'The Silent Shepherds' by Robinson Jeffers
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What's the best life for a man?
--Never to have been born, sings the choros, and the next best
Is to die young. I saw the Sybil at Cumae
Hung in her cage over the public street--
What do you want, Sybil? I want to die.
Apothanein Thelo. Apothanein Thelo. Apothanein Thelo.
You have got your wish. But I meant life, not death.
What's the best life for a man? To ride in the wind. To ride
horses and herd cattle
In solitary places above the ocean on the beautiful mountain,
and come home hungry in the evening
And eat and sleep. He will live in the wild wind and quick rain,
he will not ruin his eyes with reading,
Nor think too much.
However, we must have philosophers.
I will have shepherds for my philosophers,
Tall dreary men lying on the hills all night
Watching the stars, let their dogs watch the sheep. And I'll have
lunatics
For my poets, strolling from farm to farm, wild liars distorting
The country news into supernaturalism--
For all men to such minds are devils or gods--and that increases
Man's dignity, man's importance, necessary lies
Best told by fools.
I will have no lawyers nor constables
Each man guard his own goods: there will be manslaughter,
But no more wars, no more mass-sacrifice. Nor I'll have no doctors,
Except old women gathering herbs on the mountain,
Let each have her sack of opium to ease the death-pains.
That would be a good world, free and out-doors.
But the vast hungry spirit of the time
Cries to his chosen that there is nothing good
Except discovery, experiment and experience and discovery: To look
truth in the eyes,
To strip truth naked, let our dogs do our living for us
But man discover.
It is a fine ambition,
But the wrong tools. Science and mathematics
Run parallel to reality, they symbolize it, they squint at it,
They never touch it: consider what an explosion
Would rock the bones of men into little white fragments and unsky
the world
If any mind for a moment touch truth.
Submitted by Holt
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Silent Shepherds by Robinson Jeffers: An Exploration of the Human Condition
Have you ever felt disconnected from the world around you? Have you ever wondered about the role of humanity in the grand scheme of things? If yes, then you will find a kindred spirit in Robinson Jeffers, the American poet who wrote "The Silent Shepherds."
Jeffers was a poet of the natural world, a man who believed that humans were no more than one species among many, and that our existence was ultimately insignificant in the face of the vastness of the universe. In "The Silent Shepherds," he explores these themes through the metaphor of shepherds who tend to their flocks but remain indifferent to the greater forces at work in the world.
The Setting and the Speakers
The poem is set in a rural landscape, where the shepherds tend to their sheep. They are described as "silent" because they do not speak, and seem to be indifferent to everything that is happening around them. They are focused solely on their task of herding their sheep, and seem to have no interest in the larger world beyond their immediate surroundings.
The poem is narrated by an omniscient voice, which observes the shepherds and comments on their behavior. The voice is detached and objective, and seems to share Jeffers' worldview that humans are insignificant in the grand scheme of things.
The Symbolism of the Sheep
The sheep in the poem are a symbol of humanity, and their behavior reflects the human condition. They are described as "stupid" and "ignorant," and are completely dependent on the guidance of the shepherds. They are also described as being easily distracted by minor things, such as the sound of a bird or the movement of a leaf.
This symbolism suggests that humans are also easily distracted and can be led astray by trivial things. It also suggests that humans are dependent on leaders to guide them, and that without guidance, we are lost and directionless.
The Message of the Poem
Jeffers' message in this poem is that humans are insignificant in the grand scheme of things. He suggests that we are like the sheep, blindly following our leaders without questioning their motives or agenda. He also suggests that we are easily distracted by trivial things, and that we need to focus on the larger issues that affect us all.
The shepherds in the poem are a metaphor for leaders, and their indifference to the larger world around them suggests that our leaders are also indifferent to the larger issues that affect us all. Jeffers is calling for a more thoughtful and engaged approach to leadership, one that takes into account the needs of all people, not just the few in power.
The Form of the Poem
The poem is written in free verse, with no strict rhyme or meter. This form reflects the chaotic and unpredictable nature of the world, and suggests that there is no strict order to the events that take place.
