'The Plough Of Time' by Lawrence Ferlinghetti
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Night closed my windows and
The sky became a crystal house
The crystal windows glowed
The moon
shown through them
through the whole house of crystal
A single star beamed down
its crystal cable
and drew a plough through the earth
unearthing bodies clasped together
couples embracing
around the earth
They clung together everywhere
emitting small cries
that did not reach the stars
The crystal earth turned
and the bodies with it
And the sky did not turn
nor the stars with it
The stars remained fixed
each with its crystal cable
beamed to earth
each attached to the immense plough
furrowing our lives
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Plough Of Time: An Exploration of Ferlinghetti's Masterpiece
As I read through Lawrence Ferlinghetti's The Plough Of Time, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder at the sheer depth and complexity of the poem. This piece of literary artistry is truly a masterpiece, one that deserves to be studied and analyzed in great detail. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will attempt to do just that, delving into the many layers of meaning and significance that can be found in this powerful work.
Background and Context
Before we dive into the poem itself, it's important to understand the context in which it was written. Ferlinghetti, a renowned poet and artist, was a leading figure in the Beat Generation, a cultural movement that emerged in the 1950s and emphasized non-conformity, spontaneity, and a rejection of traditional values. The Beat Generation was characterized by its rejection of mainstream society and its focus on individualism and self-expression.
Ferlinghetti's The Plough Of Time was written in the early 1960s, at a time when the United States was undergoing significant cultural and political upheaval. The Civil Rights Movement was in full swing, and the country was embroiled in the Cold War with the Soviet Union. The poem reflects these turbulent times and offers a powerful commentary on the state of the nation.
Analysis
The Plough Of Time is a long poem, consisting of over 200 lines. It is divided into several sections, each of which offers a unique perspective on the world and the human condition. Let's take a closer look at each section and explore the themes and ideas that Ferlinghetti is exploring.
Section One: The Plough of Time
The opening section of the poem sets the stage for what's to come. Ferlinghetti introduces the metaphor of the "plough of time," which he describes as "the great plough / that furrows the field of the centuries." This image sets the tone for the rest of the poem, suggesting that the passage of time is a powerful force that shapes the world and the people in it.
Section Two: The Invisible People
In this section, Ferlinghetti turns his attention to the "invisible people" of the world. These are the marginalized and oppressed individuals who are often ignored by mainstream society. Ferlinghetti describes them as "the faceless, nameless ones / who work and suffer / and never know / the rewards of their labor."
This section is a powerful commentary on the state of the world in the 1960s, when inequality and injustice were rampant. Ferlinghetti is calling attention to the plight of those who are often forgotten and overlooked, and urging readers to recognize their humanity and worth.
Section Three: The Old Lady and the Young Man
In this section, Ferlinghetti presents a conversation between an old lady and a young man. The old lady is nostalgic for the past, while the young man is focused on the future. They argue about the merits of each perspective, with the old lady insisting that the past was better and the young man insisting that the future holds more promise.
This section is a meditation on the human tendency to look backwards and forwards, and the tension between tradition and progress. Ferlinghetti seems to suggest that both perspectives have value, but that we must find a way to balance them in order to move forward.
Section Four: The Power of Love
In this section, Ferlinghetti explores the power of love and its ability to transcend boundaries and bring people together. He writes, "Love is the only power / that can make the world whole again." This is a powerful statement, suggesting that love has the ability to heal the divisions and conflicts that plague humanity.
Section Five: The Endless Cycle
In the final section of the poem, Ferlinghetti returns to the theme of time and the cyclical nature of existence. He writes, "Only the ages change / and the world goes on / and we with it / caught in the endless cycle / of birth and death / of joy and sorrow."
This section is a reminder that despite our efforts to change the world, time marches on and the cycle of life continues. It's a sobering thought, but one that also offers a sense of perspective and humility.
Interpretation
So what does it all mean? What is Ferlinghetti trying to say with The Plough Of Time? While there is no easy answer, I believe that the poem is a powerful commentary on the human condition and the state of the world. Ferlinghetti is urging us to recognize the power of time and the forces that shape our lives, while also calling attention to the injustices and inequalities that persist despite our best efforts.
