'Well Water' by Randall Jarrell
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What a girl called "the dailiness of life"
(Adding an errand to your errand. Saying,
"Since you're up . . ." Making you a means to
A means to a means to) is well water
Pumped from an old well at the bottom of the world.
The pump you pump the water from is rusty
And hard to move and absurd, a squirrel-wheel
A sick squirrel turns slowly, through the sunny
Inexorable hours. And yet sometimes
The wheel turns of its own weight, the rusty
Pump pumps over your sweating face the clear
Water, cold, so cold! you cup your hands
And gulp from them the dailiness of life.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Well Water by Randall Jarrell: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
What makes a poem classic? Is it the timelessness of its themes, the mastery of its language, or the universality of its message? For poet and critic Randall Jarrell, it is all these things and more. In his poem "Well Water," Jarrell explores the fundamental human experience of thirst and the natural world's response to it. Through the use of vivid imagery, precise diction, and a subtle yet powerful narrative, Jarrell creates a lasting work of art that speaks to readers across generations.
Background Information
Before delving into the poem itself, it is useful to provide some background information on its author. Randall Jarrell was an American poet, literary critic, and essayist who was born in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1914. He attended Vanderbilt University and later taught at various universities, including the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where he served as the first Poet Laureate of North Carolina. Jarrell was a prolific writer who published numerous books of poetry, criticism, and essays. He was known for his keen insights into literature and his ability to articulate those insights in clear, concise prose.
Poetic Devices
One of the most striking features of "Well Water" is its use of poetic devices. Jarrell employs a variety of techniques to create a rich and evocative poetic landscape. For instance, he uses personification to imbue the natural world with human qualities. The well, for example, is described as having a "voice," while the water that flows from it is said to "speak." This personification serves to emphasize the connection between humans and nature, as well as the interdependence of the two.
Another device that Jarrell uses effectively is imagery. He employs vivid, sensory language to create a sense of place and to evoke the reader's imagination. The well, for example, is described as having "darkness" and being "a deep scoop of sky." This image creates a sense of mystery and depth, as if the well is a portal to another world. Similarly, the water is described as having "cool, sweet taste" and being "bitter with leaves and twigs." These images appeal to the reader's sense of taste and touch, creating a visceral experience that helps to bring the poem to life.
Themes
At its core, "Well Water" is a poem about thirst and the natural world's response to it. It explores the ways in which humans and nature are interconnected and how we rely on each other for sustenance. The poem also touches on themes of mortality and the passage of time. The well is described as being "old" and "wise," while the water is said to be "ancient." These images create a sense of timelessness and continuity, as if the well has been providing water for generations.
Another theme that runs through the poem is the idea of transformation. The water is described as being "bitter with leaves and twigs," but as it is consumed, it becomes "cool" and "sweet." This transformation is symbolic of the natural world's ability to cleanse and purify, as well as the ways in which we are transformed by our experiences.
Interpretation
Interpreting a poem like "Well Water" can be a subjective task, as different readers will bring their own experiences and perspectives to the text. However, one way to approach the poem is to examine the ways in which it explores the fundamental human experience of thirst. In many ways, thirst is a universal experience that transcends time and culture. It is a basic need that all humans share, regardless of their social or economic status.
The poem also speaks to the ways in which we are connected to the natural world. While we may think of ourselves as separate from nature, the reality is that we are deeply interconnected with it. We rely on the natural world for our survival, and it, in turn, relies on us to care for it. The well in "Well Water" is a symbol of this connection, as it serves as a conduit between the human and natural worlds.
Finally, the poem touches on themes of mortality and the passage of time. The well is described as being "old" and "wise," while the water is said to be "ancient." These images create a sense of timelessness and continuity, as if the well has been providing water for generations. At the same time, the poem acknowledges that all things are subject to change and decay. The water may be cool and sweet now, but it was once bitter with leaves and twigs. The well may be old and wise, but it will eventually dry up or be replaced. This acknowledgement of mortality and impermanence adds a layer of depth and complexity to the poem, reminding us that everything is fleeting.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Well Water" is a classic poem that speaks to the fundamental human experience of thirst and our interconnectedness with the natural world. Through its use of poetic devices, themes, and imagery, the poem creates a vivid and evocative portrait of the world around us. Its message is timeless and its language is masterful, making it a work of art that will continue to speak to readers for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Well Water: A Poem of Reflection and Renewal
Randall Jarrell's poem "Well Water" is a beautiful and evocative piece of literature that explores themes of nature, memory, and the passage of time. Written in 1960, the poem is a meditation on the simple pleasures of life and the importance of finding renewal in the natural world.
The poem begins with a description of a well, a symbol of the deep, hidden sources of life that lie beneath the surface of the earth. The speaker describes the well as "dark and deep," and notes that it is "the source of the water we drink." This image of the well as a source of life-giving water is a powerful one, and sets the tone for the rest of the poem.
As the poem continues, the speaker reflects on the passing of time and the way that memories can be preserved in the natural world. He notes that "the well remembers" and that "the water in the well never forgets." This idea of memory being preserved in the natural world is a recurring theme in Jarrell's work, and it is particularly poignant in this poem.
The speaker then goes on to describe the simple pleasures of drinking from a well. He notes that the water is "cold and clear," and that it "tastes like stone." This description of the taste of the water is particularly interesting, as it suggests a connection between the natural world and the human body. The idea that the taste of the water is like stone suggests that there is a deep, primal connection between the human body and the earth.
As the poem continues, the speaker reflects on the passage of time and the way that the natural world can provide a sense of renewal and rejuvenation. He notes that "the water in the well is always changing," and that "it is always the same." This idea of change and constancy is a powerful one, and suggests that even as time passes and things change, there are still deep, underlying sources of stability and continuity.
The poem ends with a beautiful image of the moon reflected in the water of the well. The speaker notes that "the moon sees nothing strange about this," and that "it is perfectly normal." This image of the moon reflected in the water is a powerful one, and suggests a deep connection between the natural world and the human spirit.
Overall, "Well Water" is a beautiful and evocative poem that explores themes of nature, memory, and the passage of time. Through its vivid imagery and powerful language, the poem reminds us of the simple pleasures of life and the importance of finding renewal in the natural world. Whether we are drinking from a well or simply taking a walk in the woods, there is always a deep, underlying source of life and renewal that we can tap into if we are willing to look for it.
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