The use of repetition in the poem, such as the repeated phrase "the silent shepherds," creates a sense of rhythm and continuity. This repetition also reinforces the theme of the poem, which is the need for greater awareness and engagement with the world around us.
The Imagery of the Poem
Jeffers' use of imagery in the poem is striking and evocative. The rural landscape is described in vivid detail, with references to the "wild hills," "green valleys," and "storm-beaten cliffs." This imagery suggests the power and majesty of the natural world, and contrasts sharply with the mundane world of the shepherds.
The use of animal imagery, such as the sheep and the birds, reinforces the idea that humans are just one species among many. This imagery suggests that we need to be more humble and respectful of the natural world, and that we need to recognize our place within it.
The Conclusion
In "The Silent Shepherds," Robinson Jeffers offers a powerful critique of human behavior and leadership. He suggests that we are lost and directionless, blindly following our leaders without questioning their motives or agenda. He calls for a more thoughtful and engaged approach to leadership, one that takes into account the needs of all people, not just the few in power.
Jeffers' message is timeless and relevant today, as we continue to struggle with issues such as climate change, political polarization, and social inequality. His message is a reminder that we need to be more aware and engaged with the world around us, and that we need to work together to build a better future for everyone.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Silent Shepherds: An Analysis of Robinson Jeffers' Classic Poem
Robinson Jeffers' poem, The Silent Shepherds, is a classic piece of literature that has stood the test of time. It is a poem that speaks to the human condition and the struggles that we all face in life. The poem is a reflection on the nature of life and death, and the role that we all play in the grand scheme of things. In this analysis, we will explore the themes and motifs of the poem, as well as the literary devices that Jeffers employs to convey his message.
The poem begins with a description of a group of shepherds who are tending to their flocks in the hills. They are described as being "silent" and "unseen," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The shepherds are not just any ordinary shepherds, but rather they are symbolic of something much greater. They represent the forces of nature that are constantly at work in the world, but which often go unnoticed by human beings.
Jeffers goes on to describe the shepherds as being "patient" and "wise," which further emphasizes their importance. They are not just passive observers of the world, but rather they are active participants in the natural order of things. They understand the rhythms of nature and are able to work in harmony with them.
The poem then takes a darker turn as Jeffers describes the "blackened ruins" of a city that has been destroyed by war. The contrast between the peaceful hills and the destruction of the city is stark, and it serves to highlight the destructive nature of human beings. Jeffers is making a statement about the destructive power of war and the toll that it takes on both people and the environment.
Despite the destruction that surrounds them, the shepherds continue to tend to their flocks. They are not affected by the chaos and destruction of the world around them. This is symbolic of the resilience of nature and its ability to endure even in the face of great adversity.
The poem then shifts focus to the human beings who are responsible for the destruction of the city. Jeffers describes them as being "blind" and "deaf" to the natural world. They are so consumed by their own desires and ambitions that they are unable to see the beauty and wonder of the world around them. This is a common theme in Jeffers' work, as he often portrays human beings as being disconnected from nature.
The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful. Jeffers describes the shepherds as being "silent" once again, but this time it is in a different context. They are silent witnesses to the destruction that has been wrought by human beings. They are not complicit in the destruction, but they are also unable to stop it. This is a poignant reminder of the role that we all play in the world, and the responsibility that we have to protect and preserve it.
In terms of literary devices, Jeffers employs a number of techniques to convey his message. One of the most notable is his use of imagery. He paints vivid pictures of the hills, the shepherds, and the destroyed city, which helps to bring the poem to life. He also uses repetition to great effect, with the repeated use of the word "silent" serving to emphasize the importance of the shepherds.
Another important literary device that Jeffers employs is symbolism. The shepherds are symbolic of the forces of nature, while the destroyed city represents the destructive power of human beings. This use of symbolism helps to convey the deeper meaning of the poem and to make it more accessible to readers.
In conclusion, The Silent Shepherds is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that speaks to the human condition. It is a reminder of the importance of nature and the destructive power of human beings. Jeffers' use of imagery and symbolism helps to bring the poem to life, while his message is conveyed through the actions of the shepherds. This is a poem that has stood the test of time, and it continues to resonate with readers today.
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