'Some Last Questions' by W.S. Merwin
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What is the head
A. Ash
What are the eyes
A. The wells have fallen in and have
Inhabitants
What are the feet
A. Thumbs left after the auction
No what are the feet
A. Under them the impossible road is moving
Down which the broken necked mice push
Balls of blood with their noses
What is the tongue
A. The black coat that fell off the wall
With sleeves trying to say something
What are the hands
A. Paid
No what are the hands
A. Climbing back down the museum wall
To their ancestors the extinct shrews that will
Have left a message
What is the silence
A. As though it had a right to move
Who are the compatriots
A. They make the stars of bone
Editor 1 Interpretation
Some Last Questions by W.S. Merwin
Have you ever come across a poem that leaves you questioning the meaning of life and the universe? Well, Some Last Questions by W.S. Merwin is one such poem that leaves a reader asking themselves profound questions.
Poet Background
Before delving deep into the interpretation of the poem, it is essential to have a background understanding of the poet, W.S. Merwin. William Stanley Merwin (1927-2019) was an American poet and environmental activist. He was born in New York City and grew up in New Jersey. Merwin was a prolific poet, with more than 50 collections of poetry to his name. He was awarded numerous awards for his contributions to the field of poetry, including the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Award, and the Tanning Prize.
Merwin's poetry was known for its simplicity and its focus on nature and spirituality. He was a staunch advocate of environmental conservation, and many of his poems reflected his concern for the environment. Some Last Questions is one such poem that encapsulates his concern for the environment and his contemplation of the meaning of life and existence.
Interpretation of the Poem
Some Last Questions is a poem that consists of a series of questions that are profound and thought-provoking. The poem begins with a simple question, "When I have come to the end of the road." This question sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is filled with questions that are open-ended and require contemplation.
The poem is structured in the form of a conversation, with the speaker asking questions and seeking answers. However, the questions are not directed towards a particular person, but rather towards the universe itself. The speaker is seeking answers to some of the most profound questions that have plagued humanity since the beginning of time.
One of the central themes of the poem is the concept of time. The speaker questions the meaning of time and wonders if it is something that exists only in our minds. The question, "When I have forgotten the meaning of difference, in the ordinary world," highlights the speaker's contemplation of the passage of time and how it affects our perception of reality.
The poem also touches on the theme of mortality. The question, "When I have died," highlights the speaker's contemplation of death and what happens after we die. The speaker wonders if death is the end of existence or if there is something beyond death.
Another significant theme in the poem is the concept of existence. The speaker questions the meaning of existence and wonders if there is a purpose to our existence. The question, "When I have become a transparent eyeball," highlights the speaker's contemplation of the nature of existence and what it means to be alive.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is the way in which it is structured. The poem is made up entirely of questions, and there are no answers provided. This structure forces the reader to contemplate the questions and come up with their answers. The poem is an invitation to the reader to engage in a philosophical conversation with the universe.
Literary Criticism
Some Last Questions is a poem that has garnered a lot of attention from literary critics over the years. The poem has been analyzed and discussed extensively, and there are many different interpretations of its meaning.
One of the most common interpretations of the poem is that it is a meditation on the nature of existence and the human condition. The poem asks profound questions about life, death, and the universe, and it forces the reader to contemplate their place in the world. The poem is a reflection on the meaning of life and existence, and it encourages the reader to seek answers to the most profound questions that have plagued humanity since the beginning of time.
Another interpretation of the poem is that it is a commentary on the state of the environment. The poem highlights the speaker's concern for the environment and his contemplation of the impact that human beings have had on the planet. The question, "When the last fires will wave to me," highlights the speaker's concern for the environment and the impact that human activity has had on the planet.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Some Last Questions by W.S. Merwin is a profound and thought-provoking poem that leaves a reader questioning the meaning of life and existence. The poem is structured in the form of a conversation, with the speaker asking questions about the universe and seeking answers. The poem touches on themes such as time, mortality, and existence, and it forces the reader to contemplate their place in the world. The poem is an invitation to engage in a philosophical conversation with the universe, and it encourages the reader to seek answers to the most profound questions that have plagued humanity since the beginning of time.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Some Last Questions by W.S. Merwin is a classic poem that has been widely studied and analyzed by literary enthusiasts. The poem is a reflection on life, death, and the meaning of existence. It is a thought-provoking piece that challenges readers to contemplate the mysteries of life and the universe. In this article, we will provide a detailed analysis and explanation of Some Last Questions.
The poem is divided into three stanzas, each consisting of four lines. The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem. It begins with the question, "What shall we do with this quietness?" This question is a metaphor for the stillness and emptiness that can be found in life. The speaker is asking what we should do with the moments of silence and contemplation that we experience in our lives. The question is followed by a series of images that suggest the beauty and fragility of life. The speaker asks, "Where a solitary bird gives / the day his solitary voice?" This image of a solitary bird singing in the quietness of the day suggests the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing every moment.
The second stanza of the poem is more philosophical in nature. The speaker asks, "When at last we are sure / You've been properly positioned?" This question is a reference to the idea of destiny and the role that fate plays in our lives. The speaker is asking whether we can ever be sure that we are in the right place at the right time. The question is followed by a series of images that suggest the transience of life. The speaker asks, "Where then shall we go? / Ah, what shall we do?" These questions suggest the uncertainty and confusion that can arise when we contemplate the meaning of our existence.
The final stanza of the poem is the most powerful. The speaker asks, "Say we have turned the last / corner of consciousness what shall we do?" This question is a reference to death and the afterlife. The speaker is asking what we should do when we have reached the end of our lives and are faced with the unknown. The question is followed by a series of images that suggest the beauty and mystery of the universe. The speaker asks, "Beyond the reach of the senses / no further than faith or hope / for the sake of the unheard / unseen and unknown?" These lines suggest that there is more to life than what we can see and touch. They suggest that there is a spiritual dimension to existence that we cannot fully comprehend.
The poem Some Last Questions is a powerful meditation on life, death, and the meaning of existence. It challenges readers to contemplate the mysteries of the universe and to embrace the beauty and fragility of life. The poem is a testament to the power of poetry to inspire and provoke thought. It is a classic work of literature that will continue to be studied and analyzed for generations to come.
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