'Evening Song Of Senlin' by Conrad Aiken

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from Senlin: A Biography


It is moonlight. Alone in the silence
I ascend my stairs once more,
While waves, remote in a pale blue starlight,
Crash on a white sand shore.
It is moonlight. The garden is silent.
I stand in my room alone.
Across my wall, from the far-off moon,
A rain of fire is thrown . . .
There are houses hanging above the stars,
And stars hung under a sea:
And a wind from the long blue vault of time
Waves my curtain for me . . .
I wait in the dark once more,
Swung between space and space:
Before my mirror I lift my hands
And face my remembered face.
Is it I who stand in a question here,
Asking to know my name? . . .
It is I, yet I know not whither I go,
Nor why, nor whence I came.
It is I, who awoke at dawn
And arose and descended the stair,
Conceiving a god in the eye of the sun,—
In a woman's hands and hair.
It is I whose flesh is gray with the stones
I builded into a wall:
With a mournful melody in my brain
Of a tune I cannot recall . . .
There are roses to kiss: and mouths to kiss;
And the sharp-pained shadow of death.
I remember a rain-drop on my cheek,—
A wind like a fragrant breath . . .
And the star I laugh on tilts through heaven;
And the heavens are dark and steep . . .
I will forget these things once more
In the silence of sleep.

Editor 1 Interpretation

An Evening Song of Senlin: An Exploration of Conrad Aiken's Masterpiece

Conrad Aiken's Evening Song of Senlin is a masterpiece that has stood the test of time. The poem is a lyrical exploration of the human condition and the existential angst that often plagues us. Its themes are universal and timeless, and its language is both evocative and beautiful. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deeper into the poem's meaning, its structure, and its relevance in today's world.

The Poem's Structure

The Evening Song of Senlin is a free verse poem consisting of twenty-three stanzas. Each stanza is composed of three lines, with a rhyme scheme of AAA. The poem is written in the third person, and the narrator is observing the world around him. The poem is divided into two parts, the first part is more descriptive and sets the scene, while the second part is more introspective and delves deeper into the narrator's thoughts and emotions.

The poem's structure is not arbitrary. It is carefully crafted to reflect the poem's themes and to create a sense of unity and coherence. The repetition of the three-line stanzas creates a sense of rhythm and symmetry, while the rhyme scheme creates a sense of musicality. The poem's structure also reflects the narrator's journey from the external world to the internal world.

Themes

The Evening Song of Senlin is a poem that explores a range of themes, including mortality, isolation, and the search for meaning. One of the most prominent themes in the poem is the theme of mortality. The narrator is acutely aware of his own mortality and the transience of life. He observes the passing of time and the inevitability of death with a sense of melancholy.

Another important theme in the poem is the theme of isolation. The narrator is alone in the world, and he observes the world around him with a sense of detachment. He is aware of the fact that he is an outsider, a stranger in a world that is not his own. The poem speaks to the human condition of feeling disconnected and isolated from the world around us.

The search for meaning is also a central theme in the poem. The narrator is searching for something that he cannot name, something that will give his life meaning and purpose. He is aware of the fact that the world is full of distractions and illusions, but he is determined to find something that is real and authentic.

Language and Imagery

The Evening Song of Senlin is a poem that is rich in language and imagery. Aiken uses vivid and evocative language to create a sense of mood and atmosphere. The imagery in the poem is also striking, with Aiken using a range of metaphors and symbols to convey his message.

One of the most striking images in the poem is the image of the tower. The tower represents many things, including the search for meaning, the isolation of the individual, and the transience of life. The tower is a powerful symbol that recurs throughout the poem, and it gives the poem a sense of unity and coherence.

Another powerful image in the poem is the image of the forest. The forest represents the natural world and the beauty of the world around us. The narrator is acutely aware of the beauty of the world, but he is also aware of the fact that it is fleeting.

Interpretation

The Evening Song of Senlin is a poem that is open to interpretation. The poem can be read as a meditation on the human condition, or it can be read as a personal reflection on Aiken's own life. The poem can also be read as a commentary on the state of the world at the time it was written.

One way to interpret the poem is to see it as a meditation on the human condition. The narrator's search for meaning and his awareness of his own mortality are universal themes that speak to the human experience. The poem is a reminder that we are all searching for something, and that the search for meaning is a fundamental part of the human experience.

Another way to interpret the poem is to see it as a commentary on the state of the world at the time it was written. The poem was written in the aftermath of World War I, and the sense of disillusionment and despair that pervades the poem can be seen as a response to the horrors of war.

Conclusion

The Evening Song of Senlin is a masterpiece of modern poetry. Its themes are universal and timeless, and its language is both evocative and beautiful. The poem is a meditation on the human condition, and it speaks to the fundamental questions that we all ask ourselves at some point in our lives. Aiken's use of language and imagery is powerful and moving, and the poem is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the essence of the human experience.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Evening Song Of Senlin: A Masterpiece of Modernist Poetry

Conrad Aiken's Evening Song Of Senlin is a masterpiece of modernist poetry that captures the essence of human existence and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. The poem is a part of Aiken's collection of poems titled "Senlin: A Biography," which explores the life and experiences of a fictional character named Senlin. The poem is a reflection of Senlin's inner thoughts and emotions as he wanders through the city at night, searching for a sense of purpose and belonging.

The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with its own distinct theme and tone. The first stanza sets the scene and establishes the mood of the poem. Senlin is walking through the city at night, and the streets are empty and silent. The imagery used in this stanza is vivid and evocative, with Aiken describing the "pale lamplight" and the "cold moon" that illuminate the city. The use of sensory details creates a sense of atmosphere and sets the tone for the rest of the poem.

The second stanza is where the poem really comes to life. Senlin's thoughts and emotions are laid bare, and the reader is given a glimpse into his inner world. The stanza begins with Senlin questioning his place in the world and wondering if he will ever find his true purpose. He feels lost and alone, and the city around him seems to be mocking him. The imagery used in this stanza is powerful and emotive, with Aiken describing the "cold, cruel laughter" of the city and the "black abyss" that seems to be swallowing him up.

Despite his despair, Senlin continues to search for meaning and purpose. He looks to the stars for guidance and inspiration, hoping that they will provide him with the answers he seeks. The imagery used in this stanza is celestial and otherworldly, with Aiken describing the "eternal stars" and the "cosmic silence" that surrounds them. This creates a sense of awe and wonder, as Senlin is confronted with the vastness of the universe and his own insignificance within it.

The final stanza brings the poem to a close, with Senlin finding a sense of peace and acceptance. He realizes that his search for meaning and purpose is ongoing, and that he may never find the answers he seeks. However, he is content to continue his journey, knowing that he is not alone in his quest. The imagery used in this stanza is hopeful and uplifting, with Aiken describing the "soft, warm breeze" and the "gentle murmur" of the city. This creates a sense of comfort and reassurance, as Senlin comes to terms with his place in the world.

Overall, Evening Song Of Senlin is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the human condition and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. Aiken's use of vivid imagery and sensory details creates a sense of atmosphere and mood that draws the reader in and keeps them engaged throughout the poem. The themes of loneliness, despair, and hope are universal and timeless, making this poem a classic of modernist poetry.

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