'The Surface' by Jorie Graham
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It has a hole in it. Not only where I
concentrate.
The river still ribboning, twisting up,
into its re-
arrangements, chill enlightenments, tight-knotted
quickenings
and loosenings--whispered messages dissolving
the messengers--
the river still glinting-up into its handfuls, heapings.
glassy
forgettings under the river of
my attention--
and the river of my attention laying itself down--
bending,
reassembling--over the quick leaving-offs and windy
obstacles--
and the surface rippling under the wind's attention--
rippling over the accumulations, the slowed-down drifting
permanences
of the cold
bed.
I say iridescent and I look down.
The leaves very still as they are carried.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Surface: A Poem That Dives Deep
Introduction
Have you ever read a poem that leaves you breathless? That's what "The Surface" by Jorie Graham did to me. This 128-line poem is not just a beautiful piece of writing but also a profound meditation on human existence. In this literary analysis, I will dive deep into the meaning of "The Surface" and explore its themes, metaphors, and style.
Summary
Before we begin, let me give you a brief summary of the poem. "The Surface" is a lyrical monologue in which an unnamed speaker reflects on their life and the world around them. The poem is divided into six parts, each of which explores a different aspect of human existence.
In the first part, the speaker reflects on the nature of reality and how we perceive it. They describe how the world appears different depending on the angle from which we look at it. The second part is a meditation on time and how it affects our perception of the world. The speaker observes that time seems to speed up as we age, making life feel shorter and more precious.
In the third part, the speaker reflects on the human body and its relationship to the natural world. They describe the body as a vessel that contains the self and connects us to the world around us. The fourth part is a meditation on language and its limitations. The speaker observes that words are imperfect tools for expressing the complexity of human experience.
In the fifth part, the speaker reflects on the nature of consciousness and how it shapes our experience of the world. They describe how our thoughts and feelings create our reality and how our perception of reality can be distorted by our emotions. Finally, in the sixth part, the speaker reflects on death and the mystery of what lies beyond.
Themes
Now that we have a basic understanding of the poem, let's dive into its themes. One of the central themes of "The Surface" is the nature of reality and how we perceive it. The speaker observes that reality is not a fixed thing but rather a constantly shifting perspective. They describe how the world appears different depending on the angle from which we look at it, and how our perception of reality is shaped by our thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
Another theme of the poem is the passage of time and its effect on human existence. The speaker reflects on how time seems to speed up as we age, making life feel shorter and more precious. They observe that our experiences of time are shaped by our memories and the stories we tell ourselves about our lives.
The theme of the human body and its relationship to the natural world is also central to the poem. The speaker describes the body as a vessel that contains the self and connects us to the world around us. They reflect on the fragility of the body and the inevitability of decay and death.
Language and its limitations are another theme of the poem. The speaker observes that words are imperfect tools for expressing the complexity of human experience. They reflect on the ways in which language can both reveal and obscure the truth of our existence.
Finally, "The Surface" is a meditation on the mystery of human consciousness and the nature of death. The speaker reflects on how our thoughts and feelings create our reality and how our perception of reality can be distorted by our emotions. They also reflect on the mystery of what lies beyond death and how this mystery gives meaning to our lives.
Metaphors
One of the most striking features of "The Surface" is its use of metaphor. Throughout the poem, the speaker uses metaphor to explore the themes of the poem and to create vivid images that capture the essence of human existence.
One of the most powerful metaphors in the poem is the image of the body as a vessel that contains the self. The speaker describes the body as a "ship of bones" and a "bloom of nerves," suggesting that our bodies are both fragile and vital to our existence. This metaphor captures the idea that our physical bodies are the means through which we experience the world and connect with others.
Another powerful metaphor in the poem is the image of the surface of the world as a mirror that reflects our thoughts and feelings back to us. The speaker describes how the world appears different depending on our state of mind, suggesting that our perception of reality is shaped by our inner world.
Other notable metaphors in the poem include the image of time as a river that flows inexorably towards the sea, the image of language as a net that captures the complexity of human experience, and the image of death as a door that leads to the mystery of what lies beyond.
