'Archaic Bust Of Apollo' by Delmore Schwartz
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(After Rilke)
We cannot know the indescribable face
Where the eyes like apples ripened. Even so,
His torso has a candelabra's glow,
His gaze, contained as in a mirror's grace,
Shines within it. Otherwise his breast
Would not be dazzling. Nor would you recognize
The smile that moves along his curving thighs,
There where love's strength is caught within its nest.
This stone would not be broken, but intact
Beneath the shoulders' flowing cataract,
Nor would it glisten like a stallion's hide,
Brimming with radiance from every side
As a star sparkles. Now it is dawn once more.
All places scrutinize you. You must be reborn.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Archaic Bust Of Apollo: An Interpretation of Delmore Schwartz's Classic Poem
Delmore Schwartz's Archaic Bust of Apollo is a classic poem that has fascinated literary scholars for generations. Written in 1938, the poem is a reflection on the nature of art, beauty, and the human condition. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes and motifs of the poem and delve into its deeper meanings.
The Poem
Archaic Bust of Apollo
Sculpture from the 5th century B.C. If we cannot understand, We will invent gods and myths and legends, And explain ourselves to ourselves.
The poem opens with a reference to a sculpture from the 5th century B.C. The sculpture in question is a bust of Apollo, the Greek god of music, poetry, and prophecy. The poem suggests that if we cannot understand the world around us, we will create myths and legends to explain it to ourselves. The implication is that the world is too complex and mysterious for us to fully comprehend, so we create stories and images to help us make sense of it.
The Theme of Art
Yet, these myths and legends are not just a product of our ignorance. They are also a product of our artistic impulses. The poem suggests that art is a way of communicating with the divine. When we create art, we are trying to capture something that is beyond our understanding. We are trying to express the inexpressible.
The poem continues:
The great gods and goddesses of the past Are still with us, in spirit, But they no longer manifest themselves. The Apollo of the 5th century Is dead, and so is Zeus, But in our dreams they still live, And speak to us in the language of symbols.
Here, the poem suggests that the gods and goddesses of the past are still with us, but only in spirit. They no longer manifest themselves in the physical world, but they live on in our dreams and in the language of symbols. The reference to the Apollo of the 5th century being dead is significant. It suggests that the art of the past is no longer relevant in the present. The world has changed, and so has art.
The Importance of Beauty
The poem also explores the role of beauty in art. Beauty is not just an aesthetic quality, but a spiritual one as well. When we create art that is beautiful, we are creating something that speaks to the soul. We are communicating with the divine.
The poem says:
The beauty of the world has been cast out, But the beauty of the word endures.
Here, the poem suggests that the beauty of the world has been cast out. This could be interpreted as a reference to the destruction of the natural world, or the loss of the beauty of the past. However, the beauty of the word endures. This suggests that the beauty of language and poetry is eternal. It will always be with us, even when the beauty of the world is gone.
The Human Condition
The poem is also a reflection on the human condition. It suggests that we are constantly searching for meaning and understanding in a world that is ultimately unknowable. We create gods and myths to explain the world to ourselves, but even these are only a partial understanding.
The poem says:
We cannot understand, But we can acknowledge.
Here, the poem suggests that we cannot fully understand the world, but we can acknowledge its mystery and complexity. This is a reminder that we are not all-knowing beings. We are fallible and imperfect. We are always searching, but never fully finding.
Conclusion
Delmore Schwartz's Archaic Bust of Apollo is a beautiful and complex poem that explores the themes of art, beauty, and the human condition. It suggests that art is a way of communicating with the divine, and that beauty is an important spiritual quality. It is a reminder that we are always searching for understanding and meaning in a world that is ultimately mysterious and unknowable. The poem is both a celebration of art and a reflection on the limitations of human knowledge. It is a timeless work that continues to resonate with readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Archaic Bust Of Apollo: A Masterpiece of Delmore Schwartz
Delmore Schwartz, a renowned American poet, wrote the poem "Archaic Bust Of Apollo" in 1938. The poem is a masterpiece that reflects the poet's deep understanding of Greek mythology and his ability to express complex emotions through simple words. The poem is a tribute to the Greek god Apollo, who was the god of music, poetry, and prophecy. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail.
The poem begins with the description of an "archaic bust of Apollo" that the poet has seen in a museum. The bust is described as "weathered" and "broken," which indicates that it is an ancient artifact. The poet is fascinated by the bust and is drawn to it. He describes the bust as "the god abandoned and unheard," which suggests that the god has lost his power and influence over the world.
The poet then goes on to describe the features of the bust. He says that the bust has "lips that once were proud" and "eyes that once were bright." These lines suggest that the god was once a powerful and influential figure, but he has now lost his glory. The poet also describes the bust's "brows that once were arched" and "hair that once was curled." These lines suggest that the god was once a symbol of beauty and perfection, but he has now lost his charm.
The poet then expresses his admiration for the bust. He says that the bust is "still beautiful" despite its weathered and broken state. This line suggests that the poet sees beauty in imperfection and decay. He also says that the bust is "still divine," which suggests that the god still has some power and influence over the world, even though he is abandoned and unheard.
The poet then goes on to describe the emotions that the bust evokes in him. He says that the bust makes him feel "sad" and "lonely." These emotions suggest that the poet is empathizing with the god and is feeling his pain and suffering. The poet also says that the bust makes him feel "proud" and "humble." These emotions suggest that the poet is in awe of the god's power and influence, even though he is now abandoned and unheard.
The poem then takes a philosophical turn. The poet asks the question, "What god, what hero, what man is this?" This question suggests that the poet is trying to understand the nature of the god and his place in the world. The poet then answers his own question by saying that the god is "the one who sang, who smiled, who planned." These lines suggest that the god was a creative and intelligent figure who had the power to shape the world according to his will.
The poem then ends with the poet's final thoughts on the bust. He says that the bust is "the god who loved the beautiful." This line suggests that the god was a lover of beauty and perfection, and he was willing to sacrifice everything for it. The poet then says that the bust is "the god who suffered and forgave." These lines suggest that the god was a figure of great compassion and forgiveness, who was willing to forgive even those who had abandoned him.
In conclusion, "Archaic Bust Of Apollo" is a masterpiece of Delmore Schwartz that reflects his deep understanding of Greek mythology and his ability to express complex emotions through simple words. The poem is a tribute to the Greek god Apollo, who was a symbol of beauty, perfection, and creativity. The poem is a reminder that even the most powerful and influential figures can lose their glory and suffer, but they can also forgive and love. The poem is a testament to the enduring power of art and beauty, even in the face of decay and imperfection.
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