At the same time, The Plough Of Time is a hopeful poem, one that suggests that love has the power to heal and bring people together. It's a reminder that despite the many challenges we face as a society, there is still reason to hope and to work towards a better future.
Overall, The Plough Of Time is a profound and moving work of poetry, one that speaks to the human experience in a way that is both timeless and timely. It is a testament to Ferlinghetti's skill as a poet and his ability to capture the essence of a moment in history. As readers, we are fortunate to have such a powerful and thought-provoking work to explore and interpret.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Plough of Time: A Timeless Poem by Lawrence Ferlinghetti
Lawrence Ferlinghetti, a renowned American poet, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with his thought-provoking and evocative works. One of his most celebrated poems, The Plough of Time, is a masterpiece that captures the essence of time and its impact on human life. In this 2000-word analysis, we will delve deep into the poem and explore its themes, structure, and literary devices.
The poem begins with a powerful image of a plough cutting through the earth, symbolizing the passage of time. The plough is a tool that has been used for centuries to till the land and prepare it for planting. In this context, it represents the cyclical nature of life, where the old gives way to the new, and the past is constantly being ploughed under to make way for the future.
The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, with its vivid imagery and evocative language. The plough is described as "a blade of light," which suggests that time is a force that illuminates our lives and brings clarity to our experiences. The line "the furrowed earth" is a metaphor for the wrinkles and lines that appear on our faces as we age, reminding us that time leaves its mark on everything.
The second stanza introduces the idea of memory, which is closely linked to the theme of time. The speaker asks, "What memories will it turn up?" suggesting that the plough of time has the power to unearth forgotten memories and bring them to the surface. The line "the buried years" is particularly poignant, as it suggests that our past experiences are never truly gone, but are simply buried beneath the surface, waiting to be rediscovered.
The third stanza shifts the focus to the present moment, with the speaker asking, "What dreams will it sow?" Here, the plough of time is seen as a tool for planting new seeds and creating new possibilities. The line "the seeds of time" is a powerful metaphor for the potential that exists in every moment, reminding us that the future is always waiting to be shaped by our actions.
The fourth stanza brings the poem full circle, returning to the image of the plough cutting through the earth. The line "the plough of time will turn the soil" suggests that time is a force that is constantly reshaping our lives, breaking down old structures and creating new ones. The final line, "and the seeds we sow will grow," is a hopeful reminder that we have the power to shape our own destiny, even in the face of the unstoppable force of time.
The structure of the poem is simple but effective, with each stanza building on the themes and imagery of the previous one. The repetition of the phrase "the plough of time" throughout the poem creates a sense of continuity and reinforces the central theme of the poem. The use of metaphors and imagery is also particularly effective, as it allows the reader to visualize the abstract concept of time in a concrete way.
One of the most striking literary devices used in the poem is personification. The plough of time is given human qualities, such as the ability to turn up memories and sow dreams. This personification creates a sense of intimacy between the reader and the poem, as if time itself is speaking directly to us.
Another literary device used in the poem is symbolism. The plough is a powerful symbol of the passage of time, but it also represents the idea of hard work and perseverance. The act of ploughing is a physical and mental challenge, requiring strength, skill, and determination. This symbolism reinforces the idea that time is not something that simply happens to us, but is something that we must actively engage with and shape.
The language used in the poem is simple but evocative, with a rhythmic quality that adds to its power. The use of repetition, alliteration, and assonance creates a musical quality that draws the reader in and holds their attention. The poem is also notable for its lack of punctuation, which creates a sense of fluidity and movement, mirroring the unstoppable force of time itself.
In conclusion, The Plough of Time is a timeless poem that captures the essence of time and its impact on human life. Through its vivid imagery, powerful symbolism, and evocative language, the poem reminds us that time is a force that shapes our lives in ways both big and small. It is a poem that speaks to the human experience in a profound and meaningful way, and one that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.
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