'Fear Is What Quickens Me' by James Wright
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1
Many animals that our fathers killed in America
Had quick eyes.
They stared about wildly,
When the moon went dark.
The new moon falls into the freight yards
Of cities in the south,
But the loss of the moon to the dark hands of Chicago
Does not matter to the deer
In this northern field.
2
What is that tall woman doing
There, in the trees?
I can hear rabbits and mourning dovees whispering together
In the dark grass, there
Under the trees.
3
I look about wildly.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Fear Is What Quickens Me by James Wright: A Critical Analysis
James Wright’s poem, “Fear Is What Quickens Me,” is a masterful piece of poetry, rich with vivid imagery and profound insights into the human condition. In this literary analysis, we will explore the various themes, symbols, and literary devices employed by the poet to convey his message, and how they contribute to the overall impact of the poem.
Background
James Wright was an American poet, born in Martins Ferry, Ohio, in 1927, and died in New York City in 1980. He is widely regarded as one of the most important poets of the 20th century, and his work has been critically acclaimed for its lyricism, authenticity, and emotional intensity. Wright’s poetry often deals with themes of alienation, solitude, and the fragility of human existence, and “Fear Is What Quickens Me” is no exception.
Analysis
Structure
The poem consists of four stanzas, each with four lines, and follows a loosely structured rhyme scheme. The first and third lines of each stanza rhyme, while the second and fourth lines do not. This creates a sense of rhythm and musicality that adds to the poem’s overall emotional impact. Additionally, the poem is written in free verse, meaning that it does not follow a strict meter or rhyme scheme, allowing the poet to express his thoughts and emotions more freely.
Themes
One of the central themes of the poem is the relationship between fear and courage. The speaker of the poem acknowledges that fear is what “quickens” him, giving him the strength and motivation to face the challenges of life. However, he also acknowledges that fear is a double-edged sword, capable of paralyzing him and preventing him from living fully.
Another important theme of the poem is the idea of mortality and the transience of life. The speaker reflects on his own mortality and the fleeting nature of human existence, lamenting the fact that “the world is always ending, though few have the wit to see it.” This theme is developed further in the final stanza, where the speaker imagines his own death and reflects on the legacy he will leave behind.
Symbols
The poem employs a number of powerful symbols to convey its themes and ideas. One of the most prominent symbols is that of the “black horse” that the speaker encounters in the first stanza. The horse represents the speaker’s fears and anxieties, which he must confront in order to move forward. The image of the horse also conveys a sense of power and strength, suggesting that the speaker’s fears can be harnessed and used to his advantage.
Another symbol that appears throughout the poem is that of the wilderness. The speaker often uses images of nature and the outdoors to convey a sense of freedom and escape, as well as the dangers and uncertainties that come with the unknown. The wilderness represents both the potential for growth and transformation, as well as the possibility of danger and death.
Literary Devices
The poem employs a number of literary devices to enhance its impact and convey its message. One of the most prominent devices is imagery, which is used to create vivid and powerful mental pictures in the reader’s mind. The poem is filled with evocative descriptions of the natural world, as well as images of death, decay, and rebirth.
Another important literary device employed by the poet is repetition. The phrase “fear is what quickens me” is repeated throughout the poem, creating a sense of rhythm and emphasizing the central theme of the poem. Additionally, the repetition of certain words and phrases, such as “wilderness” and “black horse,” creates a sense of unity and coherence, tying the different parts of the poem together.
Interpretation
“Fear Is What Quickens Me” is a deeply personal and introspective poem that speaks to the universal human experience. The speaker’s reflections on his own mortality and the transience of life are themes that resonate with people of all ages and backgrounds. Additionally, the poem’s exploration of the relationship between fear and courage is a message that is especially relevant in today’s world, where anxiety and uncertainty are all too common.
The poem can be seen as a meditation on the nature of human existence, and the struggle to find meaning and purpose in a world that can often seem chaotic and unpredictable. The images of the wilderness and the black horse represent the unknown and the unseen, and the speaker’s willingness to confront these fears suggests a bravery and resilience that is admirable and inspiring.
Conclusion
“Fear Is What Quickens Me” is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that speaks to the human experience in profound and meaningful ways. Through its use of vivid imagery, powerful symbols, and literary devices, the poem conveys a message of courage, resilience, and hope in the face of life’s uncertainties. James Wright’s legacy as one of the most important poets of the 20th century is well-deserved, and this poem is a testament to his enduring talent and vision.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Fear Is What Quickens Me: A Poem Analysis
James Wright's poem "Fear Is What Quickens Me" is a powerful and haunting work that explores the complex emotions of fear and anxiety. The poem is a reflection on the author's own struggles with fear and how it has affected his life. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Wright captures the essence of fear and its impact on the human psyche.
The poem begins with the line "Fear is what quickens me." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it immediately establishes the central theme of fear. The word "quickens" suggests a sense of urgency and intensity, as if the author is being propelled forward by his fear. This line also hints at the idea that fear can be a motivating force, driving us to take action and confront our fears.
The next few lines of the poem describe the physical sensations of fear. Wright writes, "Fear is what spurts the blood into my veins. Fear is what makes me want to swallow my tongue." These lines vividly capture the physical effects of fear, as the body responds to the perceived threat with a surge of adrenaline. The image of wanting to swallow one's tongue suggests a sense of suffocation or being overwhelmed by fear.
The poem then shifts to a more introspective tone, as Wright reflects on the psychological effects of fear. He writes, "Fear is what makes me think of death. Time is what makes me feel the fear." These lines suggest that fear is not just a response to a specific threat, but a more existential fear of mortality and the passage of time. The idea that time itself can be a source of fear is a powerful one, as it suggests that our fear is not just a reaction to external events, but a deeper, more fundamental anxiety about our place in the world.
The next few lines of the poem describe the author's attempts to cope with his fear. He writes, "I have to close my eyes and think of the sea. I have to think of a calm white ship moving across the water." These lines suggest that the author uses visualization techniques to calm himself down when he is feeling afraid. The image of the sea and the ship suggest a sense of tranquility and escape from the pressures of daily life.
The poem then takes a darker turn, as Wright describes the ways in which fear can consume us. He writes, "Fear is what makes me want to die. Fear is what makes me want to live forever." These lines suggest that fear can lead to both a desire for self-destruction and a desperate clinging to life. The paradoxical nature of these lines reflects the complex and contradictory emotions that fear can evoke.
The final lines of the poem offer a glimmer of hope, as Wright suggests that fear can be overcome. He writes, "Fear is what teaches me. Fear is what makes me go on." These lines suggest that fear can be a teacher, helping us to learn and grow from our experiences. The idea that fear can be a positive force is a powerful one, as it suggests that even our darkest emotions can have a transformative effect on our lives.
Overall, "Fear Is What Quickens Me" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the complex emotions of fear and anxiety. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, James Wright captures the essence of fear and its impact on the human psyche. The poem offers a nuanced and complex view of fear, suggesting that it can be both a source of pain and a catalyst for growth. Ultimately, the poem offers a message of hope, suggesting that even our darkest emotions can be overcome with time and perseverance.
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