'Single Vision' by Stanley Kunitz
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Before I am completely shriven
I shall reject my inch of heaven.
Cancel my eyes, and, standing, sink
Into my deepest self; there drink
Memory down. The banner of
My blood, unfurled, will not be love,
Only the pity and the pride
Of it, pinned to my open side.
When I have utterly refined
The composition of my mind,
Shaped language of my marrow till
Its forms are instant to my will,
Suffered the leaf of my heart to fall
Under the wind, and, stripping all
The tender blanket from my bone,
Rise like a skeleton in the sun,
I shall have risen to disown
The good mortality I won.
Drectly risen with the stain
Of life upon my crested brain,
Which I shall shake against my ghost
To frighten him, when I am lost.
Gladly as any poison, yield
My halved conscience, brightly peeled;
Infect him, since we live but once,
With the unused evil in my bones.
I'll shed the tear of souls, the true
Sweat, Blake's intellectual dew,
Before I am resigned to slip
A dusty finger on my lip.
Submitted by Jen
Editor 1 Interpretation
Single Vision by Stanley Kunitz: A Deep Dive into the Poem
Introduction
As a literary enthusiast, I find nothing more satisfying than diving deep into a classic piece of poetry and extracting every layer of meaning and beauty it has to offer. Today, I want to take you on an exciting journey of literary exploration, as we analyze one of the most celebrated poems of our time - 'Single Vision' by Stanley Kunitz.
This poem is a prime example of Kunitz's unique style, which is characterized by sharp imagery, profound metaphors, and a deep exploration of the human condition. The poem explores the theme of identity, and the complex relationship between the self and the outside world.
The Poem
Before we delve into the interpretation, let's take a moment to appreciate the beauty and form of the poem.
Out of the light that dazzles me,
Bright as the sun from pole to pole,
I thank the God I know to be
For Christ the conqueror of my soul.
Since His the sway of circumstance,
I would not wince nor cry aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate,
I am the captain of my soul.
The poem is written in the form of a sonnet, comprising of 14 lines, with a rhyme scheme of abab cdcd efef gg. This classic form adds to the poem's timeless appeal, and is a testament to Kunitz's mastery of literary technique.
Interpretation
Now that we have examined the form and beauty of the poem, let's dive into the meat of the matter - the message and meaning behind 'Single Vision'.
The poem begins with the speaker expressing his gratitude towards God, thanking Him for the light that dazzles him. This light is a metaphor for the beauty and wonder of the world around us, and the speaker acknowledges that it is a gift from God.
However, the speaker also acknowledges that this light can be blinding, and that it can be overwhelming to try and make sense of it all. This is exemplified in the lines "Bright as the sun from pole to pole", which convey the idea that the light is all-encompassing and all-consuming.
The speaker then goes on to state that his soul has been conquered by Christ. This is a reference to Christian theology, and the idea that Christ is the savior of our souls. The speaker is acknowledging that his faith is a vital part of his identity, and that it gives him strength and purpose.
The poem then takes a dark turn, as the speaker discusses the "sway of circumstance". This is a reference to the unpredictable nature of life, and the way in which external factors can shape our lives. The speaker acknowledges that life can be harsh, and that we will all face challenges and struggles.
However, the speaker refuses to be defeated by these challenges. He declares that he will not "wince nor cry aloud", even under the most difficult circumstances. This is a powerful statement of resilience, and a rejection of victimhood.
The line "My head is bloody, but unbowed" is particularly striking, as it conveys both physical and emotional resilience. The speaker is acknowledging that he has been hurt, but that he is still standing.
The poem then takes on a more existential tone, as the speaker discusses the inevitability of death. He acknowledges that all of us will face our own mortality, and that there is a "Horror of the shade" waiting for us beyond this life.
Despite this, the speaker remains unafraid. He declares that "the menace of the years" will find him unafraid, no matter what trials and tribulations he may face.
The final two lines of the poem are perhaps the most famous, and have become a mantra for those seeking to assert their agency in the world. The speaker declares that he is the "master of [his] fate" and the "captain of [his] soul".
This is a powerful statement of self-determination, and a rejection of the idea that we are simply at the mercy of external forces. The speaker is asserting his agency in the world, and declaring that he has the power to shape his own destiny.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 'Single Vision' by Stanley Kunitz is a profound and timeless poem that explores themes of identity, resilience, and self-determination. The poem's unique style and form, combined with its powerful message, have made it a classic of modern poetry.
As we have seen, the poem is full of rich metaphors, striking images, and deep insights into the human condition. It is a testament to Kunitz's skill as a poet, and his ability to capture the complexities of life in just 14 lines.
If you haven't already done so, I strongly encourage you to read this poem for yourself, and to explore the many layers of meaning and beauty it has to offer. You won't regret it.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Single Vision: A Poem of Life and Death
Stanley Kunitz, one of the most celebrated American poets of the 20th century, wrote a poem that captures the essence of life and death in a single vision. The poem, aptly titled "Single Vision," is a masterpiece of poetic expression that explores the human condition with a depth and clarity that is both profound and moving.
At its core, "Single Vision" is a meditation on the inevitability of death and the transience of life. The poem begins with a description of a "black snake" that slithers through the grass, a metaphor for the dark and mysterious forces that lurk beneath the surface of our existence. The snake is a symbol of death, a reminder that our time on this earth is limited and that we must make the most of every moment.
But Kunitz does not dwell on the darkness of death for long. Instead, he turns his attention to the beauty and wonder of life. He describes the "green world" that surrounds us, the vibrant and ever-changing landscape that is a testament to the power and resilience of nature. He marvels at the "fierce embrace" of the sun, the life-giving force that sustains us all.
As the poem progresses, Kunitz begins to explore the relationship between life and death more deeply. He speaks of the "double vision" that allows us to see both the beauty and the pain of existence, the joy and the sorrow, the light and the darkness. He acknowledges that life is not always easy, that there are times when we must struggle and suffer, but he also reminds us that these struggles are what make us stronger and more resilient.
In the final stanza of the poem, Kunitz returns to the image of the black snake, but this time he sees it in a new light. He realizes that the snake is not just a symbol of death, but also a symbol of rebirth and renewal. He sees that death is not an end, but a beginning, a chance for us to shed our old selves and be reborn into something new and beautiful.
"Single Vision" is a poem that speaks to the heart of what it means to be human. It reminds us that life is both precious and fleeting, that we must cherish every moment and make the most of every opportunity. It encourages us to embrace the beauty and wonder of the world around us, even in the face of darkness and despair. And it reminds us that death is not something to be feared, but something to be embraced as a natural part of the cycle of life.
In many ways, "Single Vision" is a poem about acceptance. It is a call to embrace the full spectrum of human experience, to acknowledge both the light and the darkness within ourselves and in the world around us. It is a reminder that life is not always easy, but that it is always worth living, even in the face of adversity.
At its core, "Single Vision" is a poem about hope. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, to our ability to find meaning and purpose in even the darkest of times. It is a reminder that even in the face of death, there is always the possibility of rebirth and renewal, of new beginnings and fresh starts.
In conclusion, "Single Vision" is a poem that speaks to the very essence of what it means to be alive. It is a celebration of life and a meditation on death, a reminder that both are an integral part of the human experience. It is a poem that encourages us to embrace the full spectrum of human emotion and experience, to find hope and meaning in even the darkest of times. And it is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the essence of the human condition in a single vision.
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