'Chorus From Oedipus At Colonos' by Anthony Hecht
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What is unwisdom but the lusting after
Longevity: to be old and full of days!
For the vast and unremitting tide of years
Casts up to view more sorrowful things than joyful;
And as for pleasures, once beyond our prime,
They all drift out of reach, they are washed away.
And the same gaunt bailiff calls upon us all.
Summoning into Darkness, to those wards
Where is no music, dance, or marriage hymn
That soothes or gladdens. To the tenements of Death.
Not to be born is, past all yearning, best.
And second best is, having seen the light.
To return at once to deep oblivion.
When youth has gone, and the baseless dreams of youth,
What misery does not then jostle man's elbow,
Join him as a companion, share his bread?
Betrayal, envy, calumny and bloodshed
Move in on him, and finally Old Age--
Infirm, despised Old Age--joins in his ruin,
The crowning taunt of his indignities.
So is it with that man, not just with me.
He seems like a frail jetty facing North
Whose pilings the waves batter from all quarters;
From where the sun comes up, from where it sets,
From freezing boreal regions, from below,
A whole winter of miseries now assails him,
Thrashes his sides and breaks over his head.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Introduction
The Chorus from Oedipus at Colonos is a classic poem written by Anthony Hecht, widely regarded as one of the greatest poets of the 20th century. The poem is a translation of the original Greek play by Sophocles and captures the essence of the ancient drama with its rich imagery, powerful metaphors, and timeless themes.
In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deep into the poem and explore its various layers of meaning, from its portrayal of fate and destiny to its commentary on the human condition. We will examine Hecht's use of language and structure, and analyze how he brings the ancient myth to life in a modern context.
Themes
One of the most prominent themes in the Chorus from Oedipus at Colonos is the concept of fate and how it shapes human lives. Throughout the poem, we see how Oedipus is hounded by his destiny, unable to escape the prophecy that has been foretold about him since birth. He is haunted by the knowledge that he will kill his father and marry his mother, and no matter how hard he tries to avoid this fate, it eventually catches up with him.
Hecht captures the fatalistic tone of the original Greek play with his use of language, painting a vivid picture of a man who is trapped by circumstances beyond his control. The chorus repeats the phrase "all things are known" throughout the poem, emphasizing the idea that Oedipus's fate is predetermined and inevitable.
Another important theme in the poem is the idea of redemption and forgiveness. Despite his horrific crimes, Oedipus is not portrayed as a villain, but rather as a tragic hero who is struggling to come to terms with his past. He is remorseful for what he has done and seeks atonement for his sins, even if it means sacrificing his life.
This theme of redemption is reflected in Hecht's use of imagery and symbolism, particularly in the final lines of the poem where Oedipus is compared to a "newly sprung shoot." This metaphor suggests that Oedipus has the potential to grow and change, to rise above his past and become something new.
Language and Structure
Hecht's use of language in the Chorus from Oedipus at Colonos is both powerful and evocative. He employs a range of poetic devices, including repetition, alliteration, and metaphor, to create a sense of urgency and intensity in the poem.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of repetition. The phrase "all things are known" is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the fatalistic nature of Oedipus's destiny. This repetition creates a sense of inevitability and reinforces the idea that Oedipus is powerless to change his fate.
Hecht also uses alliteration to create a sense of rhythm and musicality in the poem. The repetition of consonant sounds in phrases such as "distant, desolate domain" and "vales of violet" adds a musical quality to the language, making the poem feel almost like a song.
Finally, Hecht's use of metaphor and symbolism is particularly effective in bringing the ancient myth to life. The image of Oedipus as a "tattered remnant of a life" and the comparison of his journey to a "wilderness of agony" are both powerful and evocative, creating a vivid picture of a man who has been brought to the brink of despair.
Interpretation
Overall, the Chorus from Oedipus at Colonos is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that speaks to the universal human experience. Hecht's use of language and structure captures the essence of the ancient myth and brings it to life in a modern context.
At its core, the poem is a meditation on the nature of fate and how it shapes our lives. It asks us to consider whether we are truly in control of our destinies, or whether our lives are predetermined by forces beyond our control.
But the poem also offers a message of hope and redemption. Despite the horrors that Oedipus has committed, he is still able to seek forgiveness and atonement for his sins. He is still able to grow and change, to become a "newly sprung shoot" that is capable of rising above his past.
In this sense, the Chorus from Oedipus at Colonos is a timeless work of literature that continues to resonate with readers today. It reminds us of the power of the human spirit to overcome even the greatest of tragedies, and to find redemption in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Chorus From Oedipus At Colonos: A Masterpiece of Tragedy and Redemption
Anthony Hecht’s Chorus From Oedipus At Colonos is a classic poem that captures the essence of Greek tragedy and redemption. The poem is a powerful and moving depiction of the life of Oedipus, the tragic hero of Greek mythology, who is cursed by the gods and condemned to a life of suffering and pain. Hecht’s poem is a masterful work of art that explores the themes of fate, free will, and the human condition.
The poem begins with the chorus describing the setting of the play, the sacred grove of the Eumenides, where Oedipus has taken refuge. The chorus describes the beauty of the grove, with its “green and gold” leaves and “sacred streams.” The grove is a place of peace and tranquility, a sanctuary from the world of men.
The chorus then turns its attention to Oedipus, the tragic hero of the play. Oedipus is a man who has suffered greatly in his life. He was born to a cursed family, and his parents abandoned him as a baby. He was raised by strangers, and as he grew up, he became aware of the curse that hung over his head. He was told that he would kill his father and marry his mother, and he did everything in his power to avoid this fate.
Despite his efforts, however, Oedipus was unable to escape his destiny. He unknowingly killed his father and married his mother, and when he discovered the truth, he was filled with horror and despair. He blinded himself and wandered the earth as a beggar, seeking redemption for his sins.
The chorus describes Oedipus as a man who has suffered greatly, but who has also found redemption. They describe him as a man who has “paid the price” for his sins, and who has “found peace” in the sacred grove. They describe him as a man who has “learned the truth” about himself and his fate, and who has accepted his destiny with grace and humility.
The chorus then turns its attention to the gods, who have played a central role in Oedipus’ life. They describe the gods as “cruel and capricious,” who have cursed Oedipus and brought him to the brink of despair. They describe the gods as “unknowable and inscrutable,” who work in mysterious ways that are beyond human understanding.
Despite the cruelty of the gods, however, the chorus also acknowledges their power and their role in the world. They describe the gods as “mighty and terrible,” who control the fate of men and who are to be feared and respected. They acknowledge that the gods have the power to bring both joy and sorrow to the lives of men, and that their ways are often beyond human comprehension.
The poem ends with the chorus describing the beauty of the grove once again, and the peace and tranquility that it brings to those who seek refuge there. They describe the grove as a place of “eternal rest,” where the weary traveler can find solace and comfort. They describe it as a place where the “soul finds peace,” and where the “heart finds rest.”
In conclusion, Anthony Hecht’s Chorus From Oedipus At Colonos is a masterpiece of tragedy and redemption. The poem captures the essence of Greek mythology and explores the themes of fate, free will, and the human condition. It is a powerful and moving depiction of the life of Oedipus, the tragic hero of Greek mythology, who has suffered greatly but who has also found redemption. The poem is a testament to the power of art to capture the essence of the human experience, and to provide solace and comfort to those who seek it.
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