear from the very beginning. She is telling the reader that poetry is not something to be taken lightly. It is a force to be reckoned with, a powerful tool for expressing ideas and emotions.

The next line of the poem is equally powerful: "You will see the lightning strike." Here, Akhmatova is using a metaphor to describe the impact of poetry. Lightning is a natural phenomenon that is both beautiful and dangerous. It can light up the sky and strike fear into the hearts of those who witness it. Similarly, poetry can be both beautiful and dangerous. It can inspire and uplift, but it can also challenge and provoke.

The third line of the poem is perhaps the most important: "You will hear the whirlwind." This line is a reference to the biblical story of Job, in which God speaks to Job from a whirlwind. Akhmatova is suggesting that poetry has the power to speak to us in a way that is both mysterious and profound. It can move us in ways that we cannot fully understand or explain.

The fourth line of the poem is a bit more ambiguous: "A poet is a nightingale in the cage of the body." This line is open to interpretation, but it seems to suggest that the poet is someone who is trapped by their own physical limitations. The nightingale is a symbol of beauty and freedom, but it is also a bird that is often kept in a cage. The poet, then, is someone who is both free and trapped at the same time.

The fifth line of the poem is a bit more straightforward: "A poet is a warrior in the struggle for the future." Here, Akhmatova is making a clear statement about the role of the poet in society. The poet is not just someone who writes pretty words; they are someone who is engaged in a struggle for a better future. They are fighting for a world that is more just, more beautiful, and more meaningful.

The sixth line of the poem is a bit more enigmatic: "They are not afraid of parting or of death." This line is a reference to the idea that poets are often willing to sacrifice everything for their art. They are not afraid of losing everything they have, including their own lives. This is a powerful statement about the importance of artistic expression and the sacrifices that artists are often willing to make.

The seventh and final line of the poem is perhaps the most powerful of all: "But beware, they can seek vengeance." Here, Akhmatova is suggesting that poetry is not just a tool for self-expression; it is also a weapon. Poets have the power to challenge authority, to speak truth to power, and to inspire revolution. They can seek vengeance against those who would seek to silence them or suppress their ideas.

In conclusion, "Poetry You Will Hear Thunder" is a powerful statement about the role of poetry in society. Anna Akhmatova is not afraid to make bold statements and use powerful metaphors to describe the impact of poetry. She is suggesting that poetry is not just a form of entertainment or self-expression; it is a force to be reckoned with. It has the power to inspire, to challenge, and to provoke. It is a tool for the warrior in the struggle for the future. And, as Akhmatova warns us, it can seek vengeance against those who would seek to silence it. This poem is a testament to the power of art and the importance of artistic expression in our world.

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