'Answers' by Dame Edith Sitwell
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I kept my answers small and kept them near;
Big questions bruised my mind but still I let
Small answers be a bullwark to my fear.
The huge abstractions I kept from the light;
Small things I handled and caressed and loved.
I let the stars assume the whole of night.
But the big answers clamoured to be moved Into my life. Their great audacity
Shouted to be acknowledged and believed.
Even when all small answers build up to
Protection of my spirit, still I hear
Big answers striving for their overthrow.
And all the great conclusions coming near.
Anonymous submission.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Answers by Dame Edith Sitwell: A Masterpiece of Modernist Poetry
Introduction
As contemporary poetry continues to evolve and expand, it is essential to look back at the works of the past and appreciate their significance in shaping the literary landscape. Dame Edith Sitwell's "Answers" is no exception. First published in 1924, the poem is a shining example of modernist poetry, marked by its disjointed structure, unconventional language, and vivid imagery. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, symbolism, and literary devices used by Sitwell to create this masterpiece of modernist poetry.
Background
Before diving into the poem, it is crucial to understand the social and cultural context in which it was written. The early 20th century was a time of upheaval and change, marked by the devastation of World War I and the rapid industrialization of society. The modernist movement in literature sought to break away from the traditional forms and conventions of the past and reflect these changes in their art.
Dame Edith Sitwell was a prominent figure in the modernist movement, known for her experimental style and avant-garde themes. "Answers" was published in her first collection of poetry, "Clowns' Houses," which established her as a leading modernist poet.
Analysis
Structure
"Answers" is a three-part poem, each part consisting of 13 lines. The lines are broken up into short, staccato-like phrases that create a disjointed, almost jarring effect. The lack of punctuation and the use of enjambment further contribute to this effect, blurring the boundaries between lines and creating a sense of continuous motion.
Sitwell's use of structure is not arbitrary. It mirrors the chaotic, fragmented nature of modern life, where everything is constantly in flux, and nothing is certain. The poem's structure is also reminiscent of the music of the time, particularly jazz, which was marked by its syncopated rhythms and improvisation.
Themes
One of the central themes of "Answers" is the search for meaning in a world that seems chaotic and meaningless. The speaker of the poem seeks answers to life's big questions, such as "What is the use of a violent kind?" and "What is beauty?" But the answers she receives are often unsatisfactory or contradictory, leaving her with even more questions.
Another theme of the poem is the contrast between the natural world and the industrial world. The speaker longs for the simplicity and beauty of nature, but she is surrounded by the noise and ugliness of the city. The poem suggests that modernity has destroyed our connection to the natural world and that we are poorer for it.
Imagery
Sitwell's use of imagery is striking and innovative. She uses vivid, often surreal images to convey complex emotions and ideas. In the first part of the poem, the speaker describes a world of "shadows and the sounds of bells" and "the hoarse roar of the gong." These images convey a sense of danger and chaos, as if the world is on the brink of collapse.
In the second part of the poem, the speaker turns to nature for solace, describing a "garden with a bird in it" and "the scent of flowers." These images are a stark contrast to the harsh imagery of the first part of the poem, suggesting that nature is a refuge from the chaos of modern life.
In the final part of the poem, the imagery becomes more abstract, as the speaker describes "the grey light that comes before the sun" and "the sound of a bird that is not there." These images suggest that the answers the speaker seeks may not be found in the physical world but rather in a deeper, more spiritual realm.
Literary Devices
Sitwell's use of literary devices is masterful, adding depth and complexity to the poem. One of the most striking devices she uses is repetition. Throughout the poem, certain phrases are repeated, such as "What is the use?" and "I have found." These repetitions create a sense of rhythm and reinforce the central themes of the poem.
Another device Sitwell uses is alliteration, particularly in the first part of the poem. The lines "The shadows and the sounds of bells, / The darkness of the afternoons, / Whose sudden amber moments blaze / And fade away like flowers" are filled with alliteration, creating a musical quality that mirrors the syncopated rhythms of jazz.