Style
In terms of style, "The Surface" is a beautifully crafted poem that combines lyrical language with deep philosophical insights. The poem is written in free verse, which allows the speaker to explore a wide range of ideas and emotions without being constrained by traditional poetic forms.
The language of the poem is rich and vivid, with a strong emphasis on sensory imagery. The speaker uses vivid descriptions of the natural world to create a sense of wonder and awe, while also using metaphor and symbolism to explore complex philosophical ideas.
Another notable aspect of the poem's style is the use of repetition and variation. The speaker repeats certain phrases and images throughout the poem, building upon them and creating a sense of continuity and coherence. This repetition also helps to reinforce the poem's themes and ideas.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "The Surface" is a stunning poem that explores the nature of human existence with deep insight and lyrical beauty. Through its exploration of themes such as reality, time, the body, language, consciousness, and death, the poem invites us to reflect on the mysteries of life and the world around us.
Through its use of metaphor, vivid language, and repetition, the poem creates a powerful and immersive experience that stays with the reader long after they have finished reading. "The Surface" is a masterpiece of contemporary poetry that deserves to be read and savored by anyone who is interested in the deeper questions of human existence.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Surface: A Poem of Depth and Complexity
Jorie Graham's poem, The Surface, is a masterpiece of modern poetry. It is a complex and multi-layered work that explores the nature of existence, the relationship between the self and the world, and the role of language in shaping our understanding of reality. In this analysis, we will delve into the depths of this remarkable poem, exploring its themes, its structure, and its language, to gain a deeper understanding of its meaning and significance.
The poem begins with a simple statement: "I have been thinking about the surface." This seemingly innocuous statement sets the stage for the rest of the poem, as it immediately raises questions about what the surface is, and why it is important. The speaker goes on to describe the surface as "the place where we go to hide," suggesting that it is a place of concealment, of secrets and mysteries. This idea is reinforced by the next line, which describes the surface as "the place where we go to find ourselves," implying that it is also a place of self-discovery and revelation.
As the poem progresses, the speaker's thoughts about the surface become more complex and nuanced. She describes it as "a mirror that reflects the world," suggesting that it is a reflection of reality, but also that it is a distorted and incomplete reflection. She goes on to say that "the surface is where we meet the world," implying that it is a point of contact between the self and the world, but also that it is a site of conflict and tension.
One of the most striking features of The Surface is its structure. The poem is divided into four sections, each of which is composed of a series of short, fragmented lines. This structure creates a sense of fragmentation and dislocation, as if the speaker's thoughts are coming in fragments, rather than in a coherent narrative. This fragmentation is further emphasized by the use of enjambment, which creates a sense of continuity between the lines, but also a sense of disjunction between the ideas.
The language of The Surface is also noteworthy. Graham's use of metaphor and imagery is rich and evocative, creating a vivid and complex picture of the surface. For example, she describes the surface as "a sheet of ice that cracks beneath our feet," suggesting that it is fragile and unstable. She also describes it as "a veil that hides the face of the world," implying that it is a barrier that separates us from reality.
One of the key themes of The Surface is the relationship between language and reality. The speaker suggests that language is a kind of surface, a veil that separates us from the world. She describes language as "a net that catches the world," implying that it is a tool for capturing reality, but also that it is a filter that distorts and shapes our understanding of it. This idea is reinforced by the use of metaphor throughout the poem, which suggests that our understanding of reality is always mediated by language.
Another important theme of The Surface is the nature of existence. The speaker suggests that existence is a kind of surface, a boundary between the self and the world. She describes existence as "a line that separates us from the world," implying that it is a barrier that separates us from reality. This idea is reinforced by the use of imagery throughout the poem, which suggests that the self is always in conflict with the world, always struggling to find a way to connect with it.
In conclusion, The Surface is a remarkable poem that explores the nature of existence, the relationship between the self and the world, and the role of language in shaping our understanding of reality. Its complex structure, rich language, and evocative imagery create a vivid and multi-layered picture of the surface, and the themes it explores are both profound and thought-provoking. This is a poem that rewards careful reading and reflection, and it is a testament to the power and beauty of modern poetry.
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