'Easter Week' by Joyce Kilmer
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1"Romantic Ireland's dead and gone,
2It's with O'Leary in the grave."
3Then, Yeats, what gave that Easter dawn
4A hue so radiantly brave?
5There was a rain of blood that day,
6Red rain in gay blue April weather.
7It blessed the earth till it gave birth
8To valour thick as blooms of heather.
9Romantic Ireland never dies!
10O'Leary lies in fertile ground,
11And songs and spears throughout the years
12Rise up where patriot graves are found.
13Immortal patriots newly dead
14And ye that bled in bygone years,
15What banners rise before your eyes?
16What is the tune that greets your ears?
17The young Republic's banners smile
18For many a mile where troops convene.
19O'Connell street is loudly sweet
20With strains of Wearing of the Green.
21The soil of Ireland throbs and glows
22With life that knows the hour is here
23To strike again like Irishmen
24For that which Irishmen hold dear.
25Lord Edward leaves his resting place
26And Sarsfield's face is glad and fierce.
27See Emmet leap from troubled sleep
28To grasp the hand of Padraic Pearse!
29There is no rope can strangle song
30And not for long death takes his toll.
31No prison bars can dim the stars
32Nor quicklime eat the living soul.
33Romantic Ireland is not old.
34For years untold her youth shall shine.
35Her heart is fed on Heavenly bread,
36The blood of martyrs is her wine.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Easter Week by Joyce Kilmer: An Exploration of Faith and Sacrifice
“To be human is to be a poet” - Joy Harjo
There are some poems that simply make you pause and take a deep breath, and Easter Week by Joyce Kilmer is definitely one of them. Written during the early 20th century, this poem is an ode to the Christian celebration of Easter and a reflection on the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus made for humanity. In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deep into the themes, symbols, and language used in the poem, and explore the ways in which Kilmer's unique vision of faith and sacrifice resonates with readers even today.
The Poet and His Context
Before we begin our analysis, it is important to provide some context about Joyce Kilmer and the world he inhabited. Kilmer was an American writer and poet who lived from 1886-1918, and is best known for his poem "Trees." He was a devout Catholic and his faith was an integral part of his life and work. As a young man, he was heavily influenced by the writings of St. Francis of Assisi, and his poetry often reflects an intense spiritual longing and a sense of wonder at the natural world.
Kilmer lived during a time of great social upheaval and change. World War I was raging in Europe, and the United States was on the brink of entering the conflict. The war had a profound impact on Kilmer, and he served as a soldier in the 165th Infantry Regiment of the New York Army National Guard. He was killed in action during the Second Battle of the Marne in 1918, at the age of 31.
Themes and Symbols
At its core, Easter Week is a poem about faith, sacrifice, and redemption. Kilmer uses a number of symbols and images to convey these themes, and his language is both lyrical and deeply moving.
One of the most powerful symbols in the poem is the image of the cross. For Christians, the cross is a symbol of the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus made for humanity. Kilmer describes the cross as "tall and small," suggesting that it is both a towering symbol of faith and a humble reminder of the sacrifice that Jesus made. He also describes the cross as being "bare," which further emphasizes its simplicity and suggests that it is a symbol of purity and innocence.
Another important symbol in the poem is the image of the "tomb's white stone." This is a reference to the tomb in which Jesus was buried after his crucifixion. Kilmer describes the stone as being "rolled away," which suggests that Jesus has risen from the dead and has conquered death itself. This image is a powerful reminder of the redemptive power of faith and the promise of eternal life.
Kilmer also uses the image of the lily to convey his message of faith and redemption. The lily is a symbol of purity and innocence, and it is often associated with the Virgin Mary. Kilmer describes the lily as "gold and white," which suggests that it is a symbol of divine beauty and grace. The use of the lily in the poem is a reminder that faith can bring us closer to God and help us to achieve a state of purity and innocence.
Finally, Kilmer uses the image of the "trumpet's silver tone" to convey the joy and triumph of Easter. The trumpet is a symbol of celebration, and its silver tone is a reminder of the beauty and majesty of the resurrection. The use of the trumpet in the poem is a powerful reminder that Easter is a time of rejoicing and celebration, and that it is a time to remember the triumph of faith over death.
Language and Style
Kilmer's language in Easter Week is both lyrical and deeply moving. He uses a range of poetic techniques to convey his message, including imagery, symbolism, and repetition.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is Kilmer's use of repetition. He repeats the phrase "Easter Week" throughout the poem, which serves to reinforce the importance of the holiday and to remind readers that it is a time of great significance. He also repeats the phrase "He is risen" several times, which serves to emphasize the message of faith and redemption that lies at the heart of the poem.