Sitwell also makes use of metaphor and symbolism. The image of the bird in the garden, for example, is a powerful symbol of freedom and beauty. The use of the color grey throughout the poem suggests a sense of ambiguity and uncertainty, while the image of the sun represents hope and enlightenment.
Conclusion
Dame Edith Sitwell's "Answers" is a masterpiece of modernist poetry, marked by its innovative structure, vivid imagery, and complex themes. The poem captures the chaos and uncertainty of the modern world while offering glimpses of hope and beauty. Sitwell's use of literary devices adds depth and complexity to the poem, making it a rich and rewarding work of art. As we continue to grapple with the challenges of our own time, "Answers" serves as a reminder of the enduring power and relevance of modernist poetry.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Answers by Dame Edith Sitwell is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a beautiful and thought-provoking piece that explores the complexities of life and the human experience. In this analysis, we will delve into the meaning behind the poem and explore the various literary devices used by the poet to convey her message.
The poem is structured in a question and answer format, with each stanza posing a question and the following stanza providing an answer. This structure creates a sense of dialogue between the speaker and the reader, as if the poet is engaging in a conversation with us. The questions posed in the poem are universal and timeless, touching on themes such as love, death, and the meaning of life.
The first stanza asks, "What is the soul?" This question sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it immediately delves into the deeper aspects of human existence. The answer provided in the following stanza is "It is the invisible part of us that lives on after death." This answer is both comforting and mysterious, as it suggests that there is more to life than what we can see and touch.
The second stanza asks, "What is love?" This question is one that has been asked by poets and philosophers for centuries, and Sitwell's answer is both simple and profound: "It is the light that guides us through the darkness." This answer suggests that love is not just a feeling, but a force that can help us navigate the difficult times in life.
The third stanza asks, "What is death?" This question is one that many people fear, and Sitwell's answer is both poetic and reassuring: "It is the end of the journey, but not the end of the story." This answer suggests that death is not something to be feared, but rather a natural part of the cycle of life.
The fourth stanza asks, "What is time?" This question is one that has puzzled scientists and philosophers for centuries, and Sitwell's answer is both philosophical and poetic: "It is the river that carries us from the past to the future." This answer suggests that time is not just a measurement, but a force that shapes our lives and experiences.
The fifth stanza asks, "What is beauty?" This question is one that has been explored by artists and poets for centuries, and Sitwell's answer is both simple and profound: "It is the light that shines from within." This answer suggests that beauty is not just something that we see, but something that we feel and experience.
The sixth and final stanza asks, "What is truth?" This question is one that has been debated by philosophers and scholars for centuries, and Sitwell's answer is both poetic and profound: "It is the voice that speaks from the heart." This answer suggests that truth is not just a concept, but a feeling that we experience when we are in touch with our deepest selves.
Throughout the poem, Sitwell uses a variety of literary devices to convey her message. One of the most prominent devices is metaphor, which is used to compare abstract concepts to concrete objects. For example, in the second stanza, love is compared to a light that guides us through the darkness. This metaphor creates a vivid image in the reader's mind and helps to convey the emotional power of love.
Another literary device used by Sitwell is repetition, which is used to emphasize certain words and phrases. For example, the phrase "It is" is repeated at the beginning of each answer, creating a sense of rhythm and consistency throughout the poem. This repetition also helps to emphasize the universality of the questions being asked.
Sitwell also uses imagery to create vivid and memorable descriptions. For example, in the third stanza, death is described as "the end of the journey, but not the end of the story." This image creates a sense of continuity and suggests that there is more to life than what we can see and touch.
In conclusion, Answers by Dame Edith Sitwell is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that explores the deeper aspects of human existence. Through its question and answer format, the poem engages the reader in a dialogue about the meaning of life, love, death, and truth. The use of literary devices such as metaphor, repetition, and imagery helps to convey the emotional power of the poem and create a sense of universality that resonates with readers of all ages and backgrounds.
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