'On Building With Stone' by Robinson Jeffers
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To be an ape in little of the mountain-making mother
Like swarthy Cheops, but my own hands
For only slaves, is a far sweeter toil than to cut
Passions in verse for a sick people.
I'd liefer bed one boulder in the house-wall than be the time's
Archilochus: we name not Homer: who now
Can even imagine the fabulous dawn when bay-leaves (to a blind
Beggar) were not bitter in the teeth?
Submitted by Holt
Editor 1 Interpretation
On Building With Stone: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Robinson Jeffers, an American poet and playwright of the early 20th century, wrote "On Building With Stone" in 1928. This poem is a meditation on the timeless power and beauty of using stone as a building material, how the permanence of stone represents a connection to the natural world, and how this bond provides a sense of stability and comfort in an ever-changing world.
At the heart of the poem is the idea that building with stone is an act of defiance against time, a way to leave a lasting mark on the world. Jeffers writes, "The stone this nation hammers today / Resounds with the echo of millions of years." Here, he is suggesting that the stone we use in our buildings has been around for millions of years, and will continue to be around for millions more. By using it to construct our homes and buildings, we are creating something that will outlast us all.
One of the most striking things about "On Building With Stone" is the way Jeffers uses language to evoke the natural world. He describes the stone as "alive with the sun," "cold as snow," and "warm as the thrill of creation." These descriptions are not only vivid and poetic, but also serve to reinforce the idea that building with stone is a way to connect with the natural world.
Jeffers also writes about the spiritual significance of building with stone. He says, "Our hands are the hands of beasts, / Our tongues are the tongues of fire, / Our hearts are the hearts of the earth." Here, he is suggesting that building with stone is a way to tap into our primal, animal nature, and to connect with the earth itself. He suggests that this connection is not just physical, but spiritual as well.
Another important theme in "On Building With Stone" is the idea of permanence. Jeffers writes, "The stone endures while the flesh decays." Here, he is contrasting the permanence of stone with the impermanence of human life. He suggests that by building with stone, we are creating something that will last long after we are gone. This idea is particularly resonant in a world that is constantly changing, where new buildings are erected and old ones torn down at an alarming pace.
Throughout the poem, Jeffers uses vivid imagery and language to evoke the power and beauty of building with stone. He writes about the "gray-blue hills that are the bones of the earth," and the "glistening arches" that rise up from the stone. These descriptions are not only poetic, but also serve to underscore the idea that building with stone is a way to create something beautiful and enduring.
One of the most interesting things about "On Building With Stone" is the way it speaks to our current moment. In a world that is increasingly dominated by technology and virtual experiences, Jeffers reminds us of the power of physical, tangible things. He suggests that by building with stone, we are creating something real and lasting, something that connects us to the natural world and to our own primal nature.
In conclusion, "On Building With Stone" is a powerful meditation on the timeless beauty and power of using stone as a building material. Through vivid imagery and language, Robinson Jeffers evokes the natural world and the spiritual significance of building with stone. He reminds us of the permanence of stone, and suggests that by building with it, we can create something enduring and beautiful that connects us to the earth itself.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
On Building With Stone: A Masterpiece of Robinson Jeffers
Robinson Jeffers, the American poet, and playwright, is known for his unique style of writing that reflects his love for nature and his belief in the power of the individual. His poem, "On Building With Stone," is a masterpiece that captures the essence of his philosophy and his love for the natural world.
The poem begins with the speaker describing the beauty of the natural world, particularly the mountains and the sea. He then goes on to talk about the importance of building with stone, which he sees as a way of connecting with the natural world and creating something that is both beautiful and enduring.
The first stanza of the poem sets the tone for the rest of the piece, with its vivid descriptions of the natural world. The speaker describes the mountains as "the bones of the earth," and the sea as "the blood of the earth." These images are powerful and evocative, and they set the stage for the rest of the poem.
In the second stanza, the speaker begins to talk about the importance of building with stone. He sees stone as a way of connecting with the natural world and creating something that is both beautiful and enduring. He describes the process of building with stone as a way of "giving back to the earth," and he sees it as a way of creating something that will last for generations.
The third stanza of the poem is particularly powerful, as the speaker describes the process of building with stone in detail. He talks about the importance of choosing the right stone, and he emphasizes the need for patience and care in the building process. He also talks about the importance of working with the natural shape of the stone, rather than trying to force it into a particular shape.
The fourth stanza of the poem is perhaps the most philosophical, as the speaker reflects on the nature of time and the importance of creating something that will endure. He sees the act of building with stone as a way of transcending time and creating something that will last for generations. He also emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with the natural world, rather than trying to dominate it.
The final stanza of the poem is a powerful conclusion to the piece. The speaker reflects on the beauty and power of the natural world, and he sees building with stone as a way of connecting with that beauty and power. He also emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with the natural world, and he sees building with stone as a way of achieving that harmony.
Overall, "On Building With Stone" is a masterpiece of poetry that captures the essence of Robinson Jeffers' philosophy and his love for the natural world. The poem is powerful and evocative, and it is a testament to the enduring power of nature and the human spirit. Whether you are a lover of poetry or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of the natural world, this poem is a must-read.
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