'Poem (In the morning, when it was raining)' by Delmore Schwartz


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In the morning, when it was raining,
Then the birds were hectic and loudy;
Through all the reign is fall's entertaining;
Their singing was erratic and full of disorder:
They did not remember the summer blue
Or the orange of June. They did not think at all
Of the great red and bursting ball
Of the kingly sun's terror and tempest, blazing,
Once the slanting rain threw over all
The colorless curtains of the ceaseless spontaneous fall.

Editor 1 Interpretation

"Poem (In the morning, when it was raining)" by Delmore Schwartz: A Masterpiece of Despair and Hope

When you read the title "Poem (In the morning, when it was raining)" written by Delmore Schwartz, what comes to your mind? A melancholic scene of a gray morning? A gloomy mood that matches the weather? Or perhaps a sense of nostalgia, a longing for something that is lost or unattainable? Whatever your interpretation may be, there is no denying that this poem is a masterpiece of modern literature, one that captures the essence of human existence in a few short stanzas. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will analyze the themes, structure, and style of this poem, and show how they contribute to its power and beauty.

Themes: Despair and Hope

The first thing that strikes me about this poem is its tone, which is both melancholic and hopeful. On the one hand, there is a sense of despair, a feeling of being lost or abandoned in a world that is indifferent or hostile to human beings. The speaker describes a scene where "All the houses were closed, all the streets were wet" and "I was wandering among the trees, alone." This sense of isolation and loneliness is reinforced by the repetition of the word "alone" in the third stanza. Moreover, the speaker seems to be haunted by memories of the past, as he mentions "the ghosts of my childhood" and "the lost brothers and sisters" who have disappeared from his life.

On the other hand, there is a glimmer of hope in this poem, a sense that even in the darkest moments, there is still a possibility of redemption or renewal. The rain, which is a symbol of sadness and grief, is also a source of cleansing and renewal, as it "washed away my sorrow and pain." The speaker also finds solace in nature, in the trees and birds that surround him, and in the memory of his mother, who is described as "the angel of my childhood." These images of nature and maternal love suggest that there is a deeper, more spiritual dimension to human existence, one that transcends the material world and offers a glimpse of something greater and more meaningful.

Structure: Repetition and Variation

The structure of this poem is both simple and complex, relying on repetition and variation to create a sense of unity and coherence. The poem consists of four stanzas, each with three lines, and each line containing a single clause or phrase. The first two stanzas describe the scene of the morning rain, while the third stanza focuses on the speaker's memories and emotions. The final stanza brings together the themes of despair and hope, as the speaker finds comfort and peace in the midst of his sorrow.

At the same time, the poem is full of repetition and variation, which give it a musical quality and reinforce its themes. The repetition of the word "alone" in the third stanza creates a sense of isolation and loneliness, while the repetition of the phrase "In the morning, when it was raining" at the beginning of each stanza creates a sense of unity and continuity. Moreover, the variation in the imagery and syntax of each line creates a sense of richness and complexity, as the reader is drawn into the speaker's world and experiences.

Style: Imagery and Symbolism

Finally, the style of this poem is characterized by its vivid imagery and rich symbolism, which bring the scenes and emotions to life in the reader's mind. The rain, the trees, the birds, and the memories of childhood are all presented in a way that is both concrete and suggestive, allowing the reader to enter into the speaker's world and share his experiences. Moreover, the use of symbolism, such as the rain as a symbol of sadness and renewal, and the mother as a symbol of love and comfort, creates a sense of depth and resonance that goes beyond the surface level of the poem.

Overall, "Poem (In the morning, when it was raining)" is a masterpiece of modern poetry, one that captures the complexity and beauty of human existence in a few short stanzas. Its themes of despair and hope, its structure of repetition and variation, and its style of vivid imagery and rich symbolism all contribute to its power and beauty. As you read this poem, let yourself be drawn into its world, and feel the rain wash away your sorrows and pains, as you find comfort and peace in the midst of your own struggles and joys.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry is a form of art that has the power to evoke emotions, stir the soul, and transport the reader to a different world. One such poem that has the ability to do all of these things is "Poem (In the morning, when it was raining)" by Delmore Schwartz. This classic poem is a masterpiece of modern poetry, and it is a perfect example of how a poet can use language to create a vivid and powerful image in the reader's mind.

The poem begins with the line, "In the morning, when it was raining." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, and it immediately creates a sense of melancholy and sadness. The rain is often used as a symbol of sadness and despair, and in this poem, it is no different. The rain is a metaphor for the speaker's emotions, and it is a reminder of the sadness that he feels.

The next line of the poem is, "He felt that he had been there before, in another time, or in another place." This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker is experiencing a sense of deja vu. He feels as though he has been in this same situation before, and this adds to the sense of sadness and melancholy that is present throughout the poem.

The third line of the poem is, "Everything was as it had been, except that the light was different." This line is important because it suggests that the speaker is experiencing a sense of disorientation. He feels as though everything is the same, but the light is different, which creates a sense of unease and uncertainty.

The fourth line of the poem is, "When he looked out of the window, he saw the rain falling slowly down like tears." This line is a powerful metaphor that compares the rain to tears. This comparison is significant because it suggests that the speaker is feeling a deep sense of sadness and despair. The rain is a physical manifestation of his emotions, and it is a reminder of the pain that he is feeling.

The fifth line of the poem is, "In the distance, he heard the sound of a train whistle." This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker is feeling a sense of longing and nostalgia. The sound of the train whistle is a reminder of a time when things were different, and it creates a sense of longing for the past.

The sixth line of the poem is, "He remembered the sound of the whistle from his childhood." This line is important because it suggests that the speaker is experiencing a sense of nostalgia for his childhood. The sound of the train whistle is a reminder of a time when things were simpler, and it creates a sense of longing for the past.

The seventh line of the poem is, "He remembered the feeling of being safe and warm in his mother's arms." This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker is experiencing a sense of longing for the comfort and safety of his childhood. The rain and the sound of the train whistle are reminders of a time when things were simpler and safer, and they create a sense of longing for the past.

The eighth line of the poem is, "He felt a sense of loss and sadness that he could not explain." This line is important because it suggests that the speaker is feeling a deep sense of sadness and despair. He is longing for the past, but he knows that he can never go back. This creates a sense of loss and sadness that is difficult to explain.

The ninth line of the poem is, "He knew that he could never go back to that time, but he wished that he could." This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker is aware that he can never go back to the past, but he still longs for it. This creates a sense of sadness and despair that is difficult to shake.

The final line of the poem is, "In the morning, when it was raining, he felt like he was lost in time." This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker is feeling a sense of disorientation and confusion. He feels as though he is lost in time, and he cannot find his way back to the present. This creates a sense of sadness and despair that is difficult to shake.

In conclusion, "Poem (In the morning, when it was raining)" by Delmore Schwartz is a powerful and evocative poem that explores themes of sadness, nostalgia, and loss. The rain, the sound of the train whistle, and the speaker's memories of his childhood all create a sense of longing for the past that is difficult to shake. The poem is a reminder that we can never go back to the past, but we can still hold onto the memories and the feelings that we experienced during that time. This poem is a masterpiece of modern poetry, and it is a perfect example of how a poet can use language to create a vivid and powerful image in the reader's mind.

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