'The World And I' by Laura Riding
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This is not exactly what I mean
Any more than the sun is the sun.
But how to mean more closely
If the sun shines but approximately?
What a world of awkwardness!
What hostile implements of sense!
Perhaps this is as close a meaning
As perhaps becomes such knowing.
Else I think the world and I
Must live together as strangers and die—
A sour love, each doubtful whether
Was ever a thing to love the other.
No, better for both to be nearly sure
Each of each—exactly where
Exactly I and exactly the world
Fail to meet by a moment, and a word.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The World And I: A Masterpiece of Modernist Poetry
What is poetry? Is it the art of using words to create evocative images and feelings in one's mind? Is it the ability to use language to express complex ideas and emotions with precision and beauty? Or is it something else entirely?
For Laura Riding, the answer to this question was simple: poetry is the art of capturing the essence of the world and our place in it. In her poem "The World And I," Riding accomplishes this feat with stunning clarity and grace, producing a work of art that is both deeply personal and universal in scope.
At its core, "The World And I" is a meditation on the relationship between the self and the world. Riding explores the ways in which we are shaped by the forces around us, from the natural world to the social and cultural norms that govern our lives. She also reflects on the ways in which we shape the world in turn, leaving our mark on the landscape and the people we encounter.
What makes Riding's approach to this topic so remarkable is the way in which she blends the personal and the philosophical. Throughout the poem, she intertwines her own experiences and observations with larger questions about the nature of existence. This creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy that draws the reader in, while also inviting them to contemplate the deeper implications of the poem's themes.
One of the key elements of "The World And I" is Riding's use of imagery. Throughout the poem, she conjures up vivid and sometimes startling pictures that capture the essence of the world she is describing. For example, in the opening stanza, she describes the world as "a glass / Splintered into a million shapes / And each a world / In itself." This image is both beautiful and unsettling, conveying the idea that the world is both complex and fragmented, full of both wonder and danger.
Another striking image in the poem is the description of the self as "a flame that burns / And is not consumed." This image captures the idea that the self is both fragile and enduring, constantly changing yet always remaining fundamentally the same. It also speaks to the idea that the self is connected to something larger than itself, a force that sustains it even as it consumes it.
Perhaps the most powerful aspect of "The World And I" is the way in which Riding weaves together these different elements – the personal, the philosophical, the imagery – into a seamless whole. By doing so, she creates a work of art that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. Whether one is reading the poem for the first time or the hundredth, there is always something new to discover, some new insight or idea that emerges from the interplay of its various parts.
In conclusion, "The World And I" is a masterpiece of modernist poetry, a work that stands as a testament to the power and beauty of the written word. Through its careful use of language, imagery, and philosophy, the poem captures the essence of the human experience, inviting us to contemplate our place in the world and the forces that shape us. For anyone interested in the art of poetry or the mysteries of existence, this is a work that should not be missed.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The World And I: A Poem That Explores the Complexity of Human Existence
Laura Riding's poem, The World And I, is a masterpiece that delves deep into the complexities of human existence. The poem is a reflection of the poet's thoughts on the world and its relationship with the individual. It is a philosophical exploration of the human condition, and it offers a unique perspective on the nature of reality.
The poem is divided into three parts, and each part explores a different aspect of the human experience. The first part of the poem is titled "The World," and it is a meditation on the nature of reality. The poet begins by stating that the world is a "strange and wondrous place," and she goes on to describe the various aspects of the world that make it so fascinating.
The poet describes the beauty of the natural world, with its "mountains, rivers, and seas." She also describes the complexity of human society, with its "cities, cultures, and languages." The world, according to the poet, is a place of infinite variety and complexity, and it is this complexity that makes it so fascinating.
However, the poet also acknowledges that the world can be a cruel and unforgiving place. She describes the suffering that exists in the world, with its "wars, famine, and disease." The world, according to the poet, is a place of both beauty and horror, and it is this duality that makes it so difficult to understand.
The second part of the poem is titled "I," and it is a meditation on the nature of the individual. The poet begins by stating that the individual is a "strange and wondrous thing," and she goes on to describe the various aspects of the individual that make them so fascinating.
The poet describes the complexity of the human mind, with its "thoughts, emotions, and desires." She also describes the uniqueness of each individual, with their "personalities, talents, and flaws." The individual, according to the poet, is a place of infinite variety and complexity, and it is this complexity that makes them so fascinating.
However, the poet also acknowledges that the individual can be a cruel and unforgiving place. She describes the suffering that exists within the individual, with its "fears, doubts, and insecurities." The individual, according to the poet, is a place of both beauty and horror, and it is this duality that makes them so difficult to understand.
The third part of the poem is titled "The World and I," and it is a meditation on the relationship between the individual and the world. The poet begins by stating that the relationship between the individual and the world is a "strange and wondrous thing," and she goes on to describe the various aspects of this relationship that make it so fascinating.
The poet describes the way in which the individual is shaped by the world, with its "culture, society, and environment." She also describes the way in which the individual shapes the world, with their "actions, ideas, and beliefs." The relationship between the individual and the world, according to the poet, is a place of infinite variety and complexity, and it is this complexity that makes it so fascinating.
However, the poet also acknowledges that the relationship between the individual and the world can be a cruel and unforgiving place. She describes the suffering that exists within this relationship, with its "conflict, misunderstanding, and oppression." The relationship between the individual and the world, according to the poet, is a place of both beauty and horror, and it is this duality that makes it so difficult to understand.
Overall, The World And I is a poem that explores the complexity of human existence. It is a philosophical meditation on the nature of reality, the individual, and the relationship between the two. The poem offers a unique perspective on the human condition, and it challenges the reader to think deeply about the world and their place within it.
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