'Tired And Unhappy, You Think Of Houses' by Delmore Schwartz
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Tired and unhappy, you think of houses
Soft-carpeted and warm in the December evening,
While snow's white pieces fall past the window,
And the orange firelight leaps.
A young girl sings
That song of Gluck where Orpheus pleads with Death;
Her elders watch, nodding their happiness
To see time fresh again in her self-conscious eyes:
The servants bring in the coffee, the children go to bed,
Elder and younger yawn and go to bed,
The coals fade and glow, rose and ashen,
It is time to shake yourself! and break this
Banal dream, and turn your head
Where the underground is charged, where the weight
Of the lean building is seen,
Where close in the subway rush, anonymous
In the audience, well-dressed or mean,
So many surround you, ringing your fate,
Caught in an anger exact as a machine!
Editor 1 Interpretation
Tired And Unhappy, You Think Of Houses: A Journey Of Despair
Delmore Schwartz's poem "Tired And Unhappy, You Think Of Houses" is a powerful representation of the human experience of despair. The poem takes the reader on a journey through the speaker's mind as they grapple with their disillusionment and sense of isolation. Through vivid imagery, complex syntax, and a unique structure, Schwartz weaves a narrative that speaks to the universal themes of human suffering and the search for meaning.
A Journey Through Despair
The poem opens with the speaker describing their mood in a simple and direct manner: "Tired and unhappy, you think of houses." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is characterized by a sense of fatigue and sadness. The speaker's thoughts turn to houses, which can be seen as a symbol of stability and security. However, the fact that they are only thinking of houses, rather than being in one, suggests a sense of displacement and a lack of belonging.
The next few stanzas of the poem describe the speaker's surroundings in bleak and desolate terms. They describe "cold, dark streets," "empty lots," and "lonely alleys." This vivid imagery creates a sense of isolation and alienation, as if the speaker is disconnected from the world around them. The repetition of the word "lonely" emphasizes this sense of disconnection and the speaker's emotional state.
The Search For Meaning
As the poem continues, the speaker's thoughts turn to the concept of meaning. They ask, "What is the meaning of a city / If it does not shelter the soul?" This question is a powerful one, as it speaks to the fundamental human need for a sense of purpose and belonging. The city, which is often seen as a symbol of progress and modernity, is rendered meaningless if it does not provide a sense of comfort and safety for the individual.
The speaker's sense of disillusionment is further emphasized in the following stanzas, where they describe the "grayness" and "sameness" of their surroundings. They ask, "Is it not true that we are all / Confined to the same gray walls?" This question speaks to the idea of conformity and the loss of individuality in a modern, urban society. The "gray walls" can be seen as a metaphor for the restrictions and limitations imposed on individuals by society.
A Complex Structure
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its structure. The poem is divided into two parts, each consisting of three stanzas. The first part describes the speaker's surroundings and emotional state, while the second part is more introspective and philosophical. The two parts are connected by a single line, "But what is the use?" This line serves as a bridge between the external and internal aspects of the poem, and sets the stage for the speaker's deeper reflections on the nature of existence.
Within each part of the poem, the stanzas are arranged in a complex pattern. The first and third stanzas of each part are written in the same form, with a rhyme scheme of ABAB. The second stanza of each part breaks this pattern, with a rhyme scheme of AABB. This creates a feeling of tension and disruption within the poem, mirroring the speaker's emotional state.
Conclusion
Delmore Schwartz's "Tired And Unhappy, You Think Of Houses" is a powerful exploration of the human experience of despair. Through vivid imagery, complex syntax, and a unique structure, the poem takes the reader on a journey through the speaker's mind as they grapple with their disillusionment and sense of isolation. The poem speaks to universal themes of human suffering and the search for meaning, reminding us of the fundamental human need for a sense of purpose and belonging.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Tired And Unhappy, You Think Of Houses: A Poem Analysis
Delmore Schwartz, an American poet, novelist, and short story writer, is known for his works that explore the complexities of human emotions and relationships. One of his most famous poems, Tired And Unhappy, You Think Of Houses, is a poignant reflection on the human condition and the search for meaning in life. In this article, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this classic poem.
The poem begins with the line, "Tired and unhappy, you think of houses." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a meditation on the human desire for stability and security. The speaker is tired and unhappy, and he seeks solace in the idea of a house. The house represents a place of safety and comfort, a place where one can escape from the chaos and uncertainty of the world.
The second stanza of the poem continues this theme, as the speaker describes the various types of houses that he imagines. He thinks of "the house you live in now," which represents the familiar and the known. He also thinks of "the house you were born in," which represents the past and one's roots. Finally, he thinks of "the house you will die in," which represents the future and the inevitability of death. These three houses represent the three stages of life: the past, the present, and the future.
The third stanza of the poem takes a darker turn, as the speaker reflects on the transience of life. He says, "You think of houses that are no more, / And of the shadows of houses that are no more." This line suggests that even the most stable and secure things in life are subject to change and decay. The houses that once stood strong and proud are now nothing but shadows, reminders of what once was.
The fourth stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful, as the speaker reflects on the human desire for permanence in a world that is constantly changing. He says, "You wish that you could live / In one of the houses that are no more, / Or in the shadows of one of the houses that are no more." This line suggests that the speaker longs for a time when things were more stable and certain. He wishes he could live in a house that no longer exists, or in the shadow of a house that no longer stands. This desire for permanence is a fundamental human need, and it is what drives us to seek out stability and security in our lives.
The fifth stanza of the poem takes a more hopeful turn, as the speaker suggests that there is a way to find meaning and purpose in life despite its transience. He says, "But you cannot live there; you cannot live anywhere / But in the present." This line suggests that the only way to find meaning in life is to live in the present moment, to embrace the uncertainty and transience of life, and to find joy and fulfillment in the here and now.
The final stanza of the poem brings the themes of the poem full circle, as the speaker returns to the idea of the house as a symbol of stability and security. He says, "You think of houses, and you wish / That you could live in them forever." This line suggests that the desire for stability and security is a fundamental human need that never goes away. Even though we know that nothing in life is permanent, we still long for a place to call home, a place where we can feel safe and secure.
In conclusion, Tired And Unhappy, You Think Of Houses is a powerful meditation on the human condition and the search for meaning in life. The poem explores the fundamental human need for stability and security, and the desire for permanence in a world that is constantly changing. Ultimately, the poem suggests that the only way to find meaning in life is to embrace the uncertainty and transience of life, and to find joy and fulfillment in the present moment. This is a message that is as relevant today as it was when Schwartz wrote the poem over 70 years ago, and it is a message that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.
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