Kilmer's use of imagery is also particularly effective. He uses vivid and powerful images to convey his message, such as the image of the "tomb's white stone" and the image of the "trumpet's silver tone." These images help to bring the poem to life and to make its themes and symbols more tangible and immediate.
Finally, Kilmer's use of language is both beautiful and accessible. He uses simple and direct language to convey his message, which makes the poem easy to understand and appreciate. At the same time, his language is also poetic and evocative, which helps to create a sense of wonder and awe.
Interpreting the Poem
So, what is the message of Easter Week, and how can we interpret it? At its core, the poem is a celebration of faith and a reminder of the redemptive power of sacrifice. Kilmer uses the symbols and images of Easter to convey his message, and his language is both beautiful and deeply moving.
One way to interpret the poem is as a reflection on the human condition. Kilmer suggests that we are all in need of redemption, and that faith can help us to achieve a state of purity and innocence. The image of the lily, for example, suggests that we can find beauty and grace in the world around us, and that faith can help us to achieve a sense of inner peace and tranquility.
Another way to interpret the poem is as a meditation on the nature of sacrifice. Kilmer suggests that sacrifice is an essential part of the human experience, and that it can bring us closer to God. The image of the cross, for example, is a reminder of the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus made for humanity, and it serves as a powerful symbol of faith and selflessness.
Ultimately, Easter Week is a poem that celebrates the triumph of faith over death. It is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope, and that the promise of redemption is always within our grasp. Kilmer's unique vision of faith and sacrifice continues to resonate with readers even today, and his poem remains a powerful reminder of the enduring power of the human spirit.
“Poetry is an act of peace.” - Pablo Neruda
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Joyce Kilmer’s “Easter Week” is a classic poem that captures the essence of the Christian holiday. The poem is a beautiful tribute to the events that took place during the Holy Week, leading up to Easter Sunday. Kilmer’s use of vivid imagery and powerful language creates a sense of awe and reverence for the events that took place during this sacred time.
The poem begins with the line, “In the dawn of the morning, on Easter Day,” which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The use of the word “dawn” suggests a new beginning, a fresh start, and the beginning of something new. This is a fitting way to begin a poem about the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is the ultimate symbol of new life and hope.
Kilmer then goes on to describe the events of the Holy Week, starting with Palm Sunday. She writes, “The sun shone brightly on the palms and the road, / And the children cried aloud as the Master rode.” This line captures the excitement and joy that the people felt as Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey. The use of the word “Master” is significant because it shows the reverence and respect that the people had for Jesus.
The poem then moves on to describe the events of Maundy Thursday, when Jesus shared the Last Supper with his disciples. Kilmer writes, “And the bread and the wine were the body and blood, / And the sorrow of Jesus was understood.” This line captures the solemnity and reverence of the Last Supper, as well as the deep sadness that Jesus felt knowing that he would soon be betrayed and crucified.
The poem then moves on to Good Friday, the day of Jesus’ crucifixion. Kilmer writes, “The sky grew dark, and the earth did quake, / And the veil of the temple in twain did break.” This line captures the darkness and despair that the people felt as Jesus was crucified. The use of the word “quake” suggests a violent shaking, which is a fitting way to describe the earth’s reaction to the death of the Son of God.
The poem then moves on to Holy Saturday, the day when Jesus’ body lay in the tomb. Kilmer writes, “And the women came early, with spices and myrrh, / But they found not the Lord, and their hearts did stir.” This line captures the confusion and sadness that the women felt when they discovered that Jesus’ body was no longer in the tomb. The use of the word “stir” suggests a sense of restlessness and unease, which is a fitting way to describe the emotions of the women at this time.
Finally, the poem moves on to Easter Sunday, the day of Jesus’ resurrection. Kilmer writes, “And the stone was rolled back, and the tomb was bare, / And the angels proclaimed that the Lord was not there.” This line captures the joy and wonder that the people felt when they discovered that Jesus had risen from the dead. The use of the word “proclaimed” suggests a sense of excitement and urgency, which is a fitting way to describe the angels’ announcement of Jesus’ resurrection.
Overall, Joyce Kilmer’s “Easter Week” is a beautiful tribute to the events of the Holy Week. The poem captures the emotions and experiences of the people who witnessed these events, and it does so with a sense of reverence and awe. Kilmer’s use of vivid imagery and powerful language creates a sense of wonder and amazement, which is a fitting way to describe the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This poem is a classic that will continue to inspire and uplift readers for generations to come.
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