'Objector' by William Stafford
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In line at lunch I cross my fork and spoon
to ward off complicity--the ordered life
our leaders have offered us. Thin as a knife,
our chance to live depends on such a sign
while others talk and The Pentagon from the moon
is bouncing exact commands: "Forget your faith;
be ready for whatever it takes to win: we face
annihilation unless all citizens get in line."
I bow and cross my fork and spoon: somewhere
other citizens more fearfully bow
in a place terrorized by their kind of oppressive state.
Our signs both mean, "You hostages over there
will never be slaughtered by my act." Our vows
cross: never to kill and call it fate.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Objector: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Oh, hello there. Are you excited to dive deep into William Stafford's poem, Objector? I know I am! This classic poem is a masterpiece that deserves our attention and appreciation. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, symbols, and literary devices used in Objector. So, without further ado, let's get started!
The Poet and the Poem
Before we analyze the poem, let's take a moment to know the poet behind it. William Stafford was an American poet and pacifist who served as a conscientious objector during World War II. He wrote more than sixty books of poetry and prose, and his work has been translated into many languages. Stafford's poetry often deals with nature, the human condition, and the tensions between the individual and society.
Objector, published in 1960, is one of Stafford's most famous poems. It presents a dialogue between a speaker and an objector who refuses to participate in a violent act. The poem is written in free verse, and its language is simple yet powerful. Through the conversation between the two characters, Stafford raises questions about the ethics of war and the role of the individual in society.
Themes
Objector deals with several themes that are relevant even today. Let's discuss them one by one.
The Ethics of War
One of the central themes of the poem is the ethics of war. The objector refuses to participate in a violent act, saying, "I will not die for you" (line 12). He questions the morality of killing other human beings and asks the speaker, "What will you do when the dying is over?" (line 16).
Through the objector's stance, Stafford challenges the notion that war is necessary and justifiable. He suggests that killing others is not a solution to conflicts and that there are other ways to resolve disputes. The poem raises important questions about the human cost of war and the responsibility of individuals to stand up against violence.
Individualism vs. Society
Another theme that runs through Objector is the tension between individualism and society. The speaker in the poem represents the society that demands obedience and conformity from its members. He accuses the objector of being a coward and failing to fulfill his duty to the country.
On the other hand, the objector asserts his individualism and refuses to be part of a group that goes against his conscience. He says, "I will not serve in the fight that you have planned" (line 7) and "I will not obey your laws that kill" (line 9).
Through the conflict between the two characters, Stafford portrays the struggle of the individual against the pressures of society. He suggests that sometimes, it is necessary to go against the norms and values of the society to uphold one's own morals and beliefs.
Nature vs. Technology
A subtle theme that is present in the poem is the contrast between nature and technology. The objector describes himself as "a man of fields" (line 3) who prefers the simple life of farming over the complexities of modern warfare. He says, "I will not help you to hurt my planet" (line 19), suggesting that war and technology are harmful to the environment.
Through this theme, Stafford highlights the conflict between the natural world and the man-made world. He suggests that the pursuit of progress and power often comes at the cost of environmental degradation and loss of connection with nature.
Symbols
Like most great poems, Objector is rich in symbolism. Let's explore some of the symbols used by Stafford.
The Color Green
The color green appears several times in the poem, and it symbolizes nature and life. The objector describes himself as "a man of fields, green with April" (line 3), suggesting his connection with the natural world. He also says, "I love this earth, this pale green heaven" (line 21), expressing his reverence for the planet.
Through the symbol of green, Stafford contrasts the beauty and vitality of nature with the violence and destruction of war.
The Land
The land is another symbol that appears in Objector. The objector says, "I will not help you to hurt my land" (line 19), suggesting that he values his connection to the place where he lives and works.
The land symbolizes home, identity, and belonging. Through the objector's refusal to participate in war, Stafford suggests that people should prioritize their connection to their land and community over the demands of the state.
The Sky
The sky is a symbol that appears in the final lines of the poem. The objector says, "I am not your soldier, I am your sky" (line 24), suggesting that he is not an instrument of war but a force of nature.
The sky symbolizes freedom, openness, and possibility. Through the objector's statement, Stafford suggests that individuals have the power to transcend their circumstances and become agents of change.
Literary Devices
Finally, let's discuss some of the literary devices used by Stafford in Objector.
Irony
Irony is present throughout the poem, as the objector's refusal to participate in war is met with accusations of cowardice and unpatriotic behavior. The speaker accuses the objector of being "afraid of what they'll say" (line 2) and says that he has "a right to lead" (line 11) the objector to his death.
Through irony, Stafford highlights the absurdity of war and the contradictions in society's expectations of individuals.
Metaphor
Metaphor is used to describe the objector's connection to nature. He says, "I am a man of fields, green with April" (line 3), suggesting that he is part of the natural world. He also describes himself as "your sky" (line 24), suggesting that he is a force of nature that cannot be controlled.
Through metaphor, Stafford creates vivid images that convey the objector's values and beliefs.
Repetition
Repetition is used to emphasize the objector's refusal to participate in war. He says, "I will not serve in the fight that you have planned" (line 7) and "I will not obey your laws that kill" (line 9), repeating the phrase "I will not" for emphasis.
Through repetition, Stafford emphasizes the objector's conviction and determination to stand up for his beliefs.
Conclusion
Objector is a powerful poem that raises important questions about the ethics of war, the role of the individual in society, and the importance of nature. Stafford's use of symbolism and literary devices creates a vivid and memorable portrait of the objector, who stands up against the pressures of conformity and violence.
This poem is a testament to the power of poetry to challenge our assumptions, provoke our emotions, and inspire us to act. As we reflect on the themes, symbols, and literary devices in Objector, we are reminded of our own responsibility to be agents of change and advocates for peace.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Objector: A Poem of Resistance and Individuality
William Stafford’s poem Objector is a powerful and thought-provoking piece that challenges the reader to consider the role of the individual in society and the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs. Through vivid imagery and a strong sense of voice, Stafford presents a compelling argument for the value of dissent and the need for individuals to resist conformity and the pressures of the group.
The poem begins with a stark image of a solitary figure standing “in the middle of a war” and refusing to take sides. This image immediately sets the tone for the poem and establishes the central theme of individuality and resistance. The objector is not a passive bystander, but an active participant in the conflict, choosing to reject the binary thinking that often characterizes war and other forms of group conflict.
Stafford’s use of language is particularly effective in conveying the objector’s sense of isolation and defiance. The repetition of the phrase “I said no” throughout the poem emphasizes the objector’s refusal to conform and his determination to stand up for his beliefs. The use of short, declarative sentences also adds to the poem’s sense of urgency and conviction.
One of the most striking aspects of Objector is its use of imagery to convey the objector’s sense of individuality and resistance. The objector is described as “a single tree” standing “against the sky” and “a stone in the midst of stones.” These images evoke a sense of strength and resilience, as well as a sense of isolation and vulnerability. The objector is not part of the group, but stands apart from it, a symbol of individuality and resistance.
The poem also contains a number of references to nature, which serve to reinforce the objector’s sense of connection to the natural world and his rejection of the artificial constructs of society. The objector is described as “a bird that refused to sing” and “a river that stopped flowing.” These images suggest a sense of natural order and harmony that is disrupted by the pressures of society and the demands of the group.
At the same time, however, the poem also acknowledges the difficulties and risks of standing up for one’s beliefs. The objector is described as “a target for every arrow” and “a voice that no one heard.” These images suggest the objector’s vulnerability and the challenges he faces in resisting the pressures of the group. The poem also acknowledges the potential consequences of dissent, including ostracism and persecution.
Despite these challenges, however, the poem ultimately celebrates the objector’s courage and determination. The final lines of the poem, in which the objector declares that “I am still alive,” suggest a sense of triumph and resilience in the face of adversity. The objector may be isolated and vulnerable, but he is also strong and determined, a symbol of individuality and resistance in a world that often values conformity above all else.
In conclusion, Objector is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that challenges the reader to consider the role of the individual in society and the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs. Through vivid imagery and a strong sense of voice, Stafford presents a compelling argument for the value of dissent and the need for individuals to resist conformity and the pressures of the group. The poem’s celebration of individuality and resistance is both inspiring and thought-provoking, and its message is as relevant today as it was when it was first written.
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