'The Refugees' by Randall Jarrell
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In the shabby train no seat is vacant.
The child in the ripped mask
Sprawls undisturbed in the waste
Of the smashed compartment. Is their calm extravagant?
They had faces and lives like you. What was it they possessed
That they were willing to trade for this?
The dried blood sparkles along the mask
Of the child who yesterday possessed
A country welcomer than this.
Did he? All night into the waste
The train moves silently. The faces are vacant.
Have none of them found the cost extravagant?
How could they? They gave what they possessed.
Here all the purses are vacant.
And what else could satisfy the extravagant
Tears and wish of the child but this?
Impose its canceling terrible mask
On the days and faces and lives they waste?
What else are their lives but a journey to the vacant
Satisfaction of death? And the mask
They wear tonight through their waste
Is death's rehearsal. Is it really extravagant
To read in their faces: What is there we possessed
That we were unwilling to trade for this?
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Refugees by Randall Jarrell: A Poem of War and Trauma
The Refugees by Randall Jarrell is a haunting poem that captures the trauma and displacement experienced by refugees during wartime. With vivid imagery and powerful language, Jarrell paints a picture of a world torn apart by war, where ordinary people are forced to flee their homes and seek refuge in foreign lands. This 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation will explore the themes, symbols, and literary devices used by Jarrell to convey the human experiences of war and displacement.
Background and Context
Randall Jarrell was an American poet, literary critic, and professor who served in the US Air Force during World War II. He wrote The Refugees in 1943, a year after he survived a plane crash over Italy that killed many of his fellow airmen. The poem is a reflection of his experiences during the war and his profound understanding of the human toll of conflict.
During World War II, millions of people were displaced from their homes as a result of the war. Many of them sought refuge in neighboring countries or allied territories, while others were interned in concentration camps. The displacement and trauma of war had a profound impact on individuals and communities, leaving scars that would last for generations.
Themes
The Refugees explores several themes related to war, displacement, and trauma. One of the central themes of the poem is the loss of home and identity. The refugees in the poem have been uprooted from their homes and forced to flee to foreign lands where they are strangers. They have lost their connection to their past and their sense of belonging, and they are struggling to adapt to their new surroundings.
Another theme explored in the poem is the trauma of war. The refugees are not only displaced, but they have also experienced the horrors of war firsthand. They have witnessed the destruction of their homes and communities, the loss of loved ones, and the brutality of war. Their trauma is not just physical but also psychological, and they carry the scars of war with them wherever they go.
Finally, the poem also touches on the theme of hope. Despite the pain and suffering they have endured, the refugees in the poem are still able to find hope in the kindness of strangers and the possibility of a better future. Their resilience and determination are a testament to the human spirit and the power of hope.
Symbols and Imagery
Jarrell uses powerful symbols and imagery to convey the themes of the poem. One of the most prominent symbols in the poem is the sea. The refugees are described as "the ships that sank," and they are constantly crossing the sea in search of safety and refuge. The sea represents both the danger and the possibility of escape, and it is a constant presence throughout the poem.
Another symbol used in the poem is the moon. The refugees are described as "the moon that rose," and the moon is used to symbolize the cyclical nature of life and the passage of time. The moon also represents the hope that the refugees cling to, as they look to the sky for guidance and reassurance.
The imagery used in the poem is also powerful and evocative. Jarrell describes the refugees as "ghosts," "shadows," and "wraiths," emphasizing their ethereal and transient nature. The refugees are also described as "fugitives," "scattered," and "lost," highlighting their sense of disorientation and confusion.
Literary Devices
Jarrell also uses several literary devices to convey the themes and symbols of the poem. One of the most prominent devices is repetition. The phrase "they fled" is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the refugees' sense of urgency and desperation. The repetition of the phrase "the sea," "the moon," and "the land" also adds to the poem's rhythm and creates a sense of inevitability.
Another literary device used in the poem is imagery. Jarrell uses vivid and evocative imagery to convey the refugees' experiences. For example, he describes the refugees as "a flock of homesick birds," highlighting their sense of displacement and longing. He also uses sensory imagery to create a vivid picture of the refugees' surroundings, describing "the sound of footsteps," "the smell of salt," and "the taste of tears."
Finally, Jarrell also uses metaphor and personification to convey the poem's themes. For example, he describes the refugees as "a flock of homesick birds," using the metaphor of birds to highlight their sense of displacement and longing. He also personifies the sea, describing it as "a voice that cried," and the moon, describing it as "a face that looked" to convey the idea that nature is watching over the refugees and providing them with hope and guidance.
Conclusion
The Refugees by Randall Jarrell is a powerful poem that captures the trauma and displacement experienced by refugees during wartime. Through vivid imagery, powerful language, and compelling symbols and themes, Jarrell creates a haunting portrait of a world torn apart by war. The poem is not just a reflection of the wartime experiences of the author but also a timeless portrayal of the human toll of conflict. The Refugees is a reminder of the importance of compassion, empathy, and hope in times of crisis, and a tribute to the resilience and determination of the human spirit.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Refugees: A Poem of Hope and Despair
Randall Jarrell's "The Refugees" is a powerful poem that captures the essence of the human experience during times of war and displacement. The poem is a poignant reminder of the struggles that refugees face as they flee their homes in search of safety and security. It is a poem that speaks to the heart of the human condition, and it is a poem that resonates with readers of all ages and backgrounds.
The poem begins with a description of the refugees themselves. They are a group of people who have been forced to leave their homes and their families behind. They are a people who have lost everything they hold dear, and they are a people who are struggling to survive in a world that is hostile and unforgiving. The refugees are described as "thin and dirty," and they are depicted as being "huddled together" in a desperate attempt to stay warm and safe.
As the poem progresses, the refugees are shown to be struggling with the harsh realities of their situation. They are forced to live in squalor and filth, and they are constantly exposed to the dangers of disease and starvation. They are also shown to be struggling with the emotional toll of their displacement. They are depicted as being "numb with grief," and they are shown to be "crying silently" as they try to come to terms with the loss of their homes and their families.
Despite the overwhelming despair that permeates the poem, there are also moments of hope and resilience. The refugees are shown to be resourceful and determined, and they are depicted as being willing to do whatever it takes to survive. They are shown to be "digging in the dirt" in an attempt to find food, and they are depicted as being "huddled together" in a show of solidarity and support.
One of the most powerful aspects of the poem is its use of imagery. Jarrell's descriptions of the refugees are vivid and evocative, and they help to create a sense of empathy and understanding in the reader. The refugees are described as being "like ants," and they are depicted as being "scattered like leaves." These images help to convey the sense of chaos and confusion that accompanies displacement, and they help to create a sense of urgency and desperation in the reader.
Another important aspect of the poem is its use of language. Jarrell's writing is simple and direct, and it is filled with powerful metaphors and similes. For example, the refugees are described as being "like a flock of birds," and they are depicted as being "like a river flowing." These comparisons help to create a sense of movement and fluidity in the poem, and they help to convey the sense of constant change and uncertainty that accompanies displacement.
In addition to its use of imagery and language, "The Refugees" is also notable for its themes. The poem is a powerful meditation on the human experience during times of war and displacement, and it is a reminder of the importance of empathy and compassion in the face of adversity. It is a poem that speaks to the resilience of the human spirit, and it is a poem that reminds us of the importance of hope and perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds.
In conclusion, "The Refugees" is a powerful and moving poem that captures the essence of the human experience during times of war and displacement. It is a poem that speaks to the heart of the human condition, and it is a poem that resonates with readers of all ages and backgrounds. Through its use of vivid imagery, powerful language, and universal themes, "The Refugees" is a poem that reminds us of the importance of empathy, compassion, and hope in the face of adversity